April 2, 2018

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Read – Proverbs 22:17-29

What does it say?
When wise, true, and reliable teaching is applied to the heart, it increases trust in the Lord and provides a person with sound answers.

What does it mean?
Solomon compiled 30 true and reliable sayings from other wise men to impart knowledge and wisdom to his readers (22:22 – 24:34). Even though he was considered the wisest of the wise, Solomon listened to what others had to say. He gave his reader four actions to take: pay attention, listen, apply the teaching, and keep the truths in your heart. Life change isn’t created by simply listening to wise and godly teaching – it must be pursued by meditating on the passage of Scripture and putting into practice what you learn. As a result, trust in God increases, and trustworthy advice can be given to others.

How should I respond?
To whom do you turn for advice? What is their source of knowledge and wisdom? If those you turn to are getting their answers for life anywhere other than Scripture, their advice is risky. So how can we follow Solomon’s prescription for wisdom today? First, recognize that God’s Word is the only reliable source of wisdom. Pay attention to what it says and listen to others who trust Scripture as the final authority for their lives. Then really think about the implication of a particular passage. How can you put it into practice immediately? Knowledge comes from reading and listening, but wisdom is the result of applying that knowledge.

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April 1, 2018

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Read – Proverbs 22:1-16

What does it say?
Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not turn from it. Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far from him.

What does it mean?
Verses 6 and 15 address the training and discipline of children. Training is intentionally narrowing down a child’s conduct to what pleases God, while discipline is the correction of foolish and wrong behavior. Consistent with other Proverbs, “the way” a child should be trained is in the wisdom of God. The aim should be to develop a godly heart and mind, which leads to godly conduct. It is important to remember that Proverbs are “wise sayings,” not promises. Every child has free will to choose whether or not to follow God. In general, most kids follow their parents’ example when those parents promptly exercise their authority with love (13:24) while modeling godly lives.

How should I respond?
The ultimate goal of parenting is to work yourself out of a job by preparing your kids to be responsible adults. As Christian parents, we also want our children to live godly lives. Godly behavior is the result of a godly worldview. How are you intentionally training your children to follow the Lord? It takes steadfast resolve to be consistent in disciplining foolish or rebellious behavior. Ask God to help you act promptly with patience and love. Remember, the life you model at home will outweigh any lesson or sermon at church.

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March 31, 2018

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Read – Proverbs 21

What does it say?
God sees the hearts of both the wicked and the wise and righteous. No human wisdom or plan can succeed against the Lord.

What does it mean?
This chapter begins and ends with God’s sovereign control over all, including the most powerful people. Any human effort that opposes God’s plan will ultimately fail. He knows the human heart even better than the individual knows himself; His assessment of a person’s motives is always correct. A clear contrast is drawn between the wicked and the righteous. The wicked – described as arrogant, hypocritical, violent, mean, and deceitful – will be punished because they refuse to do what’s right. The righteous – marked by love, wisdom, generosity, and justice – are blessed here on earth and rewarded eternally.

How should I respond?
The cause of those who oppose Christ is advancing at an alarming pace. Prayer and Scripture are being systematically removed from our culture. The number of Christians being martyred for their faith has doubled in recent years. At times evil may seem to be winning, but its momentary success will ultimately fall to the Lord’s triumph. The ungodly may plot and plan, but God’s purposes will succeed. When God looks at your heart, are you among the righteous or the wicked? You may not be violent or mean, but are you guilty of being arrogant, deceitful, or hypocritical? Ask God to show you the truth about your own heart; then allow Him to use you to accomplish His purpose and plan.

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