2019 Mar 08 Proverbs 8, Psalm 107
2019 Mar 08 Proverbs 8, Psalm 107
Welcome, wishing you a fine day! Let’s conclude Proverbs 8, with verses 32-36. You may recall earlier verses of this chapter referred to God’s son Jesus as “wisdom personified.” Let’s note his concluding remarks:
“32 And now, my sons, listen to me; Yes, happy are those who keep my ways. 33 Listen to discipline and become wise, And never neglect it. 34 Happy is the man who listens to me By coming early to my doors day by day, By waiting next to my doorposts; 35 For the one finding me will find life, And he receives approval from Jehovah. 36 But the one who ignores me harms himself, And those who hate me love death.””
Prove 8:32 Jesus says “listen to me.” God makes a similar plea at Isaiah 55:2, saying “2 Why do you keep paying out money for what is not bread, And why spend your earnings for what brings no satisfaction? Listen intently to me, and eat what is good, And you will find great delight in what is truly rich.” Yes, the words of God and His son bring great satisfaction and happiness to those who truly listen and heed them. Jesus also said “Pay attention to how you listen.” (Luke 8:18). We need godly discernment to make good judgments as to what we choose to ponder, that may affect our heart and actions. Certainly, though, we can trust the words of God and Christ to be reliable and truly beneficial. Do you ponder their thoughts, or read the Bible merely for head knowledge? May we take the time to appreciate God’s word, consider how we should apply it, and why it is so beneficial and worthy of appreciation, as it leads to our genuine happiness.
Prove 8:33 The words of God and Christ offer fine discipline leading to true wisdom. Recall that this word “discipline” comes from the same root as “disciple”—meaning loving guidance and instruction, as Jesus aided his disciples. A child receiving such discipline should feel loved and appreciated, not dejected by constant punishment. May parents thus be proactive in lovingly helping and guiding their children, that they may be understanding what they need to do to make their parents, God and others happy. Proverbs 23:24 says “24 The father of a righteous one will surely be joyful; Whoever fathers a wise son will rejoice in him.” Try not to discourage the questions of a child—providing age-appropriate answers as parents are able. How fine that they may look to loving parents for the guidance they need!
Prove 8:34 Some enjoy rising early to give consideration to God’s word and spiritual matters. Psalm 1:1-3 discusses the happiness found thereby: “1 Happy is the man who does not walk according to the advice of the wicked And does not stand on the path of sinners And does not sit in the seat of scoffers. 2 But his delight is in the law of Jehovah, And he reads His law in an undertone day and night. 3 He will be like a tree planted by streams of water, A tree that produces fruit in its season, The foliage of which does not wither. And everything he does will succeed.” May we appreciate God’s instruction daily, especially the words of his Son that have explained God to us more clearly. (John 1:18). We needn’t view God’s word as overwhelming. Recall, for example, that Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount is contained in just three chapters of Matthew, Matthew 5-7, and has been said to comprise nearly a quarter of all that God requires of true Christians. Add the first 10 chapters of Proverbs for another sizable percentage of value.
Prove 8:35,36 May we thus find Christ by being familiar with Jesus’ teachings and recognizing their value and application. Thus we may become true Christians, genuine followers, and find God’s approval. Jesus always gave attention to his Father, honoring Him. He has thus become “Lord to the glory of God the Father.” (Phili 2:11). While learning from Christ, it is ultimately God’s approval that he taught us to seek. Still, “...I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to Father except through me,” he says. (John 14:6). We will therefore benefit greatly by earnestly studying and applying Jesus’ teachings. Ignoring his teachings brings harm to oneself, perhaps even leading one to actually hate him, blocking the way to God and eternal life.
Psalm 107:39-43 While the poor were blessed by God in the previous verses, here we see factors in this system of things that may bring hardship. But God can still offer support and protection. Notice how this is described:
“39 But again they become few and are humiliated Because of oppression, calamity, and grief. 40 He pours out contempt upon nobles And makes them wander in trackless wastelands. 41 But he protects the poor from oppression And makes their families as numerous as a flock.
42 The upright see this and rejoice; But all the unrighteous shut their mouths. 43 Whoever is wise will observe these things And will carefully consider Jehovah’s acts of loyal love.“
Thus may we rejoice in God’s “acts of loyal love” and “wonderful works.” As the God of perfect justice, He will bring in due time, through His Kingdom and His son, the solutions mankind needs to dwell in true peace and happiness. In relation to the poor, Psalm 72 says of God’s son: “14 From oppression and from violence he will rescue them, And their blood will be precious in his eyes.” Yes, Jesus views people as God Jehovah does, with great compassion and consideration. May we take to heart God’s love, loving Him in return by seeking to obey His commands, and maintaining a right standing before Him.
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!
