Thus far as we are looking at the books of the Proverbs, the first 7 chapters are written and directed by Solomon to his sons. He has pleaded that they desire and seek the Wisdom of God with all their hearts. He knew that the only truth and wisdom was that which comes from God.
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Joy in this life can only be found in a close, trusting relationship with God. The creator of the Universe is omnipotent and omniscient. Why would we ever trust anyone else?
Some of the first chapters include exhortations with their promises. Now as we begin chapter 6 we begin a group of warnings followed by their consequences. They are as follows:
1. Don’t sign a note or become financially responsible for any note for a friend or a stranger as it leads to entrapment. If you have, he recommends that you diligently work day and night to free yourself—like a deer cornered by her hunter or a bird trapped in the snares of a cage. (Proverbs 6:1-5) At this point, were I to be honest I would say I should have read this many years ago. How often have I given money to help someone else or even borrowed to help someone? Never did they repay. Subsequently, I did; then, when illness came—and the wheels had turned, they could not be found. There is a danger if your spiritual gift is mercy and greater caution needs to be in place. Yes, we should give to the church of our first fruits; that is without fail. Then, we should help those in need. Yet, we are to do it with discernment and to listen closely to God’s guidance. Last year, I began praying for the gift of giving which is the gift of knowing how to manage money, be frugal and then give from the abundance that overflows. When we recognize there is a gift we lack—we can pray for it. It will not become our primary gift; but one step at a time, I am learning God’s plan. It is never too late. Ephesians 1: (ASV) 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ:4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blemish before him in love:”
2. Don’t Be Lazy. Laziness results in poverty. We are to learn from the “ant kingdom” to work hard and to save for the winter ahead. This is true of our work career, our care of our home, and most importantly our spiritual life. (Proverbs 6: 6-11) Winter will come—have you study the word to prepare spiritually for the long cold winters. There will be desert moments in this pilgrimage journey. Are you prepared for the desert moments?
3. Cantankerous trouble makers will end in destruction. (Proverbs 6: 12-15). So don’t go about stirring up trouble where ever you go. Seven things that God hates are: Pride, dishonesty, people who shed innocent blood, those who devise wicked schemes, people who are quick to run toward evil, those who tell lies about others (gossips), and those who stir up trouble in the community. ( Proverbs 6: 16-19)
4. Flee from the very thought of adultery, don’t even let your thoughts go there or your eyes look upon someone else’s spouse or you may expect to die. If not physically die, you will of a certainty die emotionally and spiritually—expect to lose all of who you are. Yes, there is a way to be restored; but, not until you flee from the adultery and in true repentance turn back to God. (Proverbs 6: 20-35)
Wear God’s laws about your neck like a chain to lead you away from sin’s dark lairs. Pray, Study the word, and never become lazy about following God. He will bring you through the winters and the desert moments. As long as we have breath it is never too late to come to God with your broken hearts and humbly bow before Him? Are you guilty of any of these warnings? Then come, bow before Him in true repentance—turn from your sin, seek His wisdom to be freed from sin’s chains, and follow Him. Psalm 51: (ASV) “6 Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts; And in the hidden part thou wilt make me to know wisdom.7 Purify me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.8 Make me to hear joy and gladness, That the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice.”
John 3: (ASV) 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have eternal life. 17 For God sent not the Son into the world to judge the world; but that the world should be saved through him.
Romans 6: (ASV) “22 But now being made free from sin and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto sanctification, and the end eternal life. 23 For the wages of sin is death; but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
So if you are like me and recognize your are a sinner, entangled within one failure after another; always finding areas of darkness within your heart after you thought you were finally clean–then there is hope in Jesus Christ. He came and He died on the cross for people just like you and me. He has promised to forgive us, to cleanse and to transform us. He will cloth us in His righteousness–Hallelujah what a Savior. I hope you listen to this song by All Sons and Daughters called Brokenness Aside
Brokenness Aside by All Sons & Daughters with Lyrics
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American Standard Version (ASV)
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© 2014 Effie Darlene Barba
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