Bible Pathway - July 20, 2011
Read Proverbs 1
Highlights:
"Wisdom" is the them of Proverbs (comp. Matt. 7:24-27). Knowledge is the facts a person has acquired; wisdom is the ability to rightly 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).
God instructs: The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction. . . . But whoso hearkeneth unto Me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil (Prov. 1:7,33).
There is a promise in connection with spiritual wisdom. If thou . . . searchest for her as for hid treasures; Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God (2:4-5). People understand most of the literal meaning of the Bible, but many do not comprehend its spiritual significance because they have not submitted to its guidance. When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul; Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee (2:10-11). The Apostle Paul said: We speak the wisdom of God in a mystery . . . But God hath revealed them unto us by His Spirit. . . . Which things also we speak . . . comparing spiritual things with spiritual (I Cor. 2:7,10,13). Religious position was the greatest concern of many of the scribes and Pharisees in the days of our Lord; they refused to let go of their authority. Consequently, they saw Jesus and heard what He said, but they were blind as to who He really was (Matt. 13:13; John 9:39). The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned (I Cor. 2:14).
How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge (Prov. 1:22)? The simple ones are not the ignorant, but rather those who allow worldly interests to become the motivating force in their lives. The simple ones often become scorners — more fixed in their disinterest of the Truth of the Word of God. They gradually become hardened in sin and hate knowledge.. Then God calls them fools. Fools refuse the warning that would awaken them to the fear of God. Since they ignore His Word, it cannot deliver them. Finally, destruction cometh as a whirlwind (1:27). The fear of the Lord means having reverence of and devotion to Him — a continual surrendering of one's own self and will to do the will of God. With my whole heart have I sought Thee: O let me not wander from Thy Commandments (Ps. 119:10).
Thought for Today:
Jesus said: If any man do His will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, whether I speak of myself (John 7:17).
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, impart insight (prudence) to the teachable; 1:11 lurk privily, wait secretly; 1:28 early, diligently; 2:1 hide . . . with thee, receive and treasure My Commandments in your heart; 2:7 buckler, a shield used in hand-to-hand combat; 2:12 froward, opposed to God; 2:16 strange woman, adulteress; 3:26 thy foot from being taken, your life from all danger.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Staff: Bill Beach • Government Official: Sen. Barbara Mikulski (MD) • Country: Luxembourg (429,000) in western Europe • Major languages: Luxembourgish and German • Religious freedom • 84% Roman Catholic; 2% Protestant; .1% Eastern Orthodox • Prayer Suggestion: Trust the Lord; He will never forsake you (Ps. 9:10).
Optional Reading:
Memory Verse for the Week:
Psalms 34:3
