Proverbs 13 the Goldmine of Spritual Wisdom

The Proverbs are an affluent treasure of godly wisdom. Here we learn what really makes one rich! "God is not a respecter of persons!" This wisdom is here for all of us to unearth! Solomon shares with us a sampling of this marvelous wisdom. Journey on with me as we continue on through this series of the Proverbs! There is a wealth of spiritual nuggets uncovered as we mine through its contents. The Holy Spirit will guide you as you continue on in your private personal time to shift through the contents of the Proverbs! All one must do is ask Him to fill you, open your spiritual eyes and solicit His help to illuminate your path.

Solomon set a standard for wisdom. The Word tells us that Solomon was the wisest and riches many that ever lived! Here is wisdom fit for his royal court and just as appropriate for his family, subsequent generations and yes centuries later beneficial for us today! The Scriptures has many applicable principles for our day to day life! From them we can learn how to better cope with many life issues and situations! Here we learn how to become resilient!

This Goldmine of Spiritual Wisdom teaches us that Solomon came to the throne with much promise and privilege! The Lord had greatly bestowed His father David. "And Solomon said ; You have shown great mercy to your servant David my father, because he walked with before You in TRUTH, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with You; You have continued this great kindness to him, and You have given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day." I Kings 3. His father David was a great warrior.

David being a warrior was not given permission to build the Temple. David was a man after God's own heart! The task for this extraordinary project to build the Temple was inherited by his son Solomon. He built an amazing magnificent grand Temple. In honor of the Lord he did not even allow a hammer or any other tool at the building site. The stones were very high grade quality stones that had to be constructed miles away at a quarry and transported to the site. What respect when into building this sanctuary took place. What discipline this entailed. One must read I Kings 3 for the detailed description of the Temples furnishings and this elaborate structure the finest materials were used. The point here is Solomon had it all. Authority, wisdom, resources, intelligence, land, minerals, money you name it. He was wealthy in every way. God provided him with an abundant life! He was King of israel and God had chosen Israel to bless the world.

As you listen to the above prayer notice the relationship that Solomon had with the Lord! He openly, sincerely communicated with the Lord his feelings graciously, respectfully and transparently. This is such a beautiful heartfelt example of fervent prayer. God is totally aware this is why it is so important to be open and honest with Him. The Lord gave Solomon a discerning heart. Here is the remainder of Solomon's prayer! "Now O Lord my God, You have made your servant king instead of my father David, but I am but a child; I do not know how to go out or come in. And your servant is in the midst of your people you have chose, a great people, too numerous to be numbered or counted. Therefore give to your servant and understanding heart to judge your people, that I may discern between Good and evil..." I Kings 3

Today we benefit from the wisdom gleaned from Solomon's many life lessons! King David his father stressed the importance of him seeking the Lord and making His laws the center of his government in order to preserve the kingdom.

Proverbs 13

PROVERBIAL LESSON HIGHLIGHTS!

Self Control

In order to master your behavior one must learn self control! "The tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts." James 3. This is one of the first places to start! "He who guards his lips guards his life, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin." Although ever so small it is powerful! If you are able to control your tongue you can learn to control the rest of your body.

Let Your Light Shine

"The light of the righteous shines brightly, but the lamp of the wicked is snuffed out. Every time we obey the Lord our lights shine brighter. The Lord will bring order to your life even in the midst of the messiness around you. "His Word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path." Light represents what is good and pure, holy and true. Darkness represents evil. The Lord will expose the darkness that attempts to surround you. He will expose deceit. Sin cannot constantly coexist in the presence of light. "This is the message we have heard from Him and declare to you: God is light in Him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with Him yet walk in darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth..." I John 1There is a popular familiar praise song: "This Little Light Of Mine I'm Going To Let It Shine" Let is shine, let it shine, let it shine! All in my heart I'm going to let it shine...

Pride

Pride often hinders someone admitting they were wrong. It will also hinder them from seeking wise counsel or advice. Pride is what often causes quarrels and disputes. It divides and causes conflict. If you are one to always argue or need to be right it is good to "check yourself!" "Pride only breeds quarrels but wisdom is found in those who take advice." Humility is the opposite of pride. Be open to sound godly advice and be willing to admit your mistakes. God always knows our hearts!

Wisdom

The Proverbs are full of godly wisdom it is a "Goldmine of SPIRITUAL WISDOM." Here we can find the answers to our life, problems and issues as well as throughout the Scriptures! Solomon shares his wisdom to help us have a better quality God centered life. "The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, turning man from the snares of death. Good understanding wins favor, but the way of the unfaithful is hard." Remember; "Blessed is the man who finds wisdom the man that gains understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. She is more precious than rubies, nothing you desire can compare with her..." Proverbs 3

Walking Wisely

Who we associate with affects us greatly. One must be careful who he chooses as their spouse or close friend(s). As you grow together you will take on each other's qualities. We as believers are to live as active witnesses. We are supposed to be loyal to God's principles for living. "Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what does righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can Light have with darkness?" II Corinthians 6. Of course we are to relate to unbelievers but one must be careful that they do not allow themselves to be pulled away from what they know is right. We must hold God's Word dear to our hearts. "He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm." Don't accept advice only when you agree with it. Seek wise godly counsel, here in the Proverbs Solomon offers us wise godly counsel!

Disciplining Your Child

It is very important to discipline your children, to teach them good healthy boundaries. Children learn more by what they see you do rather than what you say. It is in their very early formative years that they develop their own personality. Studies show that this can be as early as three. Each of us has an inborn innate natural God given temperament! We are to love, nurture, protect and provide our children with a safe healthy living environment. This is our responsibility as parents! Children do not belong to us they are entrusted to us by God!

Proper discipline is always exercised with Love. Do you want to punish or discipline is the question? Do you want them to obey out of fear or love? Discipline makes them wise. Being too rigid or too lax are both dangerous. There needs to be a healthy balance. Children need consistency! Without proper discipline they are apt to grow up without fully realizing the importance of healthy boundaries. We should always teach them to seek God's wisdom above all and to live to please Him! "He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him." It is NEVER proper to beat or abuse a child! The rod is used for guidance and correction. Remember; Moses rod it was used for protection and discipline!

PROVERBS 13 concludes by telling us: "The righteous eat to their hearts content, but the stomach of the wicked goes hungry."