Bible Pathways 7/22/2001

July 22

Read Proverbs 8 -- 11

The wisdom of God is far more than human knowledge; it is prophetic of Jesus Christ, who of God is made unto us wisdom (I Corinthians 1:30). He is presented to us as the Word (John 1:1-3).

Nothing in life is more to be treasured, more priceless, than knowing Christ, the Word of God, for He has said: All the words of My mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing froward or perverse in them. They are all plain to him that understands, and right to them that find knowledge. 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. The fear of the Lord is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate. Counsel is Mine, and sound wisdom. I love them that love Me; and those that seek Me early (earnestly) shall find Me. . . . Blessed are they that keep My ways. . . . For whoso finds Me finds life. . . . All they that hate Me love death (Proverbs 8:8-11,13-14).

Is it any surprise that Satan seeks above all else to keep Christians from reading what God has written, the only sure way of knowing right from wrong?

God has also warned: He that reproves a scorner receives in return shame (slander and insults) (9:7). The proud foolishly regards rebuke as a personal insult and an attack upon himself. In contrast, rebuke a wise man, and he will love you. Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be . . . wiser: teach a just man (one in right standing with God), and he will increase in learning (9:7-9). The one who is reproving should be Christlike in doing so, a "wise" person will react in a spirit of humility and will carefully consider the reproof whether or not the rebuke is kind and loving in its delivery.

When our first considerations are love, loyalty, and service to the Lord, it leads to obedience to His Word. This fear, or reverence, is the beginning of wisdom. . . . and of understanding (9:10) that covers every aspect of life: physical, moral, spiritual, financial, and social well being.

The basic difference between the wise man and the fool is in the use each makes of his time, talents, and material possessions. When we rely on God (His Word) it will result in loving obedience to Him regarding our time, talents, and possessions (3:5-6).

We all are on one of two roads in our journey through life. The road followed by the wise brings happiness, satisfaction, peace, and eternal life; however, the broad road of the fool inevitably leads to vanity and ultimately into the eternal lake of fire. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death (Revelation 20:14).

Christ Revealed: As being the Creator when He prepared the heavens (Proverbs 8:27-31; compare John 1:3). You, Lord, in the beginning have laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of Your hands (Hebrews 1:10).

Word Studies: 8:8 froward means false or wrong; 8:12 of witty inventions means with wise insight; 8:29 his decree means its boundary; 9:7 getteth himself a blot means only harms himself; 10:1 heaviness means grief, shame; 10:4 slack means negligent, lazy; 10:8 prating fool means self-sufficient know-it-all; 11:6 naughtiness means wickedness.

Prayer:

Government Officials: Rep. Robert Aderholt (AL), Rep. Michael Ferguson (NJ), Sen. Kay Hutchison (TX), Rep. John Larson (CT), Rep. Steven LaTourette (OH), and Rep. Curt Weldon (PA) · Pray for Bridges for Peace, headquartered in Jerusalem · Pray for the Bible Pathway International Radio broadcast sponsored by Mr. and Mrs. Edward Mantych · Country: Samoa (190,000) in the South Pacific · Major languages: Samoan and English · Religious freedom · 68% Protestant; 21% Roman Catholic; 9% cults; 2% Baha'i · Prayer Suggestion: Seek the Lords teaching; grow and mature in your prayer life (Luke 11:1).

Optional Reading: Titus 3

Memory Verse for the Week: Revelation 20:14