MID AUGUST/MID SEPTEMBER SELECTION....The Book of Proverbs

[blyempowered]

Just got done reading chapter 5.

1. Discernment for the Christian is absolutely essential. Discernment comes more as we continue to grow in Christ. Discernment helps us distinguish between right and wrong. Within the context of this chapter it allows us to check our flesh when we are trying to go the wrong way.

2. For men, how many of us are tempted in our flesh, especially when we see a woman who looks mighty nice? For men who are married, they should keep their flesh under control and value the woman they are with. Why? Because if they do not they could lose everything including money, reputation and most important, the woman they are married to.

3. As we see with the first 4 chapters of proverbs, we see the consequences of not listening to Godly wisdom from God directly and humans who are wise. On a personal note, I'm learning the hard way what happens when we don't listen to the wise. Many lessons I've had to learn as a young man happened as a result of me not listening to wise counsel. When we don't listen to wise counsel we put our lives in danger. Listening to God and following His instructions is life to us!

Prayer: Lord allow me to listen to you as you speak through Your word, Your messengers and through those who you've placed in our lives. Teach me Lord how to live a life disciplined and pleasing in your sight.....Amen!

[Hasmonean1]

I'm blessed by your comments brother.  I'm particularly blessed by what you said about discernment.  It is a most useful aspect of Holy Ghost, the discerning of spirits.  I have found it useful in getting along with other believers even some on LGM, my wife, and even within myself.  One must be able to identify spirits that interact with them for various purposes.  When a particular spirit is identified The Spirit should lead us in the proper way to respond.  It is also vital that we be good at examining ourselves to see whether we be in the faith.  I'm big on that.  The bible poses the question, "know ye not your own selves how Jesus Christ is in you except ye be reprobates"? No one knows me better than me besides God.

[blyempowered]

I'm blessed by your comments brother.  I'm particularly blessed by what you said about discernment.  It is a most useful aspect of Holy Ghost, the discerning of spirits.  I have found it useful in getting along with other believers even some on LGM, my wife, and even within myself.  One must be able to identify spirits that interact with them for various purposes.  When a particular spirit is identified The Spirit should lead us in the proper way to respond.  It is also vital that we be good at examining ourselves to see whether we be in the faith.  I'm big on that.  The bible poses the question, "know ye not your own selves how Jesus Christ is in you except ye be reprobates"? No one knows me better than me besides God.

Amen bro!

[Hasmonean1]

Chapter 6

verses 1-5

A warning goes out for someone becoming a surety for a friend.  A surety is becoming a guaranty, collateral, or co-signer for someone elses loan.  The Word warns us to get out of such an agreement quickly if we be in one.  This was a pledge during those times ratified by the "stricking of hands".  A plead goes out that such a one should deliver themselves to the friend and do whatsoever it takes to be freed from the agreement.  Co-signing is financially dangerous even with family members.  One can be suddenly be responsible for great restitution as a result of someone elses irresponsibility or misfortune.  I have been able by the grace of God to pay off cars and anything else short of my house without taking out a loan or making payments with interest.  There is a freedom and gratification that comes with it that's a great blessing to the soul.  I went through college without taking out loans.  My dad paid for the first two years and I paid the rest.

verses 6-15
These verses speaks against laziness.  It caught my attention that a lazy person should consider the work habits of the ant.  It was also interesting that the ant is personified as a female (her).  To me it is a tribute to hard working women. Those verses go on to warn us of the impending doom of laziness and what should come about in the life of such a person.

[lordluvr]

Checking in with some thoughts on chapter 3.  Sorry it took so long, but we did some entertaining over the holiday weekend. 

"5  Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
6  In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."

First of all, there's so much to comment on, I'll just share a few thoughts so that others can continue to chime in.  Reading verses 5-6, I gained an understanding that I hadn't before.  I think the English translation for the word "acknowledge" isn't quite deep enough.  When I think of the word "acknowledge", I think "recognize the presence of".  Fitting that into that verse definitely fits and has worked for me all of my life until I read this verse again over the weekend.  When I looked up the Hebrew word for "acknowledge", I found the word "yada", which essentially means "to know".  Now, when I think of "knowing" someone, I think of a stronger connection than just "acknowledgement".  What I mean is, when I acknowledge God, I know He's present, and His mere presence makes my conduct better because when I know He's looking, I wouldn't do the same things that I would were he not looking.  But, when I KNOW Him, I do more than just acknowledge His presence.  I'm familiar with His ways, His precepts, His commandments, His heart toward me, His love toward me, His desire for my good, the life lessons He's already taught me, His relationship with me, His love for me, His passion for me, etc, etc,.  So, when I "know" Him in that sense, My actions are now His actions, because of the extent of my relationship with Him.  He directs my path through my knowledge of Him.  One quick example:

I call my daughter, Kendra, my mini-me.  In addition to looking the most like me out of my children, she's also the closest to me.  She hangs with me the most, and because of our closeness, she's even picked up a LOT of mannerisms and sense of humor.  It's to the point now where we finish each other's sentences, react to situations similarly, tell the same jokes (and even get each other's jokes when nobody else does).  So, when she gets into situations, she already knows what I would think about the issue(s), and she governs herself accordingly.  When she buys clothes, she already knows what I approve of and what I dislike.  So, I don't even have to go to the store with her (Thankfully!  I hate shopping!).

So, juxtapose my relationship with Kendra into our relationships with God.  By our relationship with Him ("acknowledge", as in the KJV), our footsteps are patterned and our path is directed because we know Him.  Our decisions are more easily made because of our experience with our Father.  And so on.  Sorry, didn't mean to make this so long.  I guess I'll stop with just that verse.  LOL.

[blyempowered]

@Hasmonean1 Very good thoughts!

@LL I like your use of the hebrew! A lot of our english meanings as you said do not go deep enough. Love your thoughts!!!

[LaylaMonroe]

I'm sorry I haven't shared anything, but I have been reading. I have been quite mobile all weekend, only having my phone or iPad and both are a pain to type dissertations on... LOL.

But thanks Hasmo, Churchy and LL. I'm enjoying your commentary.

CS: Reading Ch 6.

[Hasmonean1]

Thanks Brother LL.  I'll always think of knowing God and his ways whenever I see or hear the statement yada, yada, yada. 

You also got me singing Fred Hammond's "I wanna know your ways" in my head now.

[blyempowered]

Just got done reading chapter 6 and currently discussing on twitter.

1. The first 11 verses about cosigning and laziness really convicted me, particularly the part on laziness. Seeing some things others have went through as a result of cosigning has made me very skeptical about cosigning for anyone. Unless it is absolutely an emergency I do not plan on cosigning for anyone. Just too much unnecessary drama. But the part about laziness really convicted me. I've struggled for a while with the issue of laziness and God has to convict me through His word and through the wise counsel of people. That's still an area I need to work on but I pray that through conviction of His word and wise counsel I can get on the path of being more productive. It was so funny as the scripture talked about the ants. Ants are busy and have no authority but we have authority and suffer with laziness. Very convicting.

2. Verses 12-15 spoke to me as well. I do not want to be deceitful and known for telling lies. I've told some lies this year and know I shouldn't have. Lord allow me to be honest in all areas of life.

3. Verse 16-19 really dealt with the things the Lord hates and what is also significant is that the things the Lord hates we should hate as well. And as someone said, a lot of mess in church happens because of us tolerating these things that the Lord hate, especially things like lying and sowing discord in a family (personal family and the body of Christ).

4. In verses 20-35 there was something that struck me. We see the theme again of not committing adultery and being faithful to the one we are with. There is such a high price to pay when we commit adultery and are not faithful to our wife/husband/significant other. Backtracking a bit I also like how the writer talks about holding on the Words around your neck. The Word of God and the wise counsel of others should be on us so tight that it is a part of us. This is why knowing the Word of God and having it in our heart is so important!

[LaylaMonroe]

^^^ Very good stuff, Churchy.

[chevonee]

I really enjoyed you guys last night. I'm ready for more!!

[blyempowered]

^^^ Very good stuff, Churchy.

Thanks! Can't wait to hear from you!!

I really enjoyed you guys last night. I'm ready for more!!

OMG! It was soooo amazing! This month is going to be fabulous!!! See you tonight around 10:30 on twitter!!!

[Hasmonean1]

Chapter 7

A fourth warning goes out against immorality with particular emphasis concerning strange woman.  The seriousness of such temptations concerning a man should be noted especially for those who are of the faith.  It's interesting that the best defense exists when other women are in your corner (wisdom and understanding vs 4).  Women can spot the no good intentions of other women concerning a man far easier than a man could.  In many cases, a guy will be unaware of the subtle advances of crafty woman until it is too late as stated in verses 22 and 23.  Oh foolish man it is not cupid's arrow piercing you through the heart but rather the strange woman's dart piercing you through the liver. 
The strange woman in this chapter and throughout Proverbs refers to a seductress or immoral woman.  Solomon sinned as a result being involved with strange women of a different context but yet the affect was the same.
 I Kings 11   
 1 But king Solomon loved many strange women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians, and Hittites:

2 Of the nations concerning which the LORD said unto the children of Israel, Ye shall not go in to them, neither shall they come in unto you: for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods: Solomon clave unto these in love.
 
6 And Solomon did evil in the sight of the LORD, and went not fully after the LORD, as did David his father.

 7 Then did Solomon build an high place for Chemosh, the abomination of Moab, in the hill that is before Jerusalem, and for Molech, the abomination of the children of Ammon.

 8 And likewise did he for all his strange wives, which burnt incense and sacrificed unto their gods.

11Wherefore the LORD said unto Solomon, Forasmuch as this is done of thee, and thou hast not kept my covenant and my statutes, which I have commanded thee, I will surely rend the kingdom from thee, and will give it to thy servant.

Solomon is said to be the wisest man this world has known outside of Jesus however when it came to strange women he failed.  So is it possible to have wisdom in an area yet be vulnerable to a negative consequence of not acting upon the wisdom obtained?  Another question would be how much wisdom did Solomon truly have?  Was it limited? The reason I ask is because when he asked for wisdom he was specific about it. 2 Chronicles 1:10
 Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people: for who can judge this thy people, that is so great?
Nevertheless he was a strong man and many stong men whether it be in the physical, social, political, or spiritual have been brought down at the hands of the strange woman as stated in Proverbs 7:26.  This power is so strong that men can see on tv or read about the dismay of another man as a result of getting involved with strange women yet the next week, month, or year another will fall prey to the exact same snare.  Keep the us in prayer that we are not drawn away by our own lusts.  James 1:14
 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.

[betnich]

Solomon's wisdom apparently did not extend to the area of women, it seems...

[phbrown]

wow ... i think I only posted about the first chapter


The seventh chapter has me wondering what else can represent the immoral woman?

an immoral man?
Drugs?
Pornography?
gambling?
food?
Sex?
computers?
internet?
work?
exercise?
idolizing?
watching TV?
self-injury?
shopping?


but as a young man strange women are dangerous. I remember a girl I knew from highschool posted on my facebook page my wife was like Why is she posting on your page? LOL

I was at  a wedding the other day some women had their man catchers out in full force...



sorry I'm rambling

[blyempowered]

@phbrown exactly what we brought up on twitter. Spiritual adultery!

Just got done reading chapter 7 and currently discussing on twitter.

1. I am just blown away by how the issue of the adultery came up yet again. I like how the text clearly describes what this "seducing" woman does. She talks in a flattery way with kisses trying to show herself as the best solution when it reality she will be a problem. One of the central themes as related to adultery that I saw in the text was how important it is to have God's word hidden in our heart. What is in the heart is usually displayed by our actions. Many people go in the wrong way because God's word is not planted in the heart and also because of a lack of common sense, as mentioned in verse 7.

2. As mentioned already, I think you could look at this issue of adultery from several different angles. One angle that continues to pop up is spiritual adultery. How many times have we allowed Satan to trick our minds into going in a direction that we should not go? How many times have we allowed other things to be more important than God in our lives? I believe that when we give more attention to material things and things of Satan we are committing spiritual adultery. This reminds me of the entire issue of spiritual warfare. Our struggle is not with people. Our struggle is with the world, the flesh and the devil. Everyday is a battle to not go in the direction that could lead to death (physical and spiritual) but the more Word I have in me and actually apply the better I will be.

3. Just for the sake of making another paragraph (continuing thought from #2) I want to encourage us to keep each other encouraged in our walk. Twitter with my accountability buddies is blessing me tonight because we're somewhat being transparent. Our struggles brought us closer to God. Living for Christ brings liberty. It doesn't mean everything is settled but it means that we have someone who is on our corner. Let's keep each other encouraged as we daily deal with battles of our flesh, mind and heart trying to avoid Satan's plan and purpose.

Prayer of Application: Lord, thank you for being who you are in our lives. Give us the passion and desire to feed our hearts and minds with your wisdom, instruction and insight. Allow us to stay away from anything that will get us off the path that you've desired for us. We commit ourselves to have all of our armor in this spiritual battle! Lord we know who the real enemy is and we declare that he is defeated in the name of Jesus....Amen!

[Hasmonean1]

Chapter 8

An intense plea is made once again by wisdom to be taken.  The benefits of wisdom again are shown to be in direct contrast to affect of strange women.  Wisdom is more precious than riches because riches can be a subset of Wisdom among other things such as long life, peace, and strength. 
Verses 22 & 23 are among my memory verses.  They are very poetic and filled with spiritual significance.  It is at this point that many feel the role of Jesus in creation is described.  Others feel it is describing God's utilization of wisdom in creation.  Well we know Jesus was there and God knows the end from the beginning.  So it's possible that a combination of two philosophies existed.  This world was founded upon wisdom and it is essential to possess it and use it for the obtaining of life and favor.  By rejecting wisdom, one essentially would rob their very soul and in some cases bring about an invitation to death.

[blyempowered]

Just got done reading chapter 8.

Relevant question: What is wisdom saying or trying to express?

1. I like how wisdom is seen as something that is shouting and wanting to be used. 1a says "Listen as wisdom calls out!" Wisdom is not trying to be hid. It wants to be used. What is also interesting is that even though wisdom shouts, it is used most of the time only when personally convenient or when there are no other options.

2. To answer the question, I believe this chapter reveals wisdom wanting to show understanding, truth, common sense, wealth, good judgement, knowledge, discernment (there's that word again....it's very important for us as Christians), honor, insight, strength and success. The problem comes in that many of want to have wealth but want to have it on our own terms, not the terms of God. This is one of my personal criticisms against the prosperity theology/gospel movement. Yes God wants us to be rich but it should not be solely about me, myself and I. Wealth should come as a part of seeking God's wisdom, not the world.

3. Continuing thought #2, how can we have a mindset for wealth yet hate justice, righteousness but love pride, arrogance, corruption, and perverse speech (verses 13-21). I just have to wonder what type of society we would have if our first priority was seeking God's wisdom and applying it to all areas of life. As a society and world we are so big about wanting money, but I believe God wants us to have wisdom (that is shouting and calling) and be wealthy in His name.

Prayer of application: Lord we thank you for your Word. We thank you Lord for wisdom that has been around since the beginning of the world. Help us Lord to seek wisdom like we seek money. The wisdom you give Lord is crying out and wants to be used. Give us a desire for your wisdom that we may grow more into the people you would have us to be. We ask for forgiveness for making wealth more important than your wisdom. We say Lord, we'd rather have you than silver and gold because we realize through you we can be wealthy in a honest fashion using our wealth to glorify Your name....Amen! 

[Hasmonean1]

Chapter 9

Deuteronomy 30:19
I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:

This is the fifth and final warning against immorality serving as the culminating solicitation to wisdom.  Often in life, two ways will be set before a person(wisdom or foolishness).  Choosing the wrong way in many cases will cause much harm and distress.  The right way yields peace and prosperity.  Whatsoever road we take, we must bear the consequence or enjoy the blessings it brings.

Matthew 7:
13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:

14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.




Robert Frost

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim
Because it was grassy and wanted wear,
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I marked the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I,
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

[blyempowered]

Chapter 9:

I like everything Hasmonean1 said and really don't have much to add to what he said. I will stress just one thing that really stuck with me:

Verses 8-9. I made a commitment a few weeks ago that I was done stressing out over trying to help people who do not want to be helped. The verses state "don't bother correcting mockers; they will only hate you. But correct the wise, and they will love you. Instruct the wise, and they will even be wiser. Teach the righteous, and they will learn even more."

To me those verses say that we should make the serious effort in helping those who seek wisdom. It doesn't mean that we're not suppose to help others but we should not be stressed out trying to help people who do not want to helped and refuse to be wise. These verses also teach us as people seeking wisdom to be open to instruction and correction. We cannot get the full experience of being a disciple of Christ if we are not opened to correction and instruction.