2019 Jan 09 Proverbs 9, Psalms
2019 Jan 09 Proverbs 9, Psalms
A hearty hello, wishing you well! Let's continue in Proverbs 9, this time just verses 13-15:
"13 A stupid woman is loud. She is ignorant and knows absolutely nothing. 14 She sits at the entrance of her house On a seat in the high places of the city, 15 Calling out to those passing by, To those walking straight ahead on their way:"
Prove 9:13 This woman is "loud," devoid of the "quiet and mild spirit which is of great value in the eyes of God," marked by humility, patience, and gentle mildness. (1Pete 3:4). The "stupid" woman is not necessarily unintelligent by worldly standards. She is MORALLY stupid, ignorant of the value of God's standards. She may well know what God says is right, but does not understand the path of righteousness, and often chooses to disregard the right path, to her harm, and that of others. She "knows absolutely nothing" regarding divine knowledge, not understanding the "fear of Jehovah" which is the "beginning of knowledge" and the "beginning of wisdom" (Prove 1:7; 9:10). The things she is aware of do not contribute to one's receiving of eternal life from God, rather she often contributes to one's death, by discouraging them from keeping integrity to God.
Prove 9:14,15 Sitting in the "high places" of the city may make her seem to be a prominent person of the city--how inappropriate! Such is the way of a proud, or arrogant one, exalting oneself above others. She has no business calling out to "those passing by" as if she has something of value to say to them--when in reality she leads others only to their downfall.
Such a person today, man or woman, needs urgently to repent of such foolishness, and turn humbly to God in prayer for His powerful assistance, asking for divine wisdom, "which he gives generously to all and without reproaching." (James 1:5). God "does not desire anyone to be destroyed, but desires all to attain to repentance." (2Pete 3:9). Acts 3:19 says "Repent, therefore, and turn around so as to get your sins blotted out, so that seasons of refreshing may come from Jehovah himself." Appreciate God's mercy and love, as expressed in the exhortation of Isaiah 55:6,7: "Search for Jehovah while he may be found. Call to him while he is near.7 Let the wicked man leave his way And the evil man his thoughts; Let him return to Jehovah, who will have mercy on him, To our God, for he will forgive in a large way." Consider carefully God's word and instructions, to affect our very thoughts and heart, stirring us to be obedient to His loving guidance. Proverbs 1-10 and Jesus' Sermon on the Mount at Matthew 5-7 are great starting points for such repentant ones. Jehovah is the God of hope. (1Timo 4:10). Nevertheless some may have strayed beyond recovery, reminding all of how important for ourselves and others for us to remain squarely on the path of righteousness and eternal happiness.
Psalm 81 (Book 3, 9th psalm) opens with a rousing exhortation: "1 Shout joyfully to God our strength. Shout in triumph to the God of Jacob." Jehovah alone is worthy of worshipful praise and glory! The wonderful works of Jehovah testify to His superior greatness. He speaks to His people, in verse 10: "I, Jehovah, am your God, the one who brought you out of the land of Egypt." What a powerful testimony to God's power and wisdom, as he brought His enslaved people Israel out of mighty Egypt under the leadership of Moses. When Egypt's army regretted and went in pursuit, was Jehovah prepared? He opened the Red Sea at a prepared location, allowing for a sloping but manageable journey from one side to the other for all of God's people. Some distance to either side would have been an unmanageable drop in depth of roughly a mile! But not so at the area at which God guided His people across. When Egypt's commanding Pharaoh unwisely chased after them, God fought for His people, even removing wheels from Egyptian chariots (Exodu 14:25). Then God forcefully closed the parted waters over the Egyptian army, to their destruction! (Exodu 14:26-31) To this day relics remain lying on the floor of the Red Sea, bearing testimony to God's great power and loyal love for His servants. Let them remain for all the world to see and know of the greatness of God's holy name!
Have you seen evidence of this great act of God? Try: www.arkdiscovery.com/red_sea_crossing.htm
The psalm continues with God's loving appeal to His people, in verses 13-16: "If only my people would listen to me, If only Israel would walk in my ways! 14 Their enemies I would quickly subdue; I would turn my hand against their adversaries. 15 Those who hate Jehovah will cringe in his presence, And their outcome will be forever. 16 But he will feed you with the finest wheat And satisfy you with honey from the rock.”
God's word clearly reveals true Christians now to be God's favored people. (Acts 4:10-12). Clearly, Jehovah God is fully capable of providing whatever His people need, and however many they are, to their satisfaction! May we 'listen to Him' and 'walk in His ways,' exercising faith in God's power, wisdom, justice, and 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!
