Tag Archives: the book of Proverbs

March 20
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“People who accept discipline are on the pathway to life, but those who ignore correction will go astray.”  (Proverbs 10:17, NLT)

We, who have lived more than half of our allotted years, are at heightened risk of “going astray” in two basic ways: (1) Because we’ve “seen it all,” we are less open to a corrective word from someone else, especially if they are younger or less experienced than we; and (2) people who can help may be put-off when we don’t appear approachable or teachable.

Truth is truth, whether from the lips of an angel or from the mouth of a jackass (that is, the jackass of Numbers 22); and help is help, whether from a brother or from a stranger.

Work at being open to God’s discipline and His words of correction.  The Lord uses many personalities, agents, and circumstances to guide His people in the way that leads to life!  – Luther

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February 15
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“In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”  (Proverbs 3:6, NASB)

If it is true that we make trouble for ourselves because, as J. B. Phillips titled his classic book, “Your God is Too Small”; the same might also be said because we think some matters of our life are too small for our heavenly Father’s attention.

We ought to accept the biblical challenge to acknowledge God in everything — large and small — whether in decisions or in giving thanks.

Through the Holy Spirit — Whom Jesus Himself referred to as the “Helper” — we have a companion who knows well the path; we have an intercessor who knows the mind of God; we have an energizer to sustain us; a teacher to educate us.

However, the Helper helps only by invitation.  If we have not, it is only because we ask not.  – Luther

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February 13
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“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”  (Proverbs 3:5, NIV)

Today’s scripture addresses the proper ordering of both our hearts and our minds.

Our affections and loyalties are nurtured in our heart.  In the life of the Christian disciple, all affections and loyalties are subordinate to one’s love of the Lord.   What He allows, we may allow.  What He prohibits, we must prohibit.

We have complete confidence in this arrangement because we have complete confidence in our heavenly Father.  Therefore, we need not rely on our own reasoning to make sense of things.

Do not be the disciple who says to God, “Show me and I will go,” when He has said, “Go, and I will show you.”  We need first to be obedient.  Understanding will follow.  – Luther

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