DId God Really Say…

May 13, 2024

Read Deuteronomy 27, Proverbs 8, Romans 8

Think back to a time when you received an important phone call or received an unexpected phone call from someone important. Who was it? Was it setting up an important date with a perspective boyfriend/girlfriend? Was it a call to let you know that you had been accepted into a program or had won something? Did you talk to someone famous?

Proverbs 8 talks about one of the most important calls we can answer as Christians, and as people in general. “Does not wisdom call out? Does not understanding raise her voice?” v. 1. And then in verse 4, “To you, O men, I call out; I raise my voice to all mankind.” Wisdom calls out to everyone, but not everyone answers the call and receives her.

The rest of the chapter in Proverbs tells us the benefits of heeding wisdom’s call.

First, wisdom will never lead you down the wrong path. “Listen, for I have worthy things to say; I open my lips to speak what is right. ⁷ My mouth speaks what is true, for my lips detest wickedness. ⁸ All the words of my mouth are just; none of them is crooked or perverse. ⁹ To the discerning all of them are right; they are faultless to those who have knowledge” vv. 6-9. What are so things that you need wisdom for today?

Second, wisdom has rewards for those who listen to her call. “With me are riches and honor, enduring wealth and prosperity. ¹⁹ My fruit is better than fine gold; what I yield surpasses choice silver. ²⁰ I walk in the way of righteousness, along the paths of justice, ²¹ bestowing wealth on those who love me and making their treasuries full” vv. 18-21.

What else do you see in these chapters? What words, phrases, or themes stand out to you?
Add your thoughts below.

May 6, 2024

Read Deuteronomy 20, Proverbs 1, Romans 1

If you could pick anyone in the world to sit down with for coffee or maybe spend the day with them who would it be? Think about all the people you could learn from and gain wisdom from. The Bible says that Solomon was the wisest man of his time. God gave him the ability to gain wisdom and apply it in all sorts of situations. The opening of Proverbs is the explanation of the wisdom that Solomon wrote down and the benefits it brings.

“The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel: ² for attaining wisdom and discipline; for understanding words of insight; ³ for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair; ⁴ for giving prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the young— ⁵ let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance— ⁶ for understanding proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise. ⁷ The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline” vv. 1-7.

First, we might ask what the difference between wisdom and knowledge is? Knowledge is something we learn but wisdom takes it a step further and is the application of the knowledge we have. Wisdom helps us gain discipline. Disciple refers to learning to control ourselves in various ways for our own betterment. Wisdom is for learning right from wrong. Wisdom is for everyone, both the simple and those who are already wise. Anyone can use wisdom to gain more. Wisdom is for our own guidance and helps us discern not just right from wrong but right from almost right.

There are all sorts of people with wisdom in our culture today. People with knowledge from areas all over the spectrum. But wisdom from God is supreme for a couple of reasons. First God is God, and we are not. His wisdom is complete and lacks nothing. Second, as our creator God knows us best. His wisdom gives us insight on every aspect of our lives. Do we accept God’s wisdom or reject it. Do we spurn God’s authority in our lives or receive it gladly? As you read through the book of Proverbs, read it with an understanding that it will add to your life in many ways. What else do you see in these chapters? What words, phrases, or themes stand out to you?
Add your thoughts below.