It's like a fine jewelry store with glass cases displaying brilliant and priceless treasures. Such are the teachings of Proverbs, a collection of brilliant "jewels" of wisdom. For example,
"A good name is to be more desired than great wealth" (Proverbs 22:1)
Money can buy lots of things but not a good reputation. A good reputation, however, can be the doorway to influence, wealth, and many positive benefits to self and others.
"The reward of humility and the fear of the LORD Are riches, honor and life." (Proverbs 22:4)
That many sound like a "gospel of prosperity" teaching but humility and the fear of the LORD are qualities requiring diligent discipline and pursuit and are safeguards against the misuse of wealth and position.
"Train up a child in the way he should go, Even when he is old he will not depart from it." (Proverbs 22:6)
Many parents of wayward children faithfully and patiently hold on to this promise. They are like the father of the proverbial prodigal son - living their lives while keeping an eye on the distant horizon with expectation that the wayward child might be returning.
One of life's great mysteries is the prodigal child of godly parents. Excellent, godly parenting appears to not always be a safeguard against ungodly choices by children, much to the distress and anguish of godly parents. But the Proverbs is true, regardless of outer appearances: "when he (or she) is old he (or she) will not depart from it." Perhaps this phrase hints at the diligent patience required of godly parents - their beloved child may not depart from the right path in their old age (although they clearly have in their younger years).
All the Proverbs truly are like valuable jewels in an fine jewelry store and are given to us to enrich our lives with godly wisdom. Consider and heed the writer's admonition:
"Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise, And apply your mind to my knowledge; For it will be pleasant if you keep them within you, That they may be ready on your lips. So that your trust may be in the LORD, I have taught you today, even you." (Proverbs 22:17-19)
Steve
"A good name is to be more desired than great wealth" (Proverbs 22:1)
Money can buy lots of things but not a good reputation. A good reputation, however, can be the doorway to influence, wealth, and many positive benefits to self and others.
"The reward of humility and the fear of the LORD Are riches, honor and life." (Proverbs 22:4)
That many sound like a "gospel of prosperity" teaching but humility and the fear of the LORD are qualities requiring diligent discipline and pursuit and are safeguards against the misuse of wealth and position.
"Train up a child in the way he should go, Even when he is old he will not depart from it." (Proverbs 22:6)
Many parents of wayward children faithfully and patiently hold on to this promise. They are like the father of the proverbial prodigal son - living their lives while keeping an eye on the distant horizon with expectation that the wayward child might be returning.
One of life's great mysteries is the prodigal child of godly parents. Excellent, godly parenting appears to not always be a safeguard against ungodly choices by children, much to the distress and anguish of godly parents. But the Proverbs is true, regardless of outer appearances: "when he (or she) is old he (or she) will not depart from it." Perhaps this phrase hints at the diligent patience required of godly parents - their beloved child may not depart from the right path in their old age (although they clearly have in their younger years).
All the Proverbs truly are like valuable jewels in an fine jewelry store and are given to us to enrich our lives with godly wisdom. Consider and heed the writer's admonition:
"Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise, And apply your mind to my knowledge; For it will be pleasant if you keep them within you, That they may be ready on your lips. So that your trust may be in the LORD, I have taught you today, even you." (Proverbs 22:17-19)
Steve
posted by steve @ 7:43 AM
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