week of 12/12/11 2nd recorded HighQuest Proverbs 4:1-27

The passage I read was Proverbs 4:1-27

You can find that passage here:

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proberbs%204:1-27&version=NIV

The verse that most stood out to me:

⁵ Get wisdom, get understanding;
do not forget my words or turn away from them.

As I reflect:

As sound as advice from a father could be, Solomon shares every bit of the wisdom His father taught him and that we also ought teach our own children.

The purpose of Proverbs is clearly laid out for us in the first chapter:

¹ The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:

² for gaining wisdom and instruction;
for understanding words of insight;
³ for receiving instruction in prudent behavior,
doing what is right and just and fair;
⁴ for giving prudence to those who are simple,^[a]
knowledge and discretion to the young—
⁵ let the wise listen and add to their learning,
and let the discerning get guidance—
⁶ for understanding proverbs and parables,
the sayings and riddles of the wise.^[b]

⁷ The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge,
but fools^[c] despise wisdom and instruction.

We are therefore wise to heed the warnings and receive this wise advice in chapter four, which can be summed up in this way:

Get wisdom, get understanding, don’t forget or forsake either.

Don’t set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in their ways.

Guard your heart. Keep your mouth free of perversity and corrupt talk.

Stay focused on the goal. Think about what you do before you do it and don’t do evil.

I think these as proverbs can carry a great deal of power in our lives if we allow our choices to be guided by them. I believe each of us stands to benefit if we are to consider what we do and how we live and with conscious intent, choose to keep our feet from evil.

My response to the Lord:

Lord, what wise words you gave Solomon and his father before him. I am thankful that you preserved these words to make it to my family today. As my wife and I read them we also shared them with our children and will continue to do so in years to come. We hope and pray that you guide us to make wise decisions in setting the example for them, so that they too may grow to make wise decisions in their own lives. Lord I pray you bless and multiply our efforts to train ourselves and our children to make wiser choices daily. In Jesus’ name. Amen