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Bible Pathways - July 22, 2005


July 22

 

Read Proverbs 8:1

 

In Today's Reading:

 

Benefits of wisdom; wise and foolish contrasted

 

Nothing in life is more to be treasured or more priceless than knowing the Word of God. As Solomon spoke these proverbs to his son, God is also speaking to us as His sons. All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing froward (crooked, deceitful) or perverse (wrong) in them. They are all plain to him that understands, and right to them that find knowledge. Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold. For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it (Proverbs 8:8-11).

 

Is it any surprise that Satan relentlessly seeks to keep Christians so focused on material or financial goals that many are not reading what God has written as the only sure way of knowing the will of God. When we commit ourselves to obedience of God's Word, our first considerations should be love, loyalty, and service to our Lord.

 

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the Holy is understanding (9:10). This wisdom and understanding cover every aspect of life: physical, moral, spiritual, financial, and our social well-being. The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward (perverted) mouth, do I hate. Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength. . . . I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. . . . Now therefore hearken to me, O . . . children: for blessed are they that keep my ways. . . . For whoso finds me finds life, and shall obtain favor of the LORD But he that sins against me wrongs his own soul: all they that hate me (God's Word) love death (8:13-14,17,32,35-36).

 

The basic difference between the wise man and the fool is in the use each makes of his time, talents, and material possessions. When we rely on God and His Word it will result in loving obedience to Him (see 3:5-6).

 

We are all on one of two roads in our journey through life. The road followed by the wise is narrower and more difficult but it brings happiness, satisfaction, peace, and eternal life. The broad road of the foolish inevitably leads to vanity (a life of self-interest) and, ultimately, into the eternal lake of fire. Death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:14-15).

 

Christ Revealed:

 

As the Creator who prepared the heavens (Proverbs 8:27-31; compare John 1:3). You, Lord, in the beginning have laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of Your hands (Hebrews 1:10).

 

Word Studies:

 

8:12 of witty inventions = with wise insight; 8:29 his decree = its boundary; 9:7 getteth himself a blot = gets insults in return; 10:1 heaviness = grief, shame; 10:4 slack = negligent, lazy; 10:8 prating fool = self-sufficient know-it-all; 11:6 naughtiness = wickedness.

 

Prayer Needs:

 

Pray for Staff: Bernice Rathbone · Government Officials: Rep. Robert Aderholt (AL), Rep. Michael Ferguson (NJ), Sen. Kay Hutchison (TX), Rep. John Larson (CT), Rep. Steven LaTourette (OH), and Rep. Curt Weldon (PA) · Country: Greenland (60,000) northeast of Canada · Major languages: Eskimo dialects and Danish · Religious freedom · 98% Protestant; .1% Roman Catholic · Prayer Suggestion: Pray for more faithful Christian workers (I Thessalonians 1:2-3).

 

Optional Reading: Titus 3

 

Memory Verse for the Week: 1 Thessalonians 4:16



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