2018 Dec 08 Proverbs 8, Psalms
2018 Dec 08 Proverbs 8, Psalms
Welcome, best wishes to all! Let's continue with Proverbs 8. Let's review verse 11, then continue with verses 12-16:
"11 For wisdom is better than corals; All other desirable things cannot compare to it. 12 I, wisdom, dwell together with shrewdness; I have found knowledge and thinking ability. 13 The fear of Jehovah means the hating of bad. I hate self-exaltation and pride and the evil way and perverse speech.14 I possess good advice and practical wisdom; Understanding and power are mine. 15 By me kings keep reigning, And high officials decree righteousness. 16 By me princes keep ruling, And nobles judge in righteousness."
Prov 8:11 Corals were rare and highly prized in Solomon's day, but no material gift or desired thing can compare to true godly wisdom, as it brings meaning and purpose to life and thereby increases enjoyment in the delights we may experience.
Prov 8:12 Shrewdness, or foresighted prudence, dwells with true wisdom. This quality enables us to look ahead at the consequences of good and bad decisions and actions. Thus we grow in wisdom without having to experience the results of bad decisions ourselves, along with associated troubles, turmoil, headaches, heartaches, heartbreaks, problems, grief, and pain, and the need to recover from such things at times with the help of parents or spiritual shepherds to get back on track spiritually. Let's make good decisions as we stay far away from the path of the wicked, realizing the detrimental consequences of evil practices, as well as the blessings and rewards associated with right conduct. Thus we may avoid being naïve, and find real success in life, keeping away from snares and traps hindering our success in God's eyes (Prov 22:3).
Prov 8:13 What insight into godly fear--associated with the hating of bad! As we learn the consequences of badness, we may thus find reason to hate it thoroughly, and rather treasure what is truly good, in harmony with God's standards. We find here four things worth hating, including self-exaltation and pride, lifting oneself up above others, viewing others as lesser ones. God's word says "knowledge puffs up," while "love builds up." True love is humble, viewing others as superior to ourselves. Others have gifts and talents as we do, often more or better than us, but regardless, all such gifts and talents come from our God, the giver of "every good gift and perfect present." (James 1:17). Therefore we've no reason to brag or boast in ourselves, or flatter ourselves, making it harder to see our flaws and correct them (Psal 36:2).
Prov 8:14-16 Jesus exemplified true wisdom, and proved to be a "Wonderful Counselor." By his teachings and example as recorded in God's word, high officials and nobles may decree righteousness, and judge in harmony with law, which is hopefully respectful of the law of God.
Psalm 119:57-64, containing the acrostic of the 8th letter of the Hebrew alphabet, says this: "57 Jehovah is my portion; I have promised to keep your words. 58 I appeal to you with all my heart; Show me favor according to your promise. 59 I have examined my ways, In order to turn my feet back to your reminders. 60 I hurry and do not delay To keep your commandments. 61 The ropes of the wicked surround me, But your law I do not forget. 62 At midnight I get up to give you thanks For your righteous judgments. 63 I am a friend of all who fear you And of those who keep your orders. 64 Your loyal love, O Jehovah, fills the earth; Teach me your regulations."
Notice verses 59,60 of Psalm 119. At times we need to examine ourselves, looking at the way we do things, as we receive God's reminders on how we should live. May we 'turn our feet back to God's reminders,' walking squarely on the path leading to everlasting life in God's new world, setting an example for those we love that they might find life themselves. Thus may we "hurry" and "not delay to keep [God's] commandments." Such commandments, you may recall, are "not burdensome" but rather in harmony with the love of God. (1Joh 5:3). May we let God teach us his regulations, in harmony with His "loyal love."
Find Life and See
Between Winchester, Virginia, and hopefully, Washington D.C., having confidence that our thankful trust in God will not fail to inspire us to the peace He has purposed via His Kingdom!
