As Solomon’s words continue in Chapter one of Proverbs, he begins with instructions at home for his own children. The warnings he gives them are warning which will ring true throughout the years of their lives. For all those blessed with Godly parents, he has advised the youth to cling tightly to the truths taught. He reminds them to wear these truths as an ornament of protection about their necks as reminders when temptations would come. This of course is figurative, but it is like a chain from which one can be pulled back from temptations door. Here as we noted yesterday—he began by saying that revering the Lord was the beginning of wisdom, now he admonishes us to remember the counsel of our parents as well. I must say I remember the wisdom of my father more now than ever before in my life and the bible teaching of my mother always drawing me back to the right path. After reminding us to heed the counsel of our family, Solomon then presents his first of many warnings to come. “10 My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.” When others come to entice you to join them, don’t go…Just say no. Notice though, he uses the word entice and he warns against even “hanging out” with them. This is a warning to young people to be careful of who your friends are; but, it goes further to being a warning as you read through versus 7-19 of being careful who you go into business with and who you choose as friends or counselors throughout your lifetime.
photo courtesy of istockphoto.com
Beware of “get rich quick” schemes and of business practices which go for the “gold” without taking the time to weigh the cost. Do not let yourself be enticed by others to sin, no matter how innocent they may seem.
How many good people have been injured by business sharks whose plan is to get rich regardless of how many people are injured along the way or by taking advantage of those who are already down for the count? Solomon warns us to be cautious about our motives and to not let greed be a motivating force in our life. These warnings come with consequences for those who do not heed the warnings which we see in verses 20-33.
“27 When your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you. 28 Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me: 29 For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the Lord: 30 They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof.31 Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices.32 For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them. 33 But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.”
These warnings for Christians are to seek after and to follow after God’s wisdom now; there are real consequences to sin which we will face here on this earth. Though our salvation is secure, God will not allow us to live lives of debauchery without consequence because He loves us and He will complete His work of sanctification even if it is by fire. For those of you who do not know Christ, there is a greater warning that “Today is the day of Salvation”. When you call upon God as only a “get out of jail free card”, He may not hear your cry. It needs be a cry of true repentance and turning from your sin. No sinner is too late if it is true repentance that causes one to cry out to God—like the thief on the cross. Yet, just a cry of “help me out of the mess I made so I can ignore God’s voice again” is not a cry God hears.
So my first question, do you know Christ as your Savior? And secondly if so, do you seek God’s wisdom in all that you do with a reverent desire to do His will?
Flee as a Bird from sin.
© 2014 Effie Darlene Barba
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to any brands, products or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides regarding the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”