Bible Pathway - July 20, 2010
Highlights:
The theme of Proverbs is wisdom. Compare Matthew 7:24-27. Knowledge is the ability to acquire facts and wisdom the ability to rightfully apply those facts (Prov. 2:1-6). The wise are protected and preserved (2:8; 3:5-6); in contrast, for the simple, the fools, and the scorners (1:4,7; 3:34) there's a price to pay if wisdom is rejected (1:24-28).
Solomon, along with approximately 40 other writers of the Bible, was inspired of God to record exactly what God wanted us to know in order to be the person He created us to become. Consequently, we read: Receive My (God's) words, and hide (treasure) My Commandments with thee; So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; Yea, if thou criest (seek) after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God (Prov. 2:1-5).
Speaking through Solomon, God is saying: Understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; yea, every good path. When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul; Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee (2:9-11).
Despite the Lord's urging, some people spend little or no time reading the Bible, even though the Apostle Paul said: Study (Be diligent) to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth (II Tim. 2:15). Only a few ever pray for spiritual achievements so they may accomplish the purpose for which God created them. Discerning Christians will set their personal goals to seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness (Matt. 6:33) while making all secular goals secondary. For our conversation (citizenship) is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ (Phil. 3:20).
Whom we will serve is of utmost importance, for it affects everything else in life. With the same intense energy by which many pursue worldly success, Christians should seek achievements of eternal value for the good of others and the glory of God.
One of life's most sobering thoughts is that the Son of Man shall come in the glory of His Father with His angels; and then He shall reward every man according to his works (deeds) (Matt. 16:27).
Thought for Today:
Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much (James 5:16).
Christ Revealed:
As the Creator who founded the earth . . . He established the heavens (Prov. 3:19). All things were created by Him, and for Him (Col. 1:16; Eph. 3:9; Heb. 1:2-3).
Word Studies:
1:4 give subtilty to the simple =b> impart insight (prudence) to the teachable; 1:11 lurk privily =b> wait secretly; 1:28 early =b> diligently; 2:1 hide . . . with thee =b> receive and treasure in your heart; 2:7 buckler =b> a shield used in hand-to-hand combat; 2:12 froward =b> opposed to God; 2:16 strange woman =b> adulteress; 3:26 thy foot from being taken =b> your life from all danger.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Staff: Dan Murton • Government Official: Sen. Barbara Mikulski (MD) • Country: Solomon Islands (455,000) in the southwestern Pacific • Major languages: 120 indigenous languages • Religious freedom • 66% Protestant; 17% Roman Catholic; 4% spirit worship, ancestor worship, and sorcery • Prayer Suggestion: Ask the Lord for help when you have a need (II Chron. 14:11).
Optional Reading: Titus 1
Memory Verse for the Week: 2 Corinthians 4:9
