Anyway, I have been really good about staying on course. And the interesting thing is when I have missed (like I did one day last week), I've noticed what a difference it makes for me spiritually. How that one day I did struggle more than on those other days that I started off in the Word.
I have been reading Proverbs, and let me just say WHOA! Every single verse has so much... good advice! I have been keeping a list of those that jump out at me, and will share some of them below.
But first I want to share this with you. If you have been reading my blog, you know that I have struggled with waking up in the morning. Last week I actually woke up early enough to go to Theology Breakfast (will explain what that is later), and I went back to sleep! When I got up to get ready for work that morning I was so disappointed in myself. I told myself 'next week, I just have to go, no excuses.'
This past Wednesday night I made sure to go to bed at a decent time, and set my alarm for 6 am. I prayed that God would help me to get up in the morning, because I really didn't want to disappoint myself again. Lo and behold, I got up! Got ready for work and went to Theology Breakfast! And it was so edifying... I got to sit in my pastor's study with other church members, and listen to him read from Martin Luther about Romans 4. And then to hear the thoughtful discussion that came from it was just... great! I mean so great that I can't find adequate words to express it... let's just say it's such a breath of fresh air to hear men speak about theology and doctrine so passionately, so much so that they have made it their life's work.
Afterwards I went home to have my quiet time. I read this:
Proverbs 26:14 (KJV)
14As the door turneth upon his hinges, so doth the slothful upon his bed.
Ryrie Study Bible note: The slothful person is as attached to his bed as a door is to its hinges.
That perfectly described me exactly one week before. It's not pretty, and it's definitely not how I want to be.
Soooooo, on to some verses: :)
+++++
Proverbs 3:11-20 (KJV)
11My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction:
12For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.
13Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.
14For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold.
15She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.
16Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour.
17Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.
18She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her.
19The LORD by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens.
20By his knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew.
Proverbs 8 (KJV)
22The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old.
23I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was.
24When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when there were no fountains abounding with water.
25Before the mountains were settled, before the hills was I brought forth:
26While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the highest part of the dust of the world.
27When he prepared the heavens, I was there: when he set a compass upon the face of the depth:
28When he established the clouds above: when he strengthened the fountains of the deep:
29When he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment: when he appointed the foundations of the earth:
30Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him;
31Rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth; and my delights were with the sons of men.
Note: The passage shows wisdom is older than creation and is fundamental to it (v. 23), that it assisted in creation as a master workman (v.30), and that it rejoiced in creation (vv.30-31).
36But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death.
Proverbs 9 (KJV)
7He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot.
Note: scorner = scoffer. The wicked person will not only not receive criticism but will turn on the one trying to help him. blot. lit., his blemish; i.e., an insult.
10The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.
Proverbs 10 (KJV)
5He that gathereth in summer is a wise son: but he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame.
12Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.
21The lips of the righteous feed many: but fools die for want of wisdom.
Proverbs 11:14 (KJV)
14Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.
Proverbs 12:15 (KJV)
15The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.
These two on seeking counsel are terrific! Oh what a difference it has made in my life to have people who I can go to, who I am accountable, who know God's Word and Truth, and can help me to see where I am struggling/sinning/improving! :)
Proverbs 13 (KJV)
12Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life.
19The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul: but it is abomination to fools to depart from evil.
Note: Nothing is so sweet as gaining some desired thing, but fools won't leave their evil ways to do that.
Proverbs 14 (KJV)
12There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
13Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful; and the end of that mirth is heaviness.
Proverbs 15 (KJV)
13A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.
26The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD: but the words of the pure are pleasant words.
Proverbs 16 (KJV)
3Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.
Note: Commit. lit., roll. Roll your burdens on the Lord; although they may cause you anxiety, they are not to great for Him.
6By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.
Note: mercy. Loyal love. truth. Faithfulness. purged. lit., atoned for. The atonement for man's sin is the result of God's loyal love and faithfulness. The fear of the Lord motivates a man to turn away from sin when he is tempted.
17The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: he that keepeth his way preserveth his soul.
20He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy is he.
22Understanding is a wellspring of life unto him that hath it: but the instruction of fools is folly.
(calls to mind Proverbs 4:23).
25There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
Proverbs 17:16 (KJV)
16Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, seeing he hath no heart to it?
Note: wherefore = why. hath no heart to it. Better, has no understanding. This picture of a fool trying to buy wisdom is satirical, for wisdom cannot be purchased at any price. Nor is it reveived through some mechanical formula, but only by a proper heart attitude.
Whew! Okay, I have more, but will post them later. :)
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