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The Word:

Proverbs 8:1-5 (HCSB) ¹ Doesn’t Wisdom call out? Doesn’t Understanding make her voice heard? ² At the heights overlooking the road, at the crossroads, she takes her stand. ³ Beside the gates at the entry to the city, at the main entrance, she cries out: ⁴ “People, I call out to you; my cry is to mankind. ⁵ Learn to be shrewd, you who are inexperienced; develop common sense, you who are foolish.

Proverbs 8:6 (HCSB) Listen, for I speak of noble things, and what my lips say is right.

My observation:

This Proverb depicts wisdom as a woman. She stands in the public square making her appeal to seek her for instructions and direction.

Her call is to listen, to pay attention to what she has to say. Listening has always been difficult because there are always competing voices clamoring for our attention. Think about the voices that are in competition with the voice of wisdom that is calling out to you.

Isn’t it amazing that the Sovereign God desires to have a conversation with us? The most powerful and influential voice in the universe has something to say to you and me.

The commander-in-chief says to each one of us, “Listen up”.

Proverbs 8:6 (MSG) Don’t miss a word of this—I’m telling you how to live well, I’m telling you how to live at your best.

My inspiration:

Psalm 85:8 (HCSB) I will listen to what God will say; surely the Lord will declare peace to His people, His godly ones, and not let them go back to foolish ways.

My prayer:

Father God, in the midst of all of the noises I hear in the world around me, I pray that I will find the quiet place where I can go to and listen to the still small voice of the wisdom of God.

Lord, more than what anyone else has to say to me, I need to hear from you. Help me Lord, by faith, to listen and obey your voice.

My song:

I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say (Click on link below for lyrics and midi):

Hymn: I heard the voice of Jesus say

The Word:

Proverbs 5:21-23 (HCSB) ²¹ For a man’s ways are before the Lord’s eyes, and He considers all his paths. ²² A wicked man’s iniquities entrap him; he is entangled in the ropes of his own sin. ²³ He will die because there is no discipline, and be lost because of his great stupidity.

My observation:

I have heard the saying, “There is a high cost for low living” for years. Brainy Quote attributes it to Edwin Louis Cole.

Another saying related to this topic says, “Sin will take you further than you want to go, keep you longer than you want to stay, and cost you more than you want to pay”.

The burden of the father to the son in today’s Proverb is that it pays to stay on the pathway of righteousness. If you fail to pay attention to wisdom’s call, you will reap the consequences of a ruined life. The life lived in obedience to God is the blessed life.

My inspiration:

Psalm 32:1-5 (HCSB) ¹ How joyful is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered! ² How joyful is the man the Lord does not charge with sin and in whose spirit is no deceit! ³ When I kept silent, my bones became brittle from my groaning all day long. ⁴ For day and night Your hand was heavy on me; my strength was drained as in the summer’s heat. Selah ⁵ Then I acknowledged my sin to You and did not conceal my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,” and You took away the guilt of my sin. Selah

Psalm 32:10 (HCSB) Many pains come to the wicked, but the one who trusts in the Lord will have faithful love surrounding him.

My prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I praise and thank you that you are a God of compassionate love, and that you chose to love me first.

Father, I thank you for the cross at Calvary that demonstrates for the whole world to see how much you love sinners.

Love, I pray that I will demonstrate my love for you by being a trusting an obedient child of God.

John 14:15 (HCSB) “If you love Me, you will keep My commands.

My song:

I Stand All Amazed at the Love Jesus Offers Me (Click on link below for lyrics and midi):

http://www.hymnal.net/hymn.php/h/289

The Word:

Proverbs 4:1-2 (HCSB) ¹ Listen, ?my? sons, to a father’s discipline, and pay attention so that you may gain understanding, ² for I am giving you good instruction. Don’t abandon my teaching.

Proverbs 4:4-6 (HCSB) ⁴ he taught me and said: “Your heart must hold on to my words. Keep my commands and live. ⁵ Get wisdom, get understanding; don’t forget or turn away from the words of my mouth. ⁶ Don’t abandon wisdom, and she will watch over you; love her, and she will guard you.

My observation:

Here is another plea by Solomon repeating a plea that he received from his parents. This is not just a plea to sons, but to all of God’s children; male and female, young and old.

We all need the blessings and the benefits that accrue from knowing and obeying the word of God. All of us who are on the journey through this world have the choice of which path we will travel, and ultimately at which destination we will arrive.

Proverbs 4:18-19 (HCSB) ¹⁸ The path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, shining brighter and brighter until midday. ¹⁹ But the way of the wicked is like the darkest gloom; they don’t know what makes them stumble.

My inspiration:

Psalm 119:105 (HCSB) Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light on my path.

My prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I thank you for the word of God which provides the knowledge, and the Holy Spirit of God who provides the power to keep me on the pathway of wisdom that leads to life that lasts forever.

Lord, I pray that my faith in you and in your word will not falter or fail. Father God, keep me day by day in the hollow of your almighty hands.

My song:

Oh, How I Love This Blessed Book (Click on link below for lyrics and midi):

http://www.hymnal.net/hymn.php/h/805

The Word:

Proverbs 3:21-26 (HCSB) ²¹ Maintain ?your? competence and discretion. My son, don’t lose sight of them. ²² They will be life for you and adornment for your neck. ²³ Then you will go safely on your way; your foot will not stumble. ²⁴ When you lie down, you will not be afraid; you will lie down, and your sleep will be pleasant. ²⁵ Don’t fear sudden danger or the ruin of the wicked when it comes, ²⁶ for the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from a snare.

My observation:

This is the appeal to embrace the values that is found in those who trust in the Lord and walk in the pathway of wisdom.

As indicated in this passage, there are blessings and benefits to those who allow Godly wisdom to have total control of their life.

Romans 12:1-2 (HCSB) ¹ Therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your spiritual worship. ² Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.

My inspiration:

Psalm 34:12-15 (HCSB) ¹² Who is the man who delights in life, loving a long life to enjoy what is good? ¹³ Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from deceitful speech. ¹⁴ Turn away from evil and do what is good; seek peace and pursue it. ¹⁵ The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry for help.

My prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I pray that you would grant me the measure of faith that I need to be able to trust in you to lead and guide me in the pathway of righteousness all of the days of my life.

Father, help me to remember that the prize is not given to the swift, but to those who hold out until the end.

Father God, I ask you to help me, by thy great and mighty power, to walk with you all the way so that I can say like Paul said to Timothy.

2 Timothy 4:7 (HCSB) I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

My song:

Hold to God’s Unchanging Hand (Click on link below for lyrics and midi):

http://library.timelesstruths.org/music/Hold_to_Gods_Unchanging_Hand/midi/

The Word:

Proverbs 2:6 (HCSB) For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.

My observation:

In chapter one Solomon introduces us to the truth that wisdom is a person to know.

Proverbs 1:7 (HCSB) The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and discipline.

Solomon writes in chapter two an additional truth that wisdom in a path to follow.

Proverbs 2:7-8 (HCSB) ⁷ He stores up success for the upright; ?He is? a shield for those who live with integrity ⁸ so that He may guard the paths of justice and protect the way of His loyal followers.

In the pursuit of wisdom there is a part that we play, and a part that God plays. Walking on the pathway of wisdom requires our participation. Notice in the following passage the three if clauses, and the eight verbs.

Proverbs 2:1-4 (HCSB) ¹ My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, ² listening closely to wisdom and directing your heart to understanding; ³ furthermore, if you call out to insight and lift your voice to understanding, ⁴ if you seek it like silver and search for it like hidden treasure,

Now, we come to the then clause. If we do our part, God will do his part. Oh the blessing of walking in the word of God.

Proverbs 2:5-6 (HCSB) ⁵ then you will understand the fear of the Lord and discover the knowledge of God. ⁶ For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.

My inspiration:

Psalm 84:11 (HCSB) For the Lord God is a sun and shield. The Lord gives grace and glory; He does not withhold the good from those who live with integrity.

My prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I praise and thank you for the privilege of knowing you, and of walking daily in the pathway of wisdom.

Lord, I pray that my response to the word of God will be the eight actions indicated by these verbs: accept, store up, listening, directing, call, lift, seek and search.

Lord, I thank you for the trustworthiness of your word, and the benefits that accrue to those who trust and obey the God of the word, and the word of God.

My song:

All Scripture is the Very Breath of God (Click on link below for midi, and external link for lyrics):

http://www.hymnal.net/hymn.php/h/799

The Word:

Proverbs 1:2-6 (HCSB) ² For learning what wisdom and discipline are; for understanding insightful sayings; ³ for receiving wise instruction ?in? righteousness, justice, and integrity; ⁴ for teaching shrewdness to the inexperienced, knowledge and discretion to a young man— ⁵ a wise man will listen and increase his learning, and a discerning man will obtain guidance— ⁶ for understanding a proverb or a parable, the words of the wise, and their riddles.

My observation:

In these verses the writer, Solomon, describes the purpose and the benefits of the Proverbs.  One of my daily prayers is for Godly wisdom.

Ephesians 1:17 (HCSB) ?I pray? that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, would give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him.

Today begins the second month in this New Year of seeking God’s wisdom for daily living through reading a Proverb a day.

Those who seek only worldly wisdom have as their primary purpose making a living. Their goals and objectives involve obtaining money, power, and pleasure. However, those who seek Godly wisdom have as their purpose making a life that honors God and serves others. Godly wisdom will benefit you in life and for eternity.

Proverbs 8:12 (HCSB) I, Wisdom, share a home with shrewdness and have knowledge and discretion.Proverbs 8:14 (HCSB) I possess good advice and competence; I have understanding and strength.Proverbs 8:17 (HCSB) I love those who love me, and those who search for me find me.

My inspiration:

Psalm 111:10 (HCSB) The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow His instructions have good insight. His praise endures forever.

My prayer:

Father God, my prayer for my family, my friends, and for me is that you would give us each day the wisdom that we need to live a life that would be pleasing in your eyes.

Father, I thank you that you will give this gift to your children if we ask for it, and seek it with our whole heart.

James 1:5 (HCSB) Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously and without criticizing, and it will be given to him.

My song:

In All Thy Wisdom, Father God (Click on link below for midi and external link for lyrics):

http://www.hymnal.net/hymn.php/h/23

The Word:

Proverbs 28:28-29:2 (HCSB) ²⁸ When the wicked come to power, people hide, but when they are destroyed, the righteous flourish.¹ One who becomes stiff-necked, after many reprimands will be shattered instantly— beyond recovery.² When the righteous flourish, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, people groan.

My observation:

Notice how the words of Solomon form bookends. The words “the righteous flourish” are bookends in Proverbs 28:28 and Proverbs 29:2. Between them is only one verse, Proverbs 29:1.

Wisdom calls to all, but there is a window of opportunity that does not remain open forever. Those that listen and respond to the call of wisdom will find life.

Proverbs 1:20 (HCSB) Wisdom calls out in the street; she raises her voice in the public squares.Proverbs 1:29 (HCSB) Because they hated knowledge, didn’t choose to fear the Lord,Proverbs 1:33 (HCSB) But whoever listens to me will live securely and be free from the fear of danger.”

My inspiration:

Psalm 31:19 (HCSB) How great is Your goodness that You have stored up for those who fear You and accomplished in the sight of everyone for those who take refuge in You.

My prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I pray that through the busyness of life we will find the time to be still and listen to the call of God upon our life.

Psalm 25:12 (HCSB) Who is the man who fears the Lord? He will show him the way he should choose.

My song:

Softly and Tenderly Jesus is Calling (Click on link below for lyrics and midi):

http://www.hymnal.net/hymn.php/h/1027

The Word:

Proverbs 28:1 (HCSB) ¹ The wicked flee when no one is pursuing ?them?, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.

My observation:

This chapter and the next we will see the writer of the Proverbs making contrast. In these two chapters many subject are covered. The subject in today’s focal verse is the contrast between the wicked and the righteous.

One of the characteristics of the wicked is that they have a guilty conscience. Their knowledge of wrong doing causes them to run even from an imaginary law enforcement officer.

The contrast to the wicked is introduced by the word “but”. Whereas a guilty conscious will make you fearful, the righteous are described as bold as a lion. There is power in being, what the Amplified Bible describes as “Uncompromisingly righteous”.

The righteous possess a self-confidence that comes from knowing the Lord. When you truly know the Lord, you will learn that it is better to trust in the promises of God than in what the world has to offer you.

Proverbs 14:26 (HCSB) ²⁶ In the fear of the Lord one has strong confidence and his children have a refuge.

My inspiration:

Psalm 27:1 (HCSB) ¹ The Lord is my light and my salvation— whom should I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life— of whom should I be afraid?

My prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I am so grateful that there is a God in heaven who cares for and watches over his children.

Father, I thank you that because of your loving care and provisions I have a refuge that gives me great confidence.

Father God, oh what joy, peace, and security I have found in living for Jesus.

My song:

Living for Jesus, Oh, What Peace (Click on link below for lyrics and midi):

Hymn: Living for Jesus, oh, what peace

The Word:

Proverbs 27:1-2 (HCSB) ¹ Don’t boast about tomorrow, for you don’t know what a day might bring.² Let another praise you, and not your own mouth— a stranger, and not your own lips.

My observation:

No matter how smart man becomes, he must still be humble when it comes to the future. None of us are privy to what will occur in the future of our earthly existence.

Only God knows the future. Hence, we should not praise ourselves about what we will do tomorrow because we have no way of knowing for certain what will happen tomorrow.

Proverbs 16:9 (HCSB) ⁹ A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord determines his steps.

Proverbs 19:21 (HCSB) ²¹ Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the Lord’s decree will prevail.

James 4:13-15 (HCSB) ¹³ Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will travel to such and such a city and spend a year there and do business and make a profit.”¹⁴ You don’t even know what tomorrow will bring—what your life will be! For you are ?like? smoke that appears for a little while, then vanishes.¹⁵ Instead, you should say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.”

Not only are we not to boast about what we do in the future, but we should not boast about what we have done in the past.

Life is short and the future is unknown. The wise thing is to put out trust in God who is eternal. He alone knows the future.

My inspiration:

Psalm 31:14-15 (HCSB) ¹⁴ But I trust in You, Lord; I say, “You are my God.”¹⁵ The course of my life is in Your power; deliver me from the power of my enemies and from my persecutors.

My prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I am so thankful that by faith I can say that my times are in my heavenly Father’s hands. Lord, there is no place I would rather be than in the loving hands of my Lord.

Lord, I look to you to lead and guide me each step I take, each move I make, and each life you allow me to touch in my daily walk with you through this world.

My song:

My Times Are in Thy Hand (Click on link below for lyrics and midi):

http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/m/t/mtimesar.htm

The Word:

Proverbs 26:1 (HCSB) ¹ Like snow in summer and rain at harvest, honor is inappropriate for a fool.

Proverbs 26:13 (HCSB) ¹³ The slacker says, “There’s a lion in the road— a lion in the public square!”

Proverbs 26:17 (HCSB) ¹⁷ A person who is passing by and meddles in a quarrel that’s not his is like one who grabs a dog by the ears.

My observation:

In this chapter Solomon identifies some people that wise people should avoid. These people fit into three categories; the fool, the slacker, and the troublemaker. You need to be able to identity these types because you will surely encounter them during your walk through this world.

However, the verse that captured my attention this morning is what Solomon said in the last verse describing the fool.

Proverbs 26:12 (HCSB) ¹² Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.

Solomon issues a serious warning that even the fool is better off than the person who is wise in his own eyes. The grave problem of self-conceit or pride is that is blinds the person to the sense of their need for change.

Luke 18:11 (HCSB) ¹¹ The Pharisee took his stand and was praying like this: ‘God, I thank You that I’m not like other people—greedy, unrighteous, adulterers, or even like this tax collector.

Revelation 3:17 (HCSB) ¹⁷ Because you say, ‘I’m rich; I have become wealthy and need nothing,’ and you don’t know that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked,

My inspiration:

Psalm 138:6 (HCSB) ⁶ Though the Lord is exalted, He takes note of the humble; but He knows the haughty from a distance.

My prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I praise and thank you that you are a God who sits on high, but that you condescend and dwell among the lowly.

Father, I thank you that you don’t leave us alone in this world to fend for ourselves and by ourselves. I am so glad that the Lord hears and answers the prayers of his children.

There are people I need to avoid like those described by Solomon in the Proverb. But, there is a God in heaven who I can confidently run to, and place my faith and trust in him for all things and at all times.

Philippians 4:6-7 (HCSB) ⁶ Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.⁷ And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

My song:

Nothing Between My Soul and the Savior (Click on link below for lyrics and midi):

http://www.hymnal.net/hymn.php/h/372