Tuesday, March 17, 2015

Proverbs, Jeremiah

Proverbs 7
4 Say to wisdom, "You are my sister,"
And call understanding your nearest kin,
5 That they may keep you from ...

This is contrasted with the simple who is described as going like an ox in verse in verse 23. There seems to be both an aspect of choice and aptitude described. Pursue wisdom with whatever aptitude you possess and pray for more.

Proverbs 8.35
For whoever finds me [wisdom] finds life,
And obtains favor from the LORD;
1. Wisdom is more than a saying to just memorize. Finding it seems to mean more than intellectual knowledge.
2. There is a spiritual dimension to it. This wisdom is more than just "life hacks."


Proverbs 9.
14 For she [the simple woman] sits at the door of her house,
On a seat by the highest places of the city,
15 To call to those who pass by...

I think that today she may even have a website.
There's nothing wrong with her calling because Wisdom calls too. If she is simple she may not even have a sound understanding that she is doing something wrong.


Jeremiah 42.20. Inquiring of the Lord when your mind is already made up is risky business.

In Proverbs 10.2 "Treasures of wickedness profit nothing," would, at first glance, seem to not be entirely true unlit we consider it in light of its parallel statement, "But righteousness delivers from death." The benefits of wealth on this side of glory don't have substance. This truth is developed in verses 3, 7, 9, 14, 16, 17, 20, 21, 24 etc.

Moab...because you have trusted in your works and your treasures, you shall also be taken.
Jeremiah 48.7
That is probably something for me and my country to think about too.


Proverb 11.31
If the righteous will be recompensed on the earth,
How much more the ungodly and the sinner.
This Proverb seems to imply that if the Lord's justice is incomplete on this side is earth which is governed by the prince of darkness, but will be a sure think in eternity.


Proverbs 12.24
The righteous should choose his friends carefully,
For the way of the wicked leads them astray.
1. We should have friends. We need to have people working with us.
2. We should resist the tendency to passively fall in with whoever happens to land next to us.
3. Our friends do have an influence on us.
4. Reach out to pursue friendships with people who are moving along The Way.


"But God..." Ephesians 2.4
What a great thought for the day!!


Proverbs 13:19 (NET)
A desire fulfilled is sweet to the soul,
but fools abhor turning away from evil.
It is sad when our resolute determination to not give up sinful habits inhibits us from success. Chapter thirteen has much to say along these lines.


It seems to me that Proverbs 14.4 & 29 complement each other. Being aware of the principle in four helps to develop the understanding that makes 29 a reality..
4 Where no oxen are, the trough is clean;
But much increase comes by the strength of an ox.
29 He who is slow to wrath has great understanding,
But he who is impulsive[fn] exalts folly.


A wise person does not want to do things that are foolish, has the humidity to admit mistakes and wrongs, and appreciates those who correct and instruct him. He knows that right choices and habits generally allow things go better.
Proverbs 15.20
The way of the lazy man is like a hedge of thorns,
But the way of the upright is a highway.
•  Michael Allen Brotherman You've got to watch out for the humidity, it's usually what kills you. Having humility, on the other hand, is a treasure, much like yourself.
March 15 at 7:49am • Like • 4
•   Phil Martin Michael Allen Brotherman auto correct and humidity help keep people who post before 6 humble. :o)


So, this weekend I am laboring thru the loooong chapters 50-51 of Jeremiah which go on and on and on about what the Lord will do to Babylon because of what they have done to Judah, etc. what's the point of all this? Then I remember 1 Peter 2.23 and think, "Oh, that's why Jeaus could do that. I can too."

I saw a sign on a resturant that said, "Inside food, fun, and drinks. Outside real life." There's something to think about there somewhere.  I think that will preach.

I was reminded of this verse when i saw Troy and Curt talking together at Church Sunday..
Proverbs 16.31 Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life.


Proverbs 17 reminds me that it is my spiritual aptitude for wisdom not the exotic source that is key. Do I have a heart to fear the Lord? (1.7)
24 Wisdom is in the sight of him who has understanding,
But the eyes of a fool are on the ends of the earth. (NKJV)
24 Wisdom is directly in front of the discerning person,
but the eyes of a fool run to the ends of the earth. (NET)


3/17/15: I know that I should be all excited about St. Patrick's Day, but I am still amazed by the thought that God knows all the digits of Pi.

Even though the context of punishment for sin is different, I was reminded of the inspirational example of Maureen Gullickson and Mark Gullickson as I read Lamentations 3.24-25. In the middle of four chapters of gloom and doom we find this among the sweet promises.
"The LORD is my portion," says my soul,
"therefore I will hope in him."
The LORD is good to those who wait for him,
to the soul who seeks him.
Let's pray for Mark and "Mo" today.