Week Twenty Three - Day Three

We will spend the next three days reading one more form of Biblical literature: wisdom literature. This kind of writing is sometimes hard for me to read devotionally. It’s very quotable, but the principle-driven writings of Paul and the story-driven writings of the history sections are easier for me to read in large chunks and to derive devotional benefit. Yet, as with all of Scripture, we can benefit greatly from pouring over the wisdom of Proverbs.

It is pregnant with straight-to-the-point, Godly advice about various topics. Sometimes the various topics can present a challenge because it moves very quickly from one thing to another – like being fed with a fire hose. (Actually at the beginning of Proverbs Solomon doesn’t bounce from one topic to another quite so rapidly so you get more of a flow here.)

Still, it can be very helpful if you take your time and marinate in it. Give this chapter some air. Let it wash over you slowly. Find the one nugget or two that really stand out to you and spend some time with them. Let these words carry you through your day.

Chapter 4

¹ Listen, my sons, to a father’s instruction;
   pay attention and gain understanding.
² I give you sound learning,
   so do not forsake my teaching.
³ For I too was a son to my father,
   still tender, and cherished by my mother.
⁴ Then he taught me, and he said to me,
   “Take hold of my words with all your heart;
   keep my commands, and you will live.
⁵ Get wisdom, get understanding;
   do not forget my words or turn away from them.
⁶ Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you;
   love her, and she will watch over you.
⁷ The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom.
   Though it cost all you have, get understanding.
⁸ Cherish her, and she will exalt you;
   embrace her, and she will honor you.
⁹ She will give you a garland to grace your head
   and present you with a glorious crown.”

 ¹⁰ Listen, my son, accept what I say,
   and the years of your life will be many.
¹¹ I instruct you in the way of wisdom
   and lead you along straight paths.
¹² When you walk, your steps will not be hampered;
   when you run, you will not stumble.
¹³ Hold on to instruction, do not let it go;
   guard it well, for it is your life.
¹⁴ Do not set foot on the path of the wicked
   or walk in the way of evildoers.
¹⁵ Avoid it, do not travel on it;
   turn from it and go on your way.
¹⁶ For they cannot rest until they do evil;
   they are robbed of sleep till they make someone stumble.
¹⁷ They eat the bread of wickedness
   and drink the wine of violence.

 ¹⁸ The path of the righteous is like the morning sun,
   shining ever brighter till the full light of day.
¹⁹ But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness;
   they do not know what makes them stumble.

 ²⁰ My son, pay attention to what I say;
   turn your ear to my words.
²¹ Do not let them out of your sight,
   keep them within your heart;
²² for they are life to those who find them
   and health to one’s whole body.
²³ Above all else, guard your heart,
   for everything you do flows from it.
²⁴ Keep your mouth free of perversity;
   keep corrupt talk far from your lips.
²⁵ Let your eyes look straight ahead;
   fix your gaze directly before you.
²⁶ Give careful thought to the paths for your feet
   and be steadfast in all your ways.
²⁷ Do not turn to the right or the left;
   keep your foot from evil.

BEFORE YOU START YOUR DAY

1. 1.According to Solomon, how valuable is wisdom? What is of supreme value to you?
2. 2.How does this passage speak to you this morning?
3. 3.Dedicate your day to God.