Proverbs the Goldmine of Wisdom - Warnings Against Enticement

The book of Proverbs is a standard of divine truth! These words of wisdom are from the "court" of King Solomon. They are powerful instructions for everyday godly living! King Solomon himself composed over 3,000 Proverbs! He was the wisest man to ever live and left a legacy of wisdom. He was the builder of the first temple in Jerusalem. He was the son of King David, the richest king to ever live ~ and had seven hundred wives and three hundred concubines! We can all learn from Solomon's accomplishments as well as his mistakes! He was known for his great God given wisdom that was sought after by many throughout the world.

Proverbs is full of short pithy sayings that express timeless truth! Here lies the knowledge of wisdom, instructions for life and discernment. Spiritual understanding is what awakens and matures our discernment! Proverbs was written to teach moral insight! It is here in the Proverbs you will find a goldmine of wisdom.

The Proverbs are for continued enjoyment! To obtain spiritual learning, true happiness and good discipline is to begin to read a Proverbs each day! It is a treasured almanac! It has a plethora of topics, love, marriage, youth, children, family matters, business wisdom, how to relate to coworkers and friends, finances, immorality, sex, relationships and just plain good everyday common sense! If one really desires to truly be successful it is important to keep in mind your relationship with God, extends beyond this side of heaven! Your ever growing relationship with the Lord does not perish! By reading a Proverb each day you are able to inwardly matriculate its contents. There is actually one for each day of the month. Whatever today's date is start right there!

Proverbs: for the wise & godly ~ those who follow the teachings

Proverbs: for the foolish & wicked ~ those who ignore the teachings

In this next series I will share with you a few tidbits of golden nuggets on each Proverb! I hope that you will take time to thoroughly read each Proverb on your own. Take notes and see what is applicable for you! Please try to keep an open mind and remember the proverbs are to impart Wisdom which is the practical use of knowledge! God does not want you to live an unhappy legalistic life! "the truth sets you free"

Proverbs 1

Key verse: "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instructions."

If you are looking for a prescription to be blessed look no farther. It is here you discover the fear of God. "How to give prudence to the simple..." Solomon instructed the youth to grasp wisdom at an early age. Although it is directed at all ages, he realized the significant value of learning and applying these invaluable principles early on. He did this regardless of age, sex, or position. They are meant to be integrated into everyday life! Choosing God's way helps us to live better lives when we embrace His ageless principles. The Proverbs are also augmented with wise advice for those who desire to be leaders!

God told Solomon that he could ask for whatever he wanted! Solomon could have asked for riches or anything? But he asked the Lord ; "To give him a discerning heart," See I KINGS 3 This pleased the Lord! He not only gave Him wisdom but great wealth, extravagant riches and power as well. Solomon built a glorious magnificent temple! A place where the people of God could come and gather to "worship the Lord!"

It is in this first Proverbs that Solomon stresses the importance of learning how to listen properly! No one knows it all. We are here to learn! Since God sees us as "his children" I view life as "kindergarten" We are only at the beginning of eternal life! We have a long way to go. In this age of technology we readily have available access to much knowledge. But without the wisdom to apply that knowledge it simply means one may simply know a lot? Wisdom on the other hand takes knowledge a step further . Wisdom ~ "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom..."

Proverbs 1 gives us a vivid illustration of wisdom crying out in the streets loudly! And also warns us to be sure, to not be enticed into doing what is wrong! It is important to remember that its God's approval we should ultimately seek! II Timothy tells us: "do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman need not be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly..."

The Proverbs are often written in couplets that contrast, compare and are complementing! In order to receive the wisdom of God one must be open to Him! To comprehend the intended advice you must desire to want to know "his way" and be willing to relinquish your way as well as the path of the world! Life will present many challenges! Along the way the Lord provides joy as we keep our mind on him. "You will keep in perfect peace him, whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts you..." Isaiah 26

If you feel that you do not need any direction from the Lord the scriptures will not be of much value to you. It will be a lot easier for you to pick and choose what you want to hear or don't want to hear. One must take time and "Be still and know!" God is always speaking we just have to get better at listening. Just take a good look all around and see what is going on all around the world about us! It is important to set aside time to nourish and feed your mind spiritually with the word of God! To allow His Holy Spirit to fill you and guide you to all truth! Through Jesus Christ we have a precious gift; "But I tell you the truth: it is good that I go away. Unless I go away, The counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you. When He comes He will convict the world of guilt in regards to sin and righteousness and judgment ...John 16

The world really wants to quiet the voice of the Holy Spirit! To make doing what the majority feels is right to
appear okay! To ensnare you into a carnal mode of living. There is much deception about us! Just put your spiritual cap on for a moment. There are consequences when one does not fear God! He is the one who gives us ALL the breath of life whether you believe it or not! Lay aside some time and get to know him for yourself! King Solomon who was the richest and wisest man ever to live, experienced many joys, pleasures and sorrows! It is here he shares his acquired wisdom! Proverbs has a wealth of practical wisdom to help us navigate through the mazes of life!

Reading a Proverb each day will refresh in your mind "what God has to say." It will increase your wisdom and sharpen your discernment! It will help you to embrace God's way and live a more satisfying, rewarding, peaceful & Joyful life regardless of what is happening! You cannot change anything that has happened. But you can go on from here! Proverbs will help you make better life decisions! God knows everything that has happened, is happening and will happen! This is what happens when you invite the presence of His Holy Spirit into your life! "But when he the spirit of truth comes he will guide you to all truth. He will not speak on his own; He will speak only what he hears and will tell you what is to come. He will bring glory to me by taking what is mine and bringing it to you..." John 16.

Proverbs 1 concludes by telling us; "But whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm." Praise God!