Hello Saints of God,
Praise the Lord!!! We’re in Chapter 4 of Proverbs. This is so incredible! If you read Proverbs 1:1, you will discover that these Proverbs are written by Solomon, son of King David. King David was a man with a heart after God, who loved God’s word (read Psalm 119). In Proverbs 4, Solomon quotes what King David, his father, taught him. We get to eavesdrop on the words of a great man of God, as he instructs his son:
"Take my words to heart. Follow my instructions and you will live. 5 Learn to be wise, and develop good judgment. Don't forget or turn away from my words. 6 Don't turn your back on wisdom, for she will protect you. Love her, and she will guard you. 7 Getting wisdom is the most important thing you can do! And whatever else you do, get good judgment. 8 If you prize wisdom, she will exalt you. Embrace her and she will honor you. 9 She will place a lovely wreath on your head; she will present you with a beautiful crown."(Prov. 4:4-9NLT)
You may ask, “How do I get wisdom”? Here is the answer: “Fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in understanding.”(Prov. 9:10; 1:7) Get to know God! The more you know Him, the more wisdom you will possess. He is the source of wisdom, and Jesus is the wisdom of God. (1Corinthians 1:24)
Friends, let us not miss the double exhortation in verses 1 & 10 – HEAR! (and receive). How do we do that? With our Heart (verses 4, 21, 23). We need to receive the Lord, His word, Jesus in our Heart! Listen to verse 23; it contains an incredible truth: “Above all else, guard your heart, for it affects everything you do.” What is in your heart? Out of it springs the issues of life. It controls our responses, reactions, speech, etc. Jesus said, “For whatever is in your heart determines what you say.” (Matt. 12:34; Matt. 15:18-19 NLT) What changes the heart? Repentance, forgiveness, the love of God, and God Himself: “Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a right spirit within me.” (Psalm 51:10) Read Proverbs 4:24-27 to see how to keep your heart focused and fixed. To guard our heart, we are reminded again, and will be often in Proverbs, to stay away from evil, wicked people (4:14-19).
21 years ago, I went up to Sioux Lookout with Ruth to visit her family. One Sunday, when I attended my in-law’s church, the pastor of that church, who I had never met before, came to me and said he had a word from the Lord for me. I had only been a Christian for about a year and a half. It was one of those transformative moments in my life, which would focus me and re-center me any time I was going through a rough time. Here it is: “The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter till the full light of day.”(Prov. 4:18) I have put this scripture on many walls, so that it is always before me to read and remember. It reminds me that there is a path I must walk, on which I must remain righteous, holy and obedient. It reminds me that I am heading deeper into the glory of God as I follow Him, reflecting more of Him, as I am transformed by His glory (2Cor. 3:18). It reminds me to keep following the light of the world, even Jesus, to fully realize who I am, and what my purpose is. It reminds me that every day I get closer and closer to the goal, as I get closer to the Source of Light.
I close with this great promise: “If you live a life guided by wisdom (Jesus), you won't limp or stumble as you run. Carry out my (God’s) instructions; don't forsake them. Guard them, for they will lead you to a fulfilled life.” (Prov. 4:12-13 NLT)
I want life – abundant, wonderful life! I know one thing for sure. Jesus is Life! To Know Him is to know life!
Have a blessed week!
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