Bible Pathway - July 22, 2010
Highlights:
We're admonished to praise wisdom and avoid folly: The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the Holy (Holy is plural in Hebrew and refers to God as in Elohim) is understanding (Prov. 9:10). A wealth of truth is found in Chapters 10 & 11 contrasting wisdom, the fear of God, and righteousness with folly, sin, and wickedness.
Nothing in life is more to be treasured, more priceless, than knowing the Word of God. As Solomon spoke these proverbs to his "son," God also speaks to us as His "sons." All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing froward (deceitful) or perverse (wrong) in them. They are all plain to him that understandeth. . . . Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold. For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it (Prov. 8:8-11).
Is it any surprise that Satan seeks so relentlessly to keep Christians from reading what God has written, the only sure way of knowing right from wrong? When we commit ourselves to obedience of God's Word, our first considerations should be love, loyalty, and service to our Lord.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding (9:10). This wisdom and understanding covers every aspect of life: physical, moral, spiritual, financial, and our social well-being. The fear of the Lord is to hate evil: pride . . . arrogancy . . . the evil way, and the froward (perverted) mouth, do I hate. Counsel is Mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength. . . . I love them that love Me; and those that seek Me early shall find Me. . . . For whoso findeth Me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the Lord. But he that sinneth against Me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate Me (God's Word) love death (8:13-14,17,32,35-36).
The basic difference between the wise and the fool is in the use of his time, talents, and possessions. When we rely on God and His Word, we will love and obey Him (3:5-6).
We all are on one of two roads in our journey through life. The road followed by the wise is narrower and more difficult, but it brings happiness, satisfaction, peace, and eternal life; however, the broad road of the fool inevitably leads to vanity (a life of self-interest) and, ultimately, into the eternal lake of fire. Death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire (Rev. 20:14-15).
Thought for Today:
They compassed me about also with words of hatred; and fought against me without a cause (Ps. 109:3).
Christ Revealed:
As the Creator who prepared the heavens (Prov. 8:27-31). The heavens are the works of Thine hands (Heb. 1:10, John 1:3).
Word Studies:
8:12 of witty inventions =b> with wise insight; 8:29 his decree =b> its boundary; 9:7 getteth himself a blot =b> gets insults in return; 10:1 heaviness =b> grief, shame; 10:4 slack =b> negligent, lazy; 10:8 prating fool =b> self-sufficient know-it-all; 11:6 naughtiness =b> wickedness.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Staff: Clarence Rathbone • Government Officials: Rep. Robert Aderholt (AL), Sen. Kay Hutchison (TX), Rep. John Larson (CT) and Rep. Steven LaTourette (OH) • Country: South Africa (42.6 million) on the southern tip of the African continent • Major languages: Afrikaans and English • Religious freedom • 76% Christian; 1% Muslim; 1% Hindu; 15% Traditional; .5% Jewish; 6.5% None/Other (Baha'i, Jain, Sikh, Zoroastrian, Buddhist, Confucian) • Prayer Suggestion: Intercede in prayer for others, knowing that God hears your prayer (II Chron. 30:18-20).
Optional Reading: Titus 3
Memory Verse for the Week: 2 Corinthians 4:9
