by Morgan Lunsford | Oct 13, 2015 | Proverbs
Proverbs 4: 14-27
14 Don’t do as the wicked do, and don’t follow the path of evildoers. 15 Don’t even think about it; don’t go that way. Turn away and keep moving. 16 For evil people can’t sleep until they’ve done their evil deed for the day. They can’t rest until they’ve caused someone to stumble. 17 They eat the food of wickedness and drink the wine of violence!
At first glance, these few verses seem harsh or blunt. It is almost as if the author of this passage knew that if he did not just come out and say what needed to be heard, it would probably just be skimmed over and not taken very seriously. Essentially, these verses are saying that as Christ followers, it is our responsibility to be accountable for who we decide to befriend in this world. It is very easy to fall into the wrong group of friends and not even realize it. He is saying this as a warning to us. Don’t be distracted or enticed by the things of this world that are not meant for us. As Christ followers, we have an important responsibility to be an example to those who are not believers. How foolish would we look if we were easily swayed by worldly evils?
18 The way of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, which shines ever brighter until the full light of day. 19 But the way of the wicked is like total darkness. They have no idea what they are stumbling over. 20 My child, pay attention to what I say. Listen carefully to my words. 21 Don’t lose sight of them. Let them penetrate deep into your heart, 22 for they bring life to those who find them, and healing to their whole body.
I think it is important to note the urgency in the author’s writing. It amplifies the importance of this idea. He is reminding us that even though it will be challenging and we will most definitely be tempted by the world, it is imperative that we hold strong to the Lord and his guidance. What I think I love the most about these verses is that the author is so persistent. He knows what it would mean if we stumbled into darkness with those evildoers and he does not want it to happen to us. I love that. I think as Christians we should do the exact same for our friends that are also Christians. We should stop at nothing to make sure that they know the importance of following the ways of the righteous and the consequences of following the wicked.
23 Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life. 24 Avoid all perverse talk; stay away from corrupt speech. 25 Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you. 26 Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path. 27 Don’t get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil.
In all we do, we must keep our eyes locked on the Lord. It is going to be difficult and we are guaranteed to slip away a time or two, but God will be on our side the entire time.
by Dan A Thomas Jr | Oct 13, 2015 | Proverbs
Proverbs 4:1-13
Wisdom is the most important thing of all. It’s what provides security in times of uncertainty and light in dark places.
1 My children, listen when your father corrects you. Pay attention and learn good judgment, 2 for I am giving you good guidance.
I didn’t grow up with my father, but I know the value of godly correction from a man. It saves you from pitfalls and quicksand that detain you for years from your God-ordained destiny. It pays to listen to those who have traveled down roads you have yet to traverse. Look at their scars and pay attention to their advice. A smart man learns from his mistakes, a wise man learns from other men’s mistakes.
3 For I, too, was once my father’s son, tenderly loved as my mother’s only child. 4 My father taught me, “Take my words to heart. Follow my commands, and you will live. 5 Get wisdom; develop good judgment. Don’t forget my words or turn away from them.
I can’t help to think how this sounds like a talk your parents have with you right before you go to college. This is “the talk.” The “don’t do anything I wouldn’t do” talk. It seems fairly corny at the time until you have to make a critical decision in crunch time that tests your values and beliefs and you have to make a decision on your own.
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 wisest thing you can do! And whatever else you do, develop good judgment. 8 If you prize wisdom, she will make you great. 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.”
Wise people know what to do in any given situation. We all have that one person that we go to or we are that one person that people go to for advice when they are stuck in life and can’t make proper decisions. Making the right decision can mean the difference between years of sorrow or years of happiness, poverty or prosperity, pain or healing. No matter how long or rough the journey wisdom always ends up in the right place at the right time.
10 My child, listen to me and do as I say, and you will have a long, good life. 11 I will teach you wisdom’s ways and lead you in straight paths.
Three times he admonishes us to listen. Three times. Are you listening? Most of are only listening to reply. We live as if we already know the way, taking limited information into an unknown territory of life that without a guide destruction and disaster is imminent. Although it may hurt our pride to hear that we don’t know, we can’t afford ignore the wooing of wisdom as she guides us through the rough terrain of the human existence hoping we will avoid the missteps of our predecessors.
12 When you walk, you won’t be held back; when you run, you won’t stumble. 13 Take hold of my instructions; don’t let them go. Guard them, for they are the key to life.
The reward for wisdom is freedom from unnecessary hurt and harm. Listen, look, and learn from others. The writer mentions that his instructions are the key to life itself. Keys open doors. Keys unlock things. Keys gain entrance and access to places once prohibited. One does not have to struggle with the same challenges of the previous generation. A better life is possible and attainable when wisdom leads the way.
Photography: @klby
by Maison Tiradoegas | Oct 12, 2015 | Proverbs
Proverbs 3:27-35
Subconsciously, I’ve become more tolerant with violence. I’m very selective with the kind of movies / shows I watch that have sexual content, but when it comes to violence it’s really, “whatever” because it’s all fake right? I watched the first episode of Gotham, and it’s violent, but I enjoyed it. I’m not saying not to watch Gotham; I am saying I think violence is subconsciously rooted within me.
Here’s why I care: Several months ago, our team was playing in a soccer championship. Game’s tied, and everyone on the pitch is tired—we’re in America so it’s “field” not “pitch.” The player from the other team and I are aggressively running shoulder-to-shoulder. After a few yards, he irritably pushes me over. I laid there for a second and realized, “Wait this guy just pushed me!” So I jumped up and put my hands around his neck. Here’s the deal: I don’t normally try to choke people out, I’m not a violent person, but I think subconsciously I was acting out what I saw on TV. If I have a problem with someone, then I should do something about it. We’re never too old to be influenced by what we watch. Now to God’s Word!
27 Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it’s in your power to help them.
28 If you can help your neighbor now, don’t say,“Come back tomorrow, and then I’ll help you.”
The book of Proverbs is about action. Take action of your life. Understand that wisdom is elusive, and if you don’t seek it out, you’ll miss it. Same principle here: If someone comes to you in need—whatever that may look like—don’t put them off. Solomon’s two parameters:
First, give to those who deserves it. If it’s in your means “ power” to help them.
When I was younger, there was a homeless individual in a wheel chair begging for cash. She told me of her miserable story and the circumstances that landed her in a wheel chair. So I gave her some money. I moved on. She moved on. An hour later, I was walking and saw this same homeless woman jump up from her wheel chair and ride off in a cadillac… Hustled.
Second parameter Solomon gives: if you have the means. Giving something you don’t have is extremely dangerous. I’ve fallen into this many times. You want to pay for a special dinner, but you know you’ll have no money for the week. That’s not wise.
29 Don’t plot harm against your neighbor, for those who live nearby trust you.
30 Don’t pick a fight without reason, when no one has done you harm.
31 Don’t envy violent people or copy their ways.
Honestly, when I read passages like this, I naturally feel that they don’t apply to me. I don’t strategically plot to hurt someone. It’s not my intention to bring harm to anyone, but according to Jesus, sinful thoughts are just as bad. What leads to violence? Anger does. Are you angry with someone? Angry to the point that you wish something negative may happen to them? Not just physical harm, but maybe you wish that this person wouldn’t grow in their influence, that this person wouldn’t get a promotion, that God wouldn’t elevate this person. I think those thoughts reflect our hearts more accurately.
32 Such wicked people are detestable to the lord, but he offers his friendship to the godly.
33 The lord curses the house of the wicked, but he blesses the home of the upright.
34 The lord mocks the mockers but is gracious to the humble.
These verses have the sentence structure of, The Lord doesn’t like this, BUT he likes this instead. As Christ followers our prayer each day must be, “God please make me humble. Make me upright. Make me godly.” Each day, we must be striving to become closer to Him and shed our sin.
35 The wise inherit honor, but fools are put to shame!
This is my prayer and hope for everyone I meet. I want everyone to to inherit honor. Another word for honor is glory. I want everyone to inherit glory! I want everyone I meet to put the foolish worldly things away and inherit the beautiful honor & glory that God has prepared for his people.
We need to tell everyone! We need to desire to see people inherit this honor! Our lives need to be a reflection of Jesus’ redemptive work. Our lives are the biggest reflection of Jesus’ love and the best tool we have to share the gospel. For many, seeing is believing and what better physical proof that Jesus exists than our lives!
Photography: @carrlosluna
by Hannah Watson | Oct 11, 2015 | Proverbs
Proverbs 3:21-26
The call to wisdom and the mandate of its pursuit is beautifully and highly prioritized throughout the whole of Proverbs. Solomon’s intentional language surrounding wisdom and its necessity within the lives of believers is something one can quickly discover. Wisdom is personified, emphasized and consistently advocated for. Why?
Because wisdom has promise.
Blessing, understanding, confidence, security, peace. Wisdom houses these within her. And they are the harvest we reap as we pursue.
“My son, do not lose sight of these – keep sound wisdom and discretion, and they will be life for your soul and adornment for your neck.”
I love how the amplified version highlights this verse: “…and they will be life to your inner self and a gracious ornament to your neck (your outer self).” Wisdom is nourishment to our spirit and discernment is a trustworthy guide, and the fruit produced by both is pleasing in the natural. A sweet aroma to those around us. Flowing from the inside out. Setting us apart in life and godliness.
“Then you will walk in your way securely and confident in trust, and your foot will not stumble.”
Jesus’ parting gift to humanity was his spirit, in fullness, to dwell within us. To seal the redeemed relationship between God and man. As we seek wisdom, we deepen trust -trust in the Holy Spirit to counsel in the ways of wisdom and reveal the intimacies of God’s heart. Further along in Proverbs, Solomon says, “it is God’s privilege to conceal things and the king’s privilege to discover them.” To seek wisdom is to discover the mysteries of God and to partake in relationship with the Lord, and what is given to us as we journey is security, confidence in trust, and the safety that accompanies knowing that we’re loved.
“If you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. Do not be afraid of sudden terror or of the ruin of the wicked when it comes, for the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught.”
Wisdom gives understanding. As we continue to grasp the knowledge of God, the truth that we’re wholly loved deepens within our hearts. Love leaves no room for fear; perfect love casts out fear. Wisdom’s promise enables us to walk securely in peace, confidently in love and, with an expectancy of grace to guard us and journey alongside us.
Solomon gives generous space within Proverbs to instruct us in the ways of wisdom. It’s intentional and it’s necessary, for the pursuit of wisdom is the pursuit of the Lord. It is the consistent engagement in relationship with the Spirit, and out of intimacy, wisdom develops and deepens.
As you pursue, you’ll reap a harvest. Wisdom’s promise.
Photography: @sheasalz
by Taylor Adams | Oct 10, 2015 | Proverbs
Proverbs 3:13-20
Wisdom is not just knowing what to do, but actually doing it. It is applied knowledge. It is the creative nature of God put into practice in every day life. Proverbs 13:20 says, “Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble.” It is contagious, and when it is asked for, it cannot be withheld from you (James 1:5).
One of the most precious gifts that can be given is the gift of wisdom. It is amazing that one of the most important things in the kingdom of God is the gift that is the most accessible and sits only one declaration away. Solomon was a man who understood the power of wisdom and the importance in leading a kingdom given to God. When he asked for wisdom, God granted him riches, possessions, favor among other world leaders and a thriving kingdom. Wisdom grants us the ability to steward the rest of God’s gifts and it opens up the door to invite the counsel of God into each situation. No amount of wealth or goods can compare to the power of true wisdom, we must realize the power that comes with the gift. With wisdom, God created everything that moves and breathes. He ordered their steps and showed us how to live righteously. Everything that operates in the Kingdom of God operates out of wisdom. It literally creates an invitation to experience the fullness of the covenant we have received through faith.
Hosea 4:6 says, “My people perish for lack of knowledge.” We must understand that as believers in Jesus, and people that are called to walk in the fullness of God that we can’t just go through life by our own efforts, but we must constantly seek the knowledge and wisdom that God has freely given, not only for ourselves but for the world around us. It is of more value than jewels, money, kingdoms, and fame, and we owe it to ourselves, to God and to those around us.
by Toni Thrash | Oct 9, 2015 | Proverbs
Proverbs 3.11-12
My child, don’t reject the LORD’S discipline, and don’t be upset when He corrects you. (3.11)
In this day and age, discipline is not a popular topic. But it is a tool God uses to mature us to godly character. This verse is telling us to not turn our back on the very thing we need to grow. Our own rebellion and need for repentance is one reason we need discipline. Discipline helps us see ahead to make a stand before we need to make the choice in front of us.
For the LORD corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights (3.12)
Hopefully, we catch the fact that He loves us and finds delight in us. When this is evident in a relationship, the discipline is easier to take. In 1 Corinthians 11.32 it says, ”...we are being disciplined so that we will not be condemned along with the world.”This is the separation tactic. He loves us, then He disciplines us to keep us from being condemned along with the world. Take it as a sign of how much He cares for you.
This is an act of love! He doesn’t do it to punish us but to spur us on to holiness. Discipline hurts, but in the long run, it doesn’t harm us or destroy us. So when discipline comes and oh, it will, find joy in the fact that you are His and this love is so great, He chooses to separate you from the grip of the world. God uses those assigned to us, such as a parent, to hand out discipline, to bring our lives into holiness and into His ideal plan for us.
Photography: @titus_anthony
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