The book of Proverbs is filled with tidbits of knowledge to guide us along our journey here on earth.  It is 31 chapters and could easily be studied monthly by reading one chapter per day.  But why would one do that?  This one book is filled with wise admonitions, instructions on living, and thought-provoking discussions.  Thereby, instructing us on  how to make the right choices in every aspect of life.If we desire to make prudent and wise decisions, Proverbs is our guide.    Packed tightly into these 31 chapters are answers to nearly every dilemma we could ever face.  It shows us how to think with a discerning mind.  How exciting is that!  Knowing the right answer to whatever question arises because you have hidden these treasures within your heart and mind.

Proverbs is like God’s Guidebook, neatly packed with illustrations to help us remember, comparisons, and parallels.  All these methods allow for a lot of information to be given in fewer words, so that they are easier to remember in decisive moments of our life.  But it also requires reflection and study to grasp the depth of wisdom present.  Proverbs contains moral and ethical elements describing the choices one needs to make to live a life filled with right choices because of our relationship with God.    Perhaps to begin with we need to consider from whom came the wisdom—God who bestowed it upon Solomon.

1 Kings 4: “²⁹ And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding exceeding much, and largeness of heart, even as the sand that is on the sea shore.

Proverbs:  True Wisdom is from God

Look further at what was said of the proverbs of Solomon.

³⁰ And Solomon’s wisdom excelled the wisdom of all the children of the east country, and all the wisdom of Egypt. ³¹ For he was wiser than all men…and his fame was in all nations round about. ³² And he spake three thousand proverbs: and his songs were a thousand and five…. ³⁴ And there came of all people to hear the wisdom of Solomon, from all kings of the earth, which had heard of his wisdom.” I Kings 4: 

To those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God.   For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.   1 Corinthians 1:24-25 NET

So, for us to seek wisdom is synonymous with seeking Jesus, for without Him we cannot find true wisdom.

Jesus spoke rebuked the scribes and the Pharisees for their pretentious wisdom.  Much as we could say today of the “wisdom” we hear daily from the “so called” experts on every subject.

MATTHEW 12:34-37 (NET)

³⁴ O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.

³⁵ A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.

³⁶ But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.

³⁷ For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.

Proverbs, worldly wisdom, and coming judgement

³⁸ Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a sign from thee.

³⁹ But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas:

⁴⁰ For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale’s belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.

⁴¹ The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here.

⁴² The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for she came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here.

⁴³ When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none.

⁴⁴ Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished.

⁴⁵ Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.  (Matthew 12: 38-45 NET).

Concluding Thoughts:

Why is studying the book of Proverbs so important?  It is a handbook on how to effectively live a life that is righteous, just, and discerning.  Thereby, we can live a life of joy, knowing we have made the right choices along this journey.  Furthermore, we come to know God and to reverence Him with the respect and love He so deserves from us.  Therein, we find joy, hope, and peace both in this life and throughout eternity.

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD?

If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link.  There is nothing more important than this; because   He is the way, the truth and the life.   Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.

For Prayer or Comments

If you have a prayer request feel free to email me by clicking here

Or  if you would like to share  your story or thoughts, you can  comment here

Previously

How to Have a True Missionary Heart like Paul

Books Available

If you want to know more about books I have written,then, click on this link to my Book Resources.

Another option is going to Amazon.com. Because, there you can find my books by searching for Effie Darlene Barba.  Or click this link to be taken there

Furthermore,  for inspirational photos or home decor click here.

Disclosures

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2019
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

credits:

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash

New English Translation (NET)

NET Bible® copyright ©1996-2017 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. http://netbible.com All rights reserved.

As we come to the final chapters of Romans, Paul opens his heart once more with a very personal testimony.  Therein, we see what it takes to have a true missionary heart.   For a true missionary heart is one I daresay all believers need to have.  It is not only for those who go to distant lands.   Paul in these final chapters speaks with frankness concerning his mission.  Through his letter, he has boldly presented the truth of the gospel perhaps with greater detail than any of his other letters.  He has laid out the arguments with both a complexity and simplicity unparalleled in the other books of the Bible.

After a very personal introduction, he expounded on the absolute righteousness of God, the depravity of the human heart, and the gracious plan of salvation purchased by the blood of Jesus Christ.  He explained with detail the magnificence of what it meant to be justified by faith in Jesus Christ.  Then, he expounded further the marvelous work of the Holy Spirit in and through each believer.  We are held securely, sealed by the Holy Spirit eternally.  Furthermore, the Holy Spirit does not leave us with our scarred, wretched hearts as we were found.  Rather, He works through every detail of our life to sanctify us.  That is He works all things together to transform us into the image of Jesus Christ.  What would be utterly impossible by our own nature and doing, He does in and through us.

Then, Paul pours forth his heart, revealing his desire and love for the Jewish nation.  He reminds the Christians in Rome, that God has not abandoned the nation of Israel.  Although for a moment, the mission given to Paul was the salvation of the Gentiles, establishing the church.

What Does a Redeemed Life Look Like?

Continue reading How to Have a True Missionary Heart like Paul →

As I sit here staring at a blank document, I wonder what to write.  I had written all the right words for this lesson yesterday.  That document vanished.  Oddly, I cannot remember what it said.  Since then a lot has happened.  Truthfully, a lot has been going on for quite some time.  I would be utterly lost beneath the brokenness around me and in me were it not for that glimmering hope which holds me steadfast within.  You see, my hope is not based on anything I own, nor what surrounds me.  Family, work, money, health, and life are such fleeting things.  Mom is desperately ill and I cannot reach her.  I cannot go to her or comfort her because I left Missouri to come to Florida when my son called me and needed help.  That is what one does, isn’t it?  Doesn’t perfect love drop everything to save another?

Only then we find that we cannot save anyone.  No amount of love or sacrifice can.  The harsh reality is just that.  Sometimes, we must walk away and let them fall.  How often did I fall or fail God before the scales began to fall off my eyes?  Is that not what we find as true throughout scripture?  How desperately Moses tried to stand in the gap for the people of Israel, pleading for God’s mercy and grace to fall upon them?  Yet, judgement had to come repeatedly, while only a remnant turned to God for salvation. But without the heartbreak and sorrow, would any have awoken from their sleep?    Yet, there are these truths to sustain me.  Therein is my hope anchored on Jesus Christ, the solid rock on which I stand.  There is no sweeter name.  He is my joy, my hope, and my strong tower.

Micah 7:1-6

Continue reading In the Thicket of Despair, What Is Our Hope? →

As we turn to Romans 13, Paul begins with addressing the people concerning their need to be good citizens and neighbors.  Why?  Didn’t Paul suffer at the hand of governments?  Was it not a government who crucified Christ?  Yes.  Then why does Paul say, “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers.  For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.   Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation” (Romans 13:1-2).

Did not Paul preach even when the authorities told him not to?  Certainly!  Then what could he mean?  Paul does not forget that all authority, (the good, the bad, and the ugly) are ordained by God, for God is Sovereign.  It was God who placed Nebuchadnezzar on his throne.  Ultimately, God awoke His people to their sin and lead Nebuchadnezzar to declare there was only one God.  Note what he spoke in Daniel 4:37. “Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the King of heaven, all whose works are truth, and his ways judgment: and those that walk in pride he is able to abase.”

When Pilot said, “knowest thou not that I have power to crucify thee, and have power to release thee?  Jesus answered, ‘Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above.’” (John 19:10-11).

Therefore, God’s plan marches forward and every leader of Government God has ordained to be there.  “What others mean for evil, God can use for good.”

Good Citizens

Continue reading Christians are to be Good Citizens and Neighbors. Why? →

What would a life wholly dedicated to God look like?  Were you to lay aside everything else-every desire, every selfish wish to just follow Him, what would your life be?  Paul begins chapter 12 of Romans with just that idea.  After painstakingly outlining the truth of humanity’s sin, he presented the truth of justification by faith in Jesus Christ.  He detailed the workings of the Holy Spirit within each believer providing the power to victoriously live this Christian life.  Therein he described in chapter 8 of Romans, the Holy Spirit’s work of sanctification beyond that of sealing us eternally as adopted children of God by faith.  From no condemnation before a perfect, holy righteous God to no separation ever from Him for all who know Jesus as Lord and Savior. Paul has presented the theological background needed to live the Christian life.

Furthermore, he presented the mystery of the gospel message, having always been intended for both Jew and Gentile.  God’s majestic and magnificent plan of salvation to a world so undeserving of His Grace and Mercy.  A mystery beyond our greatest hope or imagination.

God’s Wondrous Master Plan

Continue reading 15 Characteristics of A Life Wholly Dedicated to God →