Intro

We have been studying and comparing both women described in here. Solomon is using a personification for Wisdom and Foolish. We have been comparing and discussing about the benefits and of follow the first one and all the danger on following the second one.

This is the closing of this section of the book so Solomon does this final personification regarding Wisdom and Foolishness.

In this Proverb we will see how both are ready for you and you are now in this fork in life. This fork is not a one-time direction decision, but a constant application of wisdom or a constant drift in life.

Wisdom Is Waiting (Prov. 9:1-6)

We are now in this fork and at the end of the way at your right, you can see this first lady that is Wisdom.

You can see all these details:

The Way of Wisdom

Let’s remember a little bit about her.

Proverbs 8 described wisdom as a woman with good character, heart, willingness to serve, and benefits for those who attend her calling. Now we can see Wisdom as a woman of generous hospitality who invites all the simples – (Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!).

In this proverb we can find some characteristics and details to know that she is preparing the way and preparing a warm and comfortable housing to them who attend her calling.

Built her house: Wisdom doesn’t lack of anything and has everything in place waiting for the guests. We can see diligence and good character. Someone working in advance. We know God’s wisdom is perfect and everything fits in the right place and the right time. God is always working ahead, and He is not attached to time nor space. God’s wisdom is always in time and has prepared everything. This woman here is working and has finished her place to receive her guests.

Some people can allegorize this, and some say that this could represent the church of Christ. This figure can fit however it is just a poetic figure without any foundation so if you want to allegorize you should be clear that is not related to any direct passage and remember that we are studying a poetic book, so we need to be careful with this.

She has hewn out her seven pillars: The general idea here is that Wisdom’s place is large, comfortable, open, and complete. And coming back to the allegories, some commentators have referred to some symbolic meaning in her seven pillars. Seven is the number of completeness and perfection (both physical and spiritual). It derives much of its meaning from being tied directly to God’s creation of all things. In the Jewish culture, using this number was not casualty.

Eating as a sacred act
“There are several intimate things that people do together: love, play, pray, work, and eat. Eating is a social task, which transforms the biological need into a community of intimacy and shared experience. People sit down around a table They face each other. Someone has prepared the food with dedication and care, someone serves the food, and people pass food to each other.

Jewish tradition recognizes a meal as a time for intimacy, fellowship, and significant conversation. Kindness is the basic mood of the Jewish meal. People talk with each other about what matters. That is why the Rabbis say that if people eat together and Torah talk is not exchanged then the meal is a vain enterprise. If eating does not create the opportunity to teach and to learn then it becomes biological feeding.

Forsake foolishness and live: Wisdom makes the invitation, but the simple must respond. They must be willing to go in the way of Wisdom. We can see a great explanation of this in Luke.

Luke 14:16-24: ¹⁶ Then He said to him, “A certain man gave a great supper and invited many, ¹⁷ and sent his servant at supper time to say to those who were invited, ‘Come, for all things are now ready.’ ¹⁸ But they all with one accord began to make excuses. The first said to him, ‘I have bought a piece of ground, and I must go and see it. I ask you to have me excused.’ ¹⁹ And another said, ‘I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I am going to test them. I ask you to have me excused.’ ²⁰ Still another said, ‘I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.’ ²¹ So that servant came and reported these things to his master. Then the master of the house, being angry, said to his servant, ‘Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in here the poor and the maimed and the lame and the blind.’ ²² And the servant said, ‘Master, it is done as you commanded, and still there is room.’ ²³ Then the master said to the servant, ‘Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. ²⁴ For I say to you that none of those men who were invited shall taste my supper.’”

Choose Your Side (Prov. 9:7-12)

Having called everyone, Wisdom now explains the folly and fruitlessness of trying to impose wisdom on the unwilling. The scoffer and wicked man won’t receive wisdom and will hate the one trying to help and witness

Wiersbe says: “Fools, scoffers, and the simple like to have their own way and be told they’re doing fine, but wise men and women want the truth. Teach wise people and they’ll accept the truth and become wiser; try to teach fools and they’ll reject the truth and become even greater fools.”

I always say that when we think that we are ok, that’s the moment when we are in the most vulnerable and dangerous position.

When we are trying to witness somebody, we should pray and wait for the Lord opening an opportunity. Sometimes we can test the waters and start little by little, but we cannot pretend to change a person by our own strength and intelligence. That’s God’s work. Wait and pray for the favorable opportunity.

Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser:

In the other hand, the wise and just man will benefit from wisdom’s invitation. He will accept this invitation with joy.

Matthew 13:12: ¹² For whoever has, to him more will be given, and he will have abundance; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him.        

The wise and just loves correction as he understands that it means love and care:

Hebrews 12:5-6: ⁵ And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons: “My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; ⁶ For whom the Lord loves He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives.”

Proverbs 12:1: Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge, But he who hates correction is stupid.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: The same principle of Proverbs 1:7 is repeated here at the end of this section. Though Proverbs is a book that focuses on practical life, it is founded on this important principle: wisdom begins with a right relationship with God.

If you are wise, you are wise for yourself: Solomon reminded us that wisdom is for yourself first.

Bittersweet Meal (Prov. 9:13-18)

The Way of Folly

Using the symbolic figure, Solomon now presented the foolish way that rejects wisdom. Folly is like a clamorous and annoying, simple, and ignorant trying to entice others. This your left path in your fork. You see this decadent and sad place but full of music and lights. You need to make your decision.

Clamorous: “Speaks loudly, that she may be heard; and vehemently, that persons might be moved by her persuasions.

Whoever is simple, let him turn in here: Folly imitates the call wisdom makes to the simple. Folly has her own training program to bring her victims further along their path. We discuss this in the last chapters. It tries to entice and deceive the simple person.

Stolen water is sweet: She is always trying to make good bad and bad good. Things gained through transgression are more sweet and pleasant than what may be rightfully obtained. At the very end that how sin looks to us.

Intro

I think there are no words to describe the perfection, beauty, and wholeness of God’s wisdom. How can we use finite knowledge with human words to describe something infinite and incredibly awesome? How can we comprehend God’s powerful, sovereign, perfect and His holy will and wisdom? How can we, humans, will ever understand the supreme need of God’s wisdom in our lives?

As we know, Solomon was the wisest person in earth, and he described Wisdom with this proverb. We will see how Solomon put in some words this. I personally think that this is one of the most beautiful proverbs and passages regarding God’s wisdom.

Only when we read this kind of passages with a contrite heart and in awe of His perfect counsel, we will be able to experience in our spirit this amazing but still not fully describable truth.

This proverb magnifies the description that Solomon does for wisdom. Also emphasizes on the importance and urgency of finding and retaining God’s wisdom.

Understanding the fear of the Lord is the key to wisdom. When the Holy Spirit dwells in us, we are conscious of His presence and mastery.

It’s a miracle to us, Him to let us be part of this and have His counsel to rule our lives and to know Him better. It’s because His love we are part of this. We were condemned as His enemies, but now we are His children, and we have access to Him through His Word, through the Holy Spirit!

Wisdom Is Available To Anyone (Prov. 8:1-11)

Reference to – Proverbs 1:20-23 (Wisdom is calling)

In this proverb, we will see a contrast with the last proverb. Wisdom is personified as a virtuous woman. In the last chapter, the adulteress was out in the street to entice, deceive and seduce the young simple man; but in this chapter we see this virtuous woman calling and offering the blessings of a wise life.

Senselessness, the folly woman – Wisdom, the precious woman

The one whom hears the first woman will find death but the one who hears the second, will live.

Wisdom invites all mankind and is available to anyone. Every person who lacks wisdom and understanding can come. She is calling to all of us, and with urgency to the young simple man (we studied this in chapter 7). She offers prudence and understanding to live a wise life.

We can see that wisdom speaks. Is calling and is waiting for us. We can see this personification here with words as mouth and lips, my words. Wisdom is alive. For instance, we can see wisdom and how speaks to us in God’s word. Everything that wisdom speaks is worthy and useful. We can read this in Hebrews:

Hebrews 4:12 – “For the word of God is living and powerful (alive and active-ESV), and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”

We have discussed now how wisdom’s value exceeds any kind of material wealth. And wisdom provides what is needed to live our lives in a wise way, no matter what we have in our wallets or possessions. Living a life with integrity and peace is way more worthy than having millions in the bank. In this book we can see that integrity and peace are of greater value than anything we can buy.

Awards Of Having Wisdom (Prov. 8:12-21)

In this passage we can see an important detail: the use of phrases and words referring to wisdom is greater than the ones referring to the rewards of possessing wisdom. So that tells us that wisdom by itself is the focus and not the rewards we can obtain by having wisdom. This is very important as sometimes we lost this principle in our Christian life. Sometimes we are more interest on the blessings and rewards like going to heaven for instance than being interest on knowing God to be with Him in heaven.

When we understand the fear of the Lord as our surrender in awe and delight in the Lord, we will hate our inherent sinful nature. We will hate the fruit of the pride of life, the arrogance, wickedness, the perverse talk. When the Holy Spirit leads us and teach us the fear of the Lord, our perspectives and desires will be different.

No matter you do, when you get wisdom and understanding, you will honor God with your life and actions. Kings, rulers, princes, nobles, judges will rule with wisdom, they will be just. Parents, teachers, doctors, police officers, electricians… will also work and live with integrity honoring God.

We can see in the bible what lacking wisdom is like. We can read about Judah’s and Israel’s kings and the kingdoms around them. We can see the world how operates without God’s wisdom.

Most of the times, people who stands out in communities, jobs and governments are honored by their integrity and their walk; more than their wealth or the position they hold itself.

Verse 17: Remember: wisdom is available to all by acquired only by those who love and seek her.

Verse 20: word Traverse – Walk:  This word in this context gives us the idea of walking steadily or continuously. Means that she is always walking and is present in the ways of the righteous and just. By her, justice and righteousness are possible in this world. It is not because any human capacity or sense.

Wisdom Is God’s (Prov. 8:22-31)

Wisdom here is God’s wisdom in this personification is referring that she was before the world was created and she participated in Creation because she was God’s wisdom. This is a personification and God’s wisdom is His omniscience and perfection. Who can understand God’s mind? His wisdom is infinite, and we cannot understand it.

The Lord created me at the beginning of His way.  – Some people could think that this portion is referring to Christ, but we can find some hints which demonstrates that is not likely to refers about Christ. Though we have no doubt that Christ is the full revelation of Wisdom to us, and He shares all wisdom and knowledge with the Father and Holy Spirit, this passage is talking of a personification of this supreme understanding, a personification of God’s attribute of All Knowing Wisdom.

 Arius of Alexandria argued that Jesus is the wisdom of God, and this verse spoke of his creation. If he was created, then he had a beginning and was not eternal, and if not eternal he was not God. – Guzik

 If we make Christ equal to this personification referred in these verses, we should use

the same resource in the rest of the book and that doesn’t fit. Some cults use this passage to say that Christ is not God but something created. Now you know in this brief class of apologetics that Christ can not be described with these verses. And remember that Proverbs cannot be used as a doctrinal statement but a practical application of wisdom as it is a poetic book.

This attribute of God, personified maybe as an assistant in God’s creation, shows in a beautiful and majestic way that God was wise in everything he created and in everything He is doing. There is no space to errors, casualties, coincidences…. Everything that God does is perfect. God is good and perfect even when the situation is not “favorable” in our sight. He has a perfect design and plan for all His creation.

Listen and Be Blessed (Prov. 8:32-36)

The words listen and then blessed are used in here. If you listen, you’ll be blessed with wisdom. If you are blessed with wisdom is only because wisdom spoke to you, and you listened.

Wisdom calls the young simple man to listen. She is available to share the knowledge and to bless. By listening to her instruction and following the counsel, the young simple man will become wise and will be “blessed”. We should seek and follow wisdom eagerly. We should be watching and waiting for her, we know where to find her. We will find favor in the eyes of God and men (acceptance, goodwill, approval) (Proverbs 3).

Read Job 38.

Intro

1 Corinthians 10:12 – “Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.”

Welcome, we will be talking about lust and temptation. When we start reading with these kind passages, we think either that doesn’t applies to us, or we are too strong, and that this will never be my case. Some people say that these passages are for singles, other people says that this is for married people. Others say that this is for young people only.

The truth is that this applies to us all. All in this room or all listening/reading this message at home, are exposed to this. Also, we can see that this kind of sin operates exactly as the rest of sins. We will be going through this during all this study.

As we will see, and Solomon will remind us, we need to be reminded again and again. We need to be getting stronger in the Word.

Remember Wisdom (Prov. 7:1-4)

Verse 1-4

Every time I read this kind of verses; I can’t do anything but to remind myself the importance of the Word of God. I can’t think anything but how perfect is the Word of God. We can find the whole counsel of God and be instructed in all different matters of this life. In fact, we find new life in the Word. We find the Truth. We find God.

Many of all this proverbs, open with this plea and reminder and some other proverbs develop this deeply and in a beautiful way. Solomon loved Wisdom (at least for long period of time in his life) and explained it with the same love. He showed his son how to obtain and the importance of applying Wisdom. We discussed about this in the first 3 chapters.

Just as quick reminders I can say quickly:

We are students first and we should be very diligent on it. Ask God that during our studies we can see Him, then see ourselves in the scripture and then ask and be willing to be transformed by Him. You can use this knowledge with others but, we don’t start preaching to other people before of ourselves. That’s why we always should have the focus on learn and study first for our own growth and transformation. The teaching to the congregation, our family, friends, co-workers… should be the result of the application of the topic in ourselves.

In other proverbs, Solomon uses the word silver to refer to Wisdom, talking about a treasure. As we can see people getting crazy for gold and silver, stock markets, bitcoin… we should do the same (and even with more excitement, there is no comparison) with the Word of God and examine each word, each verse, chapter, each book. The whole counsel of God. It is the most valuable possession we could ever have in our hands and the most beautiful message we could be taught.

Fall in love of it, Christian. The love for the Word, the Love of God is safe as It is perfect! You will find and know God. You will have only but love, excitement, wisdom, instruction and correction, Truth. Everything we need for our life is in here.

Verse 4

Our motivations changes and we are not studying to comply, but to know more about God as we fall in love of Him more and more. The moment I seek Him honestly and sincerely, I will find Him. Make the Word your life. This verse is telling you to have wisdom and understanding close.

In Proverbs 4, Solomon uses the phrase “incline your ear” in denoting urgency and importance. It is an intentional action, a deep focus in the matter. Bible reading by itself doesn’t provide a magical protection against sexual immorality or any other sin, but the application of wisdom will make us less prompted to fall. We can identify a progression

Listen/Read/Study → Meditate → Memorize → Apply

The Trap is Set (Prov. 7:5-12)

Here we can see an application of Wisdom in this proverb. I think Solomon was struggling and battling sexual immorality when he wrote this kind of proverbs. Maybe this was one of his stories. I can be wrong and maybe he was just being honest on this warning to his son. However, we know how he ended up his life: he was drowning in a sea of lust, money and power that diminished and maybe extinguished his love for the Lord. Women took his heart away from God’s.

He writes verses 5-12

A young simple man

This phrase is referring to someone without knowledge nor experience. Applies to everyone and not only to young people. Someone could be 70 years old and still be and young simple man. Could have 45 years coming to church and still be this young simple man. The phrase applies to single and married people as well. When somebody doesn’t know God and His word or maybe is weak on this, will walk by this earth without any conscious and will be more susceptible to practice all kind of sin and sexual immorality is one that is easy to fall into.

And living in this world doesn’t make this easier neither. The task of keeping men and women from sexual immorality sometimes seems impossible (Guzik). This is due to many factors, including:

• A secular, sexually saturated, sensual, and permissive culture
• Easy access to pornography
• The disconnection of sex from pregnancy and reproduction
• Laws making divorce easy
• Social media technology making anonymous meetings easier
• Marriage is not popular anymore

Society is really sexualized and is easy to have access to pleasure. It’s common to hear comments like “we need to enjoy this life” and “we deserve everything”. “There will be a time you will settle down and be religious and proper”. This behavior includes all kind of excesses and sexual encounters. Living a pure life is -nowadays- a synonym of being boring. However, we know that that’s not true. The problem is the worldly perception of joy and happiness. Everything is about my satisfaction and pleasure. Living according with God’s heart will give us joy and we can enjoy this world in a healthy and pure way.

Passing along the street NEAR her corner

It is our nature to play with sin, to pursue temptation, to walk NEAR danger. We are so prompt to do this. We think is funny and entertaining. I cannot understand how we like to seek danger instead of running away from these behaviors. People (including people in the church) justify their games on sin as “man, don’t be so legalistic, so puritan. If I won’t get to the end, I will be OK. Jesus is love. He will forgive me” and then, they will be fornicating, living together unmarried, abusing drugs and alcohol… trying to hide their sin with out of context verses and abusing God’s grace.

They deceive themselves. Talking about these people:

2 Timothy 3:5,13– “having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!” – “But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived.”

Where do sheep wander and eat? Right next to fence, right next to the cliff.

Verse 9

Anything you should do in darkness and hidden is almost positive it is sin.  “Foolish men think to hide themselves from God, by hiding God from themselves.” (Trapp)

Lurking at every corner.

Sexual immorality in any form (pornography, fornication, adultery…) and every sin are always lurking in every corner. In this passage a woman is described as smart. She has a plan and is waiting.

In this passage, we can interpret that this person is not a prostitute but has the attire of a harlot. Looks like. Sometimes we think we need to go dark places to be exposed to this, but that is not true. In this context this person is lurking there, just right on the corner, just waiting for its prey.

This person is a professional on enticing and deceiving. Is always ready to attack with the most powerful weapon she has: deceitful words. Remember how did the devil tempt Eva? Used words and make Eva to doubt about God’s word.

Attractive Condemnation (Prov. 7:13-23)

Verse 13-20

And that is how sin operates. When we doubt about the things God said and convinced ourselves about something different, we are in a problem -we are the problem-. We listen either the devil, the world, or our flesh. Even though we can identify all the red flags (this woman looks and speaks like a harlot) we as humans convince ourselves to keep going in that direction.

Like when you are in a diet: I know I cannot eat a donut. I see a donut and I know all the truth about that donut: high calories, carbs, sugar, fat… But I see the donut and start thinking “maybe if I eat it and I don’t eat the rest of the day” (I know that won’t happen, I will be eating half an hour later), “I can eat it right now and start my diet over again”, “I deserve this donut!”, “Everyone else have a donut, I want donut too”, “who said I cannot eat a donut”, “All things are lawful for me…” (out of context verse and ignoring: but not all things are helpful, but not all things edify), “I declare this donut fat free!”… We end up believing all the things I know are contrary to the truth.

Shameless Face

With no effort this person convinced this young simple man. She had this plan, it’s easy for her. Sin is sweet, attractive, harmless, “rational” in human eyes, innocent; but at the end is the opposite. It’s bitter. She even makes look “good” that her husband was not home, as a good opportunity for this young man to enjoy the pleasure. The immoral woman described in here was not against religion. She says that she is right with her god. She favored a god who would receive her peace offerings while she lived as she pleased when it came to her sexual desires (sounds familiar right? Sounds like the god a lot of people worship nowadays that allows them to live as they please).

All the things this young simple man ignored or decided to ignore made him fall.

Other tool is the use of words and phrases we normally utilize and are familiar to, and the use of justifications hide the real danger. The world is very good making everything attractive, colorful, and casual.

For instance, the word Love [o’-hab]: (carnal sense). This word is not the same we can find for love in any form we know as love (agape, phileo, storge, not even eros). It refers to something illicit and is normally used in a plural form as “amours” and love affairs. The point here is the immoral person, and sin in general, will try to twist the sense of words to make everything less obvious and more attractive.

Mission Accomplished

Verse 21-23

He yielded. The young simple man INMEDIATELY yielded.

As an ox goes to the slaughter. No rational sense anymore. He is completely lost now.

He did not know it would cost his life. Sin is death. Period

Sin is sin. No matter how this young simple man sinned, he believed these words and fell. Weighting sin without this truth is a way to deceive ourselves. Could be either the mere act of fornication or adultery as the sexual act, or desiring somebody that is not your spouse, or just in the way we think of someone…. Any kind of sexual immorality is sin. And this sin is not different to any other: Is performed in darkness, destroy testimony, robe our peace… Leads us to death.

Last Warning (Prov. 7:24-27)

Verse 24-27

Until we have our relationship and knowledge with God well and we love Him above all things, any other relationships will be ruinous.

I can’t love someone if I don’t know the love that only comes from God.

I can’t die to myself and my interests and desires if I don’t know Who died for me.

I can’t resist evil and sin if I don’t surrender to Whom created me.

Repent and fix your relationship with the Lord. Commit to live as a Christian honoring and glorifying God with your body, your mind, and your acts.

1. The Danger of Promises (Prov. 6:1-5)
2. The Diligence in Life (Prov. 6:6-11)
3. The Deception in the Mirror (Prov. 6:12-19)
4. The Distressed Life (Prov. 6:20-35)

Let’s make this personal now. This chapter is not for someone else than you.

Having defined what wisdom is and where I can find it, Solomon starts boldly with adultery in the last chapter and now he starts talking about some other behaviors to avoid in order to conduct my life.

Through the whole book of Proverbs, I will find practical principles that I need to apply in order to live a wise life honoring and glorifying God. Sometimes I say that life should come with an instruction manual, and I forget that actually It has one: The Word of God.

The Danger of Promises (Prov. 6:1-5)

Financial Advice:

Looking for an instruction manual to live life and be diligent with finances? Well. Here is one: never get a loan, lend or become surety if is not strictly necessary.

Living a wise life includes the realization of order and diligence in our finances and possessions. When we become slaves of a huge depth or loan, we become bitter as we cannot live free. Our word, peace and honor will be compromised.

I know is very common to get loans and mortgages to buy cars and houses, or medic care. I am not talking about this in here. I am talking about unnecessary depths I acquire just to fulfill selfish desires as I am not happy with the things God has provided. I am talking about desiring a bigger house or stunning car just because, with no need. I’m talking about acquiring the new cellphone plan paying almost double when I cannot afford it instead of contract a plan with a simpler phone I can afford. I am talking about get a huge loan to go and vacation somewhere knowing that it will compromise my peace and financial stability.

How many times I want something, and I have no money, but I use my credit card for pay for it knowing that I won’t be able to pay at the end of the month? Is foolish to live a life like this. This is not wisdom.

(Prov. 6:1-5) In this passage we can read about the warning in become surety to a person and borrow money from your friend. This same topic will be discussed by Solomon in several chapters in this book as becomes a real danger to our own peace. Promise to pay, promise to pay for someone or lend money to others is a huge and serious risk we need to be very careful to assume and actually, the advice here is to avoid it.

Solomon says to his son that if he has made the mistake, he should deliver himself of it. The commandment is to have peace and don’t promise to pay to or for someone else. The implicit commandment is to avoid compromise your word and be content with the things you have instead. This zeal includes your own possessions and honor; and also, to cherish your friendship with others.

Solomon says: “So do this, my son, and deliver yourself; For you have come into the hand of your friend:”. He advices his Son to do everything in his possibilities to get out of that situation as fast as he can so he can rest. Go and fix the situation and deliver yourself of the transaction. He says: “Go and humble yourself; Plead with your friend.” … “like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter,”.  Do it quickly. Don’t wait.

The key is to avoid these compromises since the first moment. Do not risk your word, your honor, your peace, your friendship. How many relationships and lives have been being ruined with bad deals. If you want peace with your brother and with yourself avoid borrowing, avoid lending and avoid promising to pay for others.

This is the first call that Solomon does to his son regarding this topic, and we will study it in more detail later on this book. We will be studying that is wiser to bless your friend instead to lend him. We will be studying that is wiser to save resources and prepare yourself for an expense or deal in order to have a better position and to close the deal without losing peace.

The Diligence in Life (Prov. 6:6-11)

Now we will be talking of diligence:

(Prov. 6:6-11) Just immediately after advising against borrowing, lending and becoming surety for others, Solomon “softly” and “kindly” recommends us to put us to work. We need to be diligent with our preparation and administration of our resources in life.

I can imagine Solomon saying to our face: “hey sluggard, lazy, slothful!! Stand up and get to work. Don’t be there just watching TV or scrolling down social media! Don’t wait for money coming in your mailbox! Don’t wait for others to pay everything for you! You should start helping your family! Don’t wait for the storm but be ready!”

This is NOT the same and it does NOT mean to work by our own strength and get resources to be “sufficient” and “independent” from God, no. The advice here is to use all the blessings and skills that He gave us to fulfill our needs.

Just remember, and I want to be very emphatic: Don’t ever put your trust in your abilities and possessions, but in God. Trust God as He will provide, and He will make the way and then walk there.

God knows exactly what we need. The sad part is that this is often not what we want though, and we are not content.

He gives us the abilities we need; He provides the opportunities, and He opens the doors. It is our responsibility to be diligent in our efforts to honor the blessings that God gave us. Don’t waste your time and energy with vain issues of this life but look for God’s will in His word and prayer.

Look for some examples in the Bible as in the book of Nehemiah: They knew they needed to rebuild the wall and the work was great and extensive. They knew God’s will and they labored day and night until completed it.

Nehemiah 4:21-23 – “So we labored in the work, and half of the men held the spears from daybreak until the stars appeared. At the same time I also said to the people, “Let each man and his servant stay at night in Jerusalem, that they may be our guard by night and a working party by day.” So neither I, my brethren, my servants, nor the men of the guard who followed me took off our clothes, except that everyone took them off for washing.”

In Psalms 128 we can read:

Psalms 128:1-2 – “Blessed is every one who fears the Lord, who walks in His ways. When you eat the labor of your hands, you shall be happy, and it shall be well with you.”

Look that fearing the Lord and walk in His ways, that involves being in His will and getting wisdom, is directly related to the blessing of labor with our own hands. Is not coincidence these two topics are together in this Psalm and in this Proverb. When the Lord reveals His will through His word, we should then trust Him and start working.

The Deception in the Mirror (Prov. 6:12-19)

Thinking in the matters covered in this Proverb, I can see a see a father instructing with the best interest and heart to his son. I can see he starts talking about don’t compromise your peace lending, borrowing or paying for a friend and never for a stranger. Then he talks about what to do instead and how to be prepared in life. He advises to avoid becoming a lazy and irresponsible man, but to work and be diligent. And now, continuing the progression Solomon is talking about the wickedness of man and its characteristics.

I believe there is a close connection between being idle and the wickedness. When we are idle, our fleshy mind starts to get stronger and free. So, I can understand why Solomon is talking about this kind of man right after talking against idleness and talking about being busy instead.

He is saying something like: “Ok, let’s talk about financials with your friends and strangers… Oh, and talking about finances, let’s talk about work, idleness, diligence… And now I need to warn you about the wickedness of people and why you should be aware of it and avoid becoming a wicked person… And (as we will read in the last part of this chapter and the first part in chapter seven) pay attention because I will tell you (again) about the danger of adultery! Man, all this wickedness in the world!!! I have so much to teach you!!”

He says: (Prov. 6:12-15). Now Solomon is talking about the person we need to avoid in our lives. I believe that we need to be careful not to become this person and not only look around identifying or pointing at people. No. This is for you to be careful of it.

The perverse mouth includes to talk in someone else’s back, to plan wickedly, to gossiping, to curse, to sows discord… We can read that this person is considered worthless. The wickedness of this person is so obvious but doesn’t want to stop it.

When I read passages like this instead of imagining or trying to match these characteristics with someone, I should evaluate my behavior and how I talk to others and of others. I need to evaluate where my mind goes where it wanders. What am I    thinking? What am I planning to say? Why am I planning to do or say evil to someone? Do I have the need to tell something? Am I using the excuse: “oh I’m saying this -just between you and me- to you to pray better.”?

Stop the gossip and the misinformation. Be trustworthy instead. That everything that goes out of your mouth be pure and true.

Matthew 5:37 – “But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.”

Idleness is dangerous. Keep your mind busy with godly activities. The wicked will perish. We learned about this in the first chapters and there is no other destination for him than death.

(Prov. 6:16-19) When wickedness is present, it is easy to fall into all this actions. We don’t realize but sooner or later we will become this wicked person if we don’t guard our minds and hearts.

Highlight these in your bible. Have this in your mind and examine your heart. Ask God to reveal this to you:

Psalm 139:23-24 – “Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my anxieties; and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”

The Distressed Life (Prov. 6:20-35)

Reminder of the value of wisdom

(Prov. 6:20-23)As a precious necklace adorning my chest, I need to have His commandments; not to show them off, but to myself to keep them as my biggest treasure. Knowing more about God is my real joy and most valuable activity.

A heart made new in Christ, will treasure the Word of God. Will be moved by It, and everything will be exciting and interesting. Knowing the attributes of God, knowing His character, His nature, His unchangeable nature will lead us to love Him more and to love Him is to obey Him.

By having God’s word to know Him and know His paths, I will find favor (that means also grace, acceptance, good-will) from God as we learned in chapter 1. I will understand that after receiving the salvation in grace by Christ in the cross and by His resurrection, the biggest favor to my life is to live in His will. This means that being obedient is a gift to us.

And now apply the wisdom!
(Prov. 6:24-28) Remember from chapter 4:

Proverbs 4:14-15 ^{– “}Do not enter the path of the wicked, And do not walk in the way of evil. Avoid it, do not travel on it. Turn away from it and pass on.”

Don’t walk these roads. Don’t overestimate yourself. Don’t take the risk!

1 Corinthians 10:12 – “Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.”

(Prov. 6:29-35) We discussed in the last chapters about the way of the wicked with the only destination of destruction. Each person will fall in his own sin. It is a tragedy. It will cut you to pieces. Allowing to fall in this temptation will destroy you.

Married man and woman should love and honor each other until death. Single man and woman should live in purity and sanctity. Adultery is sin as it goes against God’s commandments (Period). Nothing can justify to cheat on the spouse (Period). Sex is only allowed and can be only consumed and enjoyed in marriage (Period). Fornication is sin (Period).

Matthew 5:28-29 – “But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell.”

1. A Particular Danger (Prov. 5:1-6)
2. The Wages of Adultery (Prov. 5:7-14)
3. Marriage: Provision from God (Prov. 5:15-19)
4. The Obvious End for The Adulterer (Prov. 5:20-23)

In this proverb, Solomon is advising to his son to honor his wife and also to flee from the immoral woman. Practically speaking, Solomon is instructing to his son, but this same advises will apply to women in the same tone.

During our study in this chapter, we will be refreshing some principles of wisdom that we can find thorough all the Bible for our marital life and (extending the application of some of the text) also wisdom for singles.

Marriage is an institution by God and is a blessing for man and woman. It is a gift from God, and He is pleased when two persons -male and female- get together in marriage and pact in vow to God and one each other to love and serve to one another.

Genesis 2:18 – “And the Lord God said, “It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.””

Genesis 2:24 – “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.”

Proverbs 31:10 – “Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies.”

Mark 10:6-9 – “But from the beginning of the creation, God ‘made them male and female.’ ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’; so then they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate.”

Man and woman should love and honor each other until death. They must live in fidelity. Infidelity -adultery- is sin as it goes against God’s commandments (Period). Nothing can justify to cheat on the spouse (Period). Sex is only allowed and can be only consumed and enjoyed in this institution (Period).

The marriage should honor God, the spouse, the family, the church. It is the basic unit and our first ministry. Die to ourselves and serve our spouse should be our daily goal in our marriage life. The issue begins when we want to satisfy only our selfish desires and we start going against the Word of God which is very clear regarding the marital duties for both parties. When we are mature in the Word and we are strong in our relationship with God in prayer, we can identify temptations and we will be growing our relationship with our spouses instead.

Remember that it is our marital responsibility to apply and comply with the roles stablished by God and if we fail, it is because our own sin and not other’s. We cannot blame others (my spouse, a third person, friends…) or justify this behavior with any reason. You are responsible of your decision.

A Particular Danger (Prov. 5:1-6)

(Prov. 5:1-2): How many times has Solomon said this before? We can find the same phrase several times in the first four proverbs and within the rest of the book. He is trying to stablish the severity and importance of the advice and commandment he is about to tell his son.

Here we go:
(Prov. 5:3-4): The stranger or immoral woman is referring to a woman that is not his wife. Some comments refer to her as a prostitute, but the general concept is about a woman who obviously is not looking for something godly but to entice the man and make him stumble.

Remember: These principles would apply the same for a daughter to warn her about the immoral man; but Solomon is talking to his son here. Just have that in mind and if you are a woman, listen up as this apply to you as well.

“The lips of an immoral woman drip honey”: The word honey refers to an ease of convince and tell the right things to make someone fall. May also refer to a temptation that can’t be detected from distance. Now when the text talk about “her mouth is smoother than oil” we can realize that anyone can be fooled without suspect about it. It is a subtle strategy, and we can think there is nothing wrong with it.

Starts with innocent conversations and moves to other directions: Compliments, jokes, comments… It is a progression.

In the Old Testament, oil is synonym of happiness and solemnity; so, we can think there is nothing bad in the conversation that is being held. The intention is undercover, and we don’t realize the danger.

Talking about conversations:

We are all vulnerable. Be careful with the communication with persons in the opposite sex. No matter if we don’t have a bad intention, we need to be careful anyways. We don’t know what the other person could think or feel about a compliment, a nice word or a touch in the arm. I’m not saying we cannot be kind and congratulate people for something; but just be intentional on not give “too much”. An easy filter to know if I can say something to someone is to ask to yourself if you can say it in front of my spouse or the other person’s spouse.

Same with single people. If both are single: is the word you will say something that could be misunderstood or may be suggesting something inappropriate? Remember the other person is not your spouse and you should consider her/him as somebody else’s until you get marry with that person. All conversations should exalt and preserve purity and sanctity.

It is wisdom to a man and woman to never be alone in a room if they are not married. That’s why guys cannot disciple ladies alone. If for some reason you should meet with somebody in the opposite sex, do it in public or with some whiteness. It is wisdom to avoid ANY situation that can lead to sin.

Going back to “The lips of an immoral woman drip honey”, discretion should be applied here. Don’t listen or try to receive compliments from other’s than your spouse. Also, you don’t need to say “nice” words to anyone that is not your spouse. Maybe you can have a good intention, but the flesh is flesh and the imagination starts to fly. Seduction, self-convincement and self-denial regarding sin start to pop up in our heads. It will bring just bitterness and death (nothing good). Be careful. Remember: Everything that speaks against God’s commandments is not from God. Marriage is a covenant with God. It is a pact. There is not excuse. It will never be about emotions, desires, feelings, the moment… No. It is about what is true in the Word of God and the pact with Him.

(Prov. 5:5-6): We discussed in the last chapters about the way of the wicked with the only destination of destruction. Each person will fall in his own sin. It is a tragedy. It will cut you to pieces. Allowing to fall in this temptation will destroy you.

If you fall and your repent, obviously God will forgive you, and maybe your spouse also BUT this offense will remain in the relationship and is a long process of healing to recover the trust of your spouse and family. The damage is done.

Avoid this wicked way to avoid going through all this pain. We will see later on this chapter more about the consequences of adultery.

The Wages of Adultery (Prov. 5:7-14)

(Prov. 5:7): Treasure the wisdom. What does the Word of God say about all this? Grow in your studies and relationship with God. He is the source of all wisdom. Think and meditate in the Word. The objectives: to know God, to be transformed, to follow God’s Word, to obey. We need the whole counsel in all time. Not only in difficulties or bad situations. It is for ALL times. If the bible says no, it is no. Don’t try to change the Word of God to adjust it to your agenda and desires. Don’t wait until you “need” the wisdom to go to the source of wisdom. Don’t wait to get your fire extinguisher until the fire arises.

(Prov. 5:8): Remember from last chapter: Proverbs 3:14-15 ^{– “}Do not enter the path of the wicked, And do not walk in the way of evil. Avoid it, do not travel on it. Turn away from it and pass on.”

We can note 4 actions to take:

1. Do not enter the path. It is a decision!
2. Avoid it. Do not travel on it!
3. Turn away from it. Get out immediately!
4. Pass on. Don’t stop there. Pass on!

Don’t play on it. Don’t overestimate yourself. Don’t take the risk!

1 Corinthians 10:12 – “Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.”

Ecclesiastes 7:26 – “And I find more bitter than death the woman whose heart is snares and nets, whose hands are fetters. He who pleases God shall escape from her,

But the sinner shall be trapped by her.”

If you are having struggles at the restaurant you are going every day to eat lunch, or at the cafeteria in your way to work, or at your workplace, or doing your garden at the same moment than your neighbor… Do the change. Avoid these places or change how you behave. Pick another table, ask for delivery, request a change of your cubicle, change your schedule for mowing the lawn… Etc. Don’t take the risk to stay in the same way.

(Prov. 5:9-11): Sin has immediate and eternal consequences. When we repent, God is good to us to forgive our offenses. However, some of the immediate consequences could remain in our lives and even worst if we keep doing wrong: Illnesses, the distress of living two lives trying to hide your sin, anguish, working all your life without peace paying blackmails, paying alimony, paying for keeping the secrets in the darkness. Working to maintain two, three homes… It’s a lot of work and pain! Your health and peace will be drained.

No matter what you do. God knows everything! God will show your sin sooner or later. Not for your shame but for your repentance. Repent. Stop doing it. Don’t wait. Ask forgiveness.

Examples in the Bible: David and Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11-12) and all the consequences later. In the other hand look to Joseph and Potiphar’s wife (Genesis 39).

(Prov. 5:12-14): We have been told. There is not excuse. 2 Timothy 2:22 – “Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.”

Marriage As Provision from God (Prov. 5:15-19)

(Prov. 5:15-19): In other words, enjoy the marital relationship with your own spouse. Drink the waters of your own cistern, of your own well. Don’t go looking for strange water outside.

Where can you find your water? At home! Pleasure and sex must be enjoyed within marriage only. You have everything at home. Don’t look outside. It is a gift from God, and He is pleased when two persons -male and female- get together in marriage.

It is yours. Don’t share it. Don’t expose it for you are for your spouse and your spouse for you. Be careful and modest. Don’t expose your intimacy to others. God provided the marriage as the institution to fulfill this natural need and also to have kids. As spouses you are the perfect helpers, complements…, yes; but also, you are together for live the life, respect and serve one each other and to experience love and pleasure in marriage. It’s God design and it is beautiful. Pure spring is marriage! Enjoy and live with the woman of your youth! Enjoy and live with the man of your youth! With the person you got married. Until death or until the Lord comes.

Never look the garden of your neighbor. Don’t look at your coworker, classmate, trainer, teacher, neighbor or the brother sister in the church. Trust me: God will never be agreed in “exchange your spouse”. If you have different thinking, trust me: Is not from God. You decided your spouse voluntarily and you should keep deciding your spouse! It is a daily decision to honor and love your spouse. Every day and forever.

ONE wife. It’s singular

Matthew 5:28-29 – “But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell.”

The Obvious End for The Adulterer (Prov. 5:20-23)

(Prov. 5:20-23): Why? With what need? The cost for seconds of pleasure with the immoral woman is huge. Don’t take this bet as you will lose. Guaranteed.

God knows everything! God will show your sin sooner or later. Don’t waste energy trying to hide it but repent. God is watching you. It is not a secret. It is not something that is done in under a cover of darkness.

If you are having “issues” to love and honor your spouse, pray. Pray not to change the heart of your spouse but yours. If you spouse is not showing love and respect to you, pray more. Show the love of God and be an example. Seek comfort and direction in the Word of God and also seek biblical counseling with pastoral staff. But pray. Don quite on praying and honoring the biblical roles we have been entrusted in marriage. (Study: 1 Peter 3:1-5, Ephesians 5:22-33, 1 Corinthians 7)

And single: pray. God will lead and direct you and He will provide the right spouse for you. Be careful and watch and keep your and the other person testimony clean. Be patient. Live in purity and sanctity. (Remember: 2 Corinthians 6:14)

1. Get Wisdom (Prov. 4:1-9)
2. Walk in Wisdom (Prov. 4:10-19)
3. Cherish the Wisdom (Prov. 4:20-27)

When we talk about discipline and growth, we can think it is somebody else’s responsibility. In this proverb we will study that this sentence is not necessarily true and how is the real dynamic we should be looking for. We will be studying this from the sight of a parent, a child or young adult, but more important in the sight of our own Christian walk, no matter our stage in life. We will be studying some (“awkward”) truths. In this chapter we will realize that we need to grow first before pretending to teach and requiring certain behaviors from others. How can we expect something from someone if we are not doing it?

1. Get Wisdom (Prov. 4:1-9)

(Prov. 4:1-4) Who is teaching wisdom to the kids? Is the school, their friends, the babysitter, television, Internet, maybe? As a parent we should teach them and instruct them.

First truth: It is the parents’ first responsibility to teach the children and model the Christian life at home. It is not the church’s responsibility only. Bringing the kids to the Sunday School for an hour or two won’t be effective to their lives. Is not enough. A Christian home should teach and grow all the Christian principles.

The kids repeat everything they see at home. The respect, the love, the service, kindness and more important the fear of the Lord.

Our children should learn from us and not from others. They will learn everything they see and hear from us. It’s a responsibility given from God, and we are accountable for it in front of Him: Accountable for everything I taught to my children.

It will require time and effort, yes. But is a great blessing to see the children in the Word of God and serving to the body in the church.

The wisdom of the world is not good at all. Our children are being attacked with trash on the internet and the “modern” world ideologies.

The kids should be able to study the Word of God as soon they start to read and even before by the instruction of their parents. They need to be equipped for the outside world.  They should see this in our lives to us to be able to exhort them: “Do not forsake the Word of God. Have it close to your heart. Study the Word”. They need to understand that is a mandate. This parent should teach the Word of God that is the only perfect book. A book to instruct, to teach, to discipline.

It is applicable to us all. It’s not outdated, it’s not obsolete and it will never be. Live a saint life. Be set apart for God. If you do so (parents), this wisdom will be taught to the next generation. What a blessing for a godly grandparent to see their children teaching their grandchildren the Word of God. We need to start now.

Show them that for you the most important thing is the Word of God! Remember: We should be modeling this in our life. The way to direct a Christian home is to be the example. Give them the tools to make good decisions. They will face the world and they need to be prepared.

(Prov. 4:5-7) Second truth: The children or young adult or the adult (that means You and Me) need to receive and apply this wisdom. Get wisdom. Seek the wisdom. Learn, understand, apply it. It is everyone’s responsibility.

Wisdom is the principal thing. To know God and to be transformed. It is the wisdom of God, not the world.

We need to make a decision in some point. We as Christians we need to be willing and be asking to God to show us Him and ourselves and to be transformed. It will be a daily decision during our whole life.

And in all your getting, get understanding: It is not getting information but understanding. No matter it is just one verse, meditate in that verse. No matter is a full chapter meditate in that chapter.

It’s to put the information in the heart, not the head. There is a lot of smart people around but not wise people. They know a lot of doctrine and information about God but don’t apply it. So, what is the point?

It is not to do things either. There are others that confuse this and like just to do and do. It is not to be busy. God wants our heart surrendered to Him. He will lead us. If you are busy doing things for the Lord and you don’t have time to pray or study the Word, I can tell you that there is something wrong for sure.

(Prov. 4:8-9) Stay in the Word and love the Word. Remember everything you read. 2 Timothy 3:16 (All scripture is profitable…)

If you are a kid or young adult, or an adult and your parent didn’t teach you this, so good news you are listening NOW and, guess what? It is the same responsibility in this moment. You should get wisdom and understanding. Stop blaming your parents, your past, your friends, the church. You have it now and should start listening and applying wisdom. Die to your sinful behaviors and seek God in His Word.

And, if you are a parent that didn’t do it, so repent and start over. Never is too late. Maybe your children are still around, and they can start seeing the change in you and if not, I’m sure that you could be a witness to others with your character and your new life in Christ.

Study every day. Join to the bible studies, have fellowship. Start a bible study with your family and friends. Start a small group at home. Do your devotionals…

Preserve you: It is the discernment. This is the benefit of wisdom.

You will experience the grace and favor in front of God and the man. You will be different, and you will follow God’s voice as your digging in His word.

The Word of God will guide you in the way. And to avoid the wicked way.

What are the things are the people worried about today? Secureness: Financial, Health, Housing… It is normal and natural to think about that, but we forget to exercise and be diligent with the most important thing that is our relationship with Christ. (Wisdom is the principal thing). Mature! We need to receive the Word of God and STOP trying to find just what we want. Stop making excuses. Die to yourself every day! Open your heart to the Word of God to listen and understand!

If I say I am a Christian, so let’s be Christian all the time. Not only when I am at the church. That is not what is like. I should exercise this gift from God in my private time. At home, with my family, friends, coworkers, at the supermarket, in the highway…

• Walk in Wisdom (Prov. 4:10-19)

(Prov. 4:10) This doesn’t mean that you will live one hundred years, necessarily. It is referring to the blessings of applying wisdom in your life. By applying it, we will be avoiding consequences by avoiding sinful behavior. Drunkenness, sexual immorality, drugs, gambling … to name some, have consequences. You will be protected of all the associated dangers. You will have peace with God and yourself.

(Prov. 4:11) You shouldn’t say to your kids: “Go and imitate the pastor or your youth leader or this preacher, or that person”. Should be saying instead: “Imitate me as I do imitate Christ”. Be the example. The character is tested in the private and with your family. Have integrity!

Our responsibility as parents (and this applies to all Christians): Model and walk the path. Step by step. God will show us His will little by little. Just be faithful. Be in His Word and practice it. Be the example!

(Prov. 4:12) I will be able to avoid the obstacles. Either external and my own obstacles. I will be able to know that my flesh, the world and the devil will try to put me down, but I will be able to identify these obstacles and just keep moving. Isn’t this wonderful? Everything I need is Christ, and I can find Him in the Word!

(Prov. 4:13-15) Third Truth: We are living in this world. We are not in a bubble so we should live, but live differently.

Be Light and Salt. It is a mistake of the church and Christians to try to be accepted by the world. If Jesus Himself was hated by the world, why are we expecting something different? The entertainment, the programs, the buildings, the activities, the talks, the shows…. Everything to try to be relevant and cool. All this effort to try to be as the world and to be “attractive” to it.

No. We need to be different, be faithful in the study and teaching of the Word.

We should have integrity. We should build strong foundations. We will be at the school, work, with family, acquaintances, coworkers, teammates, classmates… And that’s fine (we are not in a bubble) only if you are not being dragged to sinful behavior. If they make you sin you should stand up and leave the place. Don’t laugh of their jokes. Don’t share the gossips. Don’t be part of the party… You will be called puritan, boring, old-school, dumb. Well, we are seeking something bigger. Be Light and Salt. Have Integrity.

We can note 4 actions to take (V14-15):

1. Do not enter the path. It is a decision!
2. Avoid it. Do not travel on it!
3. Turn away from it. Get out immediately!
4. Pass on. Don’t stop even to inquire nothing. Pass on!

Don’t play on it. Don’t overestimate yourself. Don’t take the risk!

1 Corinthians 10:12 – “Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.”

(Prov. 4:16-19) There is not conviction in them. The immorality, the violence, the lies, the perversity and sexual depravation are examples of the wicked life. It’s not enough to him or her to live like this but to drag others to it.

The wicked can convince weak people to do the wrong, saying that is not that bad and there are others worse than you. Starts with simple things and start going up little by little. Starts with small actions, but the snowball starts running downhill getting bigger and bigger, becoming unstoppable in our strength. There is not small sin.

Our human nature is to sin. But our difference with them (the wicked): They don’t realize that they are enjoying doing wickedly. That’s their heart. Again, be light and salt. We have the Holy Spirit and Word of God that convict us every day. There is not excuse.

Living in the light is a choice. And this is not to reject people but reject their sinful behavior. (Remember, we are sinners also) but we have new life with Christ. And we are trying to keep us for Him.

They do not know what makes them stumble: Don’t laugh of the jokes, don’t repeat the curses, don’t gossip, etc. We need to be light. They need Christ. We need to reflect Jesus. That’s why missions and reaching out are very important but is more important to keep a good testimony and be example. First of all, be an example in your family, friends, coworkers… Then, you can impact the local community, the American and also international mission field.

We need friends to draw us near to Christ, not the opposite. We should be that friend to draw others to Christ. It’s a contrast. We should be different.

• Cherish the Wisdom (Prov. 4:20-27)

(Prov. 4:20-22) The phrase “incline your ear” is denoting urgency and importance. It is an intentional action, a deep concentration in the matter.

We can identify a progression in all this proverb

Listen → Read → Study → Meditate → Memorize → Apply

A lot of people will prefer the experiences, the shows, the relevant motivational speeches as they don’t want to follow this process. This process requires humbleness and brokenness.

So as the church and individuals, we need to be faithful to study and to teach the Word of God. It’s everything we need. The numbers and the outcome are not the measure of success. It is the maturity level and that’s on God -not us- to measure. Be faithful. Put ALL the Word in your heart. Not in the head!

(Prov. 4:23) ALL DILIGENCE.  Keep the heart full! Full of what? -We can ask-. Christ. Wisdom. The Word of God. Why are we occupied trying to fill it with trash? Keep your heart for God. It is the first place where everything starts. The change starts in your heart, give it to Jesus. God renews our heart every day. Keep it for Him.

Look at Solomon: he had all the information, but he forgot to keep his heart and we know his ending.  Keep your heart!

Ask to yourself: Who is in the throne of my heart? Me? Another person? Money? Health? My job? No. Should be Christ. He doesn’t change. He was the same yesterday; He is the same today and He will be the same tomorrow. Our Lord and Savior. The source of all wisdom and we have access to Him though the Word by the Spirit of God.

(Prov. 4:24) Don’t speak evil. PERIOD. Mathew 12:34 – “… For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” If your heart is full of the Word of God, you won’t be speaking evil.

God is working in our hearts every day. God will change our life.

Check this every day: What is coming out of your mouth? Are you involved in gossiping? Cursing? Check your heart!

We have self-dominion. You can hold your tongue! You can say no to sin with your mouth and your ears.

(Prov. 4:25) Our eyes put in Christ. What are you watching? If you have wisdom in your heart, you will change the TV channel when something immoral appears! Again: self-dominion. You can direct your eyes! You can quit to sin with your eyes.

Now, how about your goals? Look right before you. Stop thinking about the past! Stop thinking only in the treasures of this world. Our eyes put in Christ. Look ahead, the prize.

(Prov. 4:26-27) CHECK where you are walking to, Everyday!! Check your heart! Ask God and He will show you in light of the Word. Seek His way. Wait upon the Lord!

Fourth truth: It is a personal responsibility. Everyone is accountable of his path.

Stop comparing your way with others. There is only one way and that is Christ’s. The Word of God is a mirror and a magnifying glass, and we can see ourselves as God sees us. Keep your heart and exercise your relationship with God!!

1. My walk in the Lord (Prov. 3:1-10)
2. The loving correction of God (Prov. 3:11-18)
3. Peace with God and man (Prov. 3:19-35)

1. My walk in the Lord (Prov. 3:1-10)

(Prov. 3:1-2)

I can use this first verses as a reminder of the first 2 chapters. When the Bible repeat something several times, then should be important.

Treasure the word of God in my heart. It’s not about knowledge or understanding as we will read later. The Word of God is perfect, and I can see God as He really is. It is the God’s word that I had internalized and made personal. The more I know about Him, the more I will be in love of Him. The moment I seek Him honestly and sincerely, I will find Him.

The Word of God is the biggest revelation to us and is more incredible how the word was revealed to us during history and later made flesh. Jesus became human as the full Revelation of the Word; He is the Word. He is the wisdom and modeled how to live it perfectly. He sent the Holy Spirit to us so we could understand and be used by God. We received power from Him.

John 1:1-3: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.”

When I fall in love of God, all his commandments are in my heart and they are a treasure for me. It is not heavy at all. 

What a peace means to me be in His word and live it. Living in peace with the Lord will flood my heart and nothing of this world will disturb my soul. No matter what I am facing or what is ahead of me I have this certainty that God is sovereign, and He has everything in His hands. As human I tend to overthink and be overwhelmed but when I realize that Christ already did everything, I just let everything flow as it is, and I will just pray to follow His will and I will start to worry about nothing. Remember, everything is His and nothing will happen out of His will.

(Prov. 3:3-4)

As a precious necklace adorning my chest, I need to have His commandments; not to show them off, but to myself to keep them as my biggest treasure. Knowing more about God is my real joy and most valuable activity.

A heart made new in Christ, will treasure the Word of God. Will be moved by It and everything will be exciting and interesting. Knowing the attributes of God, knowing His character, His nature, His unchangeable nature will lead us to love Him more and to love Him is to obey Him.

By having God’s word to know Him and know His paths, I will find favor (that means also grace, acceptance, good-will) from God. I will understand that after receiving the salvation in grace by Christ in the cross and by His resurrection, the biggest favor to my life is live in His will. This means that being obedient is a gift to us.

This relationship is so incredible that is difficult to me to explain. Trying to do a logical order I can say:

1. God loves us and wants us to know Him. He is initiator.
2. I know Him. Therefore, I love Him. Therefore, I repent of my sin.
3. I want to be obedient and sanctified (that is God’s will anyways)

We can only be presented as accepted because that is His will and, by His grace, we can now know Him, be obedient and sanctified to be pleasant to Him. No matter what I can feel or think, God is the same and His will will be done.

By having received mercy and grace I can also give them to others now. My whole perspective of relationships changes, and I can examine myself and also examine how I love others.

Following God’s commandments inevitably will make me a better witness in front of men. My heart will love my neighbor and I will be example of grace and mercy to others. I can be the best employee and my boss and co-workers will notice something different in me. The same with my family and my friends. Sometimes they won’t understand and will criticize for being obedient to God, but they will see something different. We can find examples in the Bible as Joseph, Moses, David. They were men after God’s heart, and whatsoever they did please the people; they served the people.

(Prov. 3:5-6)

I will never be wise enough to try to direct my life. My flesh will make me stumble and make me mistake. Depending in God is a full statement of humbleness that He is God, and I am a child. Is acknowledging God as my Lord. I don’t own my life anymore and I can do nothing in my own strength and understanding. My life is His and I know how to live it.

Trusting in the Lord in full surrender should be my natural state. Here is said that I should trust in the Lord with all my heart. Is not saying I need to trust in Him with all my brain, my wisdom, my understanding. Often in my life I won’t understand the reasons or the purpose of something. However, I know God is ordaining everything and everything is perfect In His will.

Or He is Lord of all my life, or He is not my Lord at all. There is no intermediate point. The problem in my life is that in some areas I think better of myself forgetting that I’m nothing. Modern Christianity and society have been told me that I’m enough and I deserve to feel good; they told me that everything is about me when everything is about Him only.

He shall direct your paths. Sometimes I’m afraidto have God directing my paths. Sometimes my heart is not trusting. In those moments I need to be intentional, repent and pray to God change my heart. My surrender should be total. The will of God will be always done and for me to follow it, I should:

1. Surrender to Him and trust: My life is His
2. Die to myself and prioritize my time in God’s revealed word and prayer. I will be transformed.
3. Acknowledge and honor God in all that I do. Because is His will I’m doing = I’m doing nothing.

God never disappoints you. Your plans disappoint you thinking that linking them with God, they will work. Timothy Keller

(Prov. 3:7)

Everything is blurry in my sight. My flesh, the world and the devil will try to color everything nicely, shiny and sweet. However, sin is bitter, dark and will always make me sick to death. “Lucky” for me Jesus died in the cross and my strength is now in Him. Now I can rely on and I should walk with Him. The fear of the Lord as I studied in the last chapters, is the realization of His greatness, power, supremacy, wisdom, perfection, mercy, grace and mightiness. Knowing Him will lead me to be set apart from this world for Him. I want to please and serve Him with all my life. The fear of the Lord become this supreme amazingness for the living God. The Holy, the Saint, the Creator, Savior and Lord. I will be more in love of Him. This is the natural result of trusting God: As I trust Him, I am drawn more to God and further from evil.

(Prov. 3:8-10)

He is my portion! He gave me new life and I can walk to Him. My heart is different now as I can see His hand directing my life; I can rest in this. I’m operating now by the Holy Spirit and not by my own strength. I have new life in Him. Without God, I was a dead body just walking in this world with an only destination which is more death.

When I’m walking with the Lord, I’m putting everything aside to follow Him! He becomes my priority and my biggest reward. He is first in my life and my life is spinning around Him. I give to Him (as my humble and sincere offering) the best of me: My life, my time, my service, my devotion, my time in prayer, my work, my family, my tithing… He is first and I voluntarily submit to His authority and sovereignty for my life.

Matthew 8:22 ‘But Jesus said to him, “Follow Me, and let the dead bury their own dead.”’

He is my priority now! I’m living my new life in Him.

I do this because who He is. I do this because I know He is worthy of everything. I do this to be obedient. I don’t do this to obtain nothing in exchange. He gave me new life and blessed me. He is blessing me every day and He is good all the time (even in difficult times -in my sight- or trials. I remember that I am short-sighted. He is good all the time)

The problem for me (very often or always) is that the things God is giving to me are not the ones I want. My heart is deceitful. Sometimes I can think God is a vending machine and I as spoiled kid just cry out for the things I want, and I ignore the things that God is doing and giving me in the moment. He knows exactly what I need and the timing for it.

It’s bad theology to say that God will give me all I want but is better to say that God will provide to me what I really need. It’s bad theology to say that God wants me to be successful in this earthly life but is better to say God wants me to be holy. It’s bad theology to say I will never be sorrowful but is better to say I will always be joyful in Him and His promises revealed in the Scripture.

Hard times will come: moments and situations I will not understand at the time. Good times will also come. In my human sight I can change how I look certain situations from the night to the next morning. However, I can rest and trust in Him, as I do know who He is, and He is the Lord of my life and also, I know He does not change.

• The loving correction of God (Prov. 3:11-18)

(Prov. 3:11-12)

I should not be ashamed when God corrects my path. I should not be ashamed if I need to start over. I should not get mad when He closes a door I wanted open. When He breaks me is to make me more like Him and He does it because He loves me. The problem is that in my flesh I just want the glory and all the prizes, but I forget that is a blessing to be corrected by Him through His word and the Holy Spirit.

The word chastening means correction, discipline, and instruction. Also is used as bond, doctrine and rebuke. It brings me again to the treasure that is the Word of God:

2 Timothy 3:16-17 – “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

Why do I expect fire from the heaven to realize that I’m not after God’s heart? The Holy Spirit will convict me and I have the full set of instructions in my hand. I cannot appeal to ignorance. In order to correct me, the Word of God:

• Will show me a sin or evil that I didn’t see before
• Will show me how to address it
• Discourage me to embrace the sin or evil

My heart should love correction either in my theology, or my devotion or my behaviors (sinful behavior anyways); and in my prayer I should always include this: “God correct me. Show me You, Me and Transform me. I hate the guy in the mirror, and I want to die to myself more and more every day”. I’m sure that God loves us so much that He would not waste any opportunity to correct us and show us His path.

(Prov. 3:13-18)

When we get close to Him in a sincere manner, we will be broken, and we will keep His word and commandments. His word won’t be heavy to us but will be our joy. We will see the things we need to change, and we will realize that we cannot do it by ourselves.

The word happy that means also “blessed” describes the bliss from being right with God. That is the true happiness.

The word silver and gold here is referring to a treasure. As we can see people getting crazy for gold and silver, where whole towns are build for seeking the ore and mountains are removed to extract it; we should do the same with the Word of God and examine each word, each verse, chapter, each book. The whole counsel of God. It is the most valuable possession we could have in our hands and the most beautiful message we could be taught. This wisdom is greater than all earthly riches together (silver, fine gold, or rubies).

Wisdom is available to us in the scripture, and we should ask God for it. The revelation in Christ Jesus of wisdom models a perfect life. He is the Word of God made human. Ask God for this wisdom as He is the real source as we studied in Proverbs 1. If we do this, God is gracious and loving and He will provide it to us.

• Peace with God and man (Prov. 3:19-35)

(Prov. 3:19)

God’s wisdom is evident to us all. Since creation I can notice how perfect is everything. I can find how He created everything in Genesis and also, I can see how perfectly everything is working right now (and even if I can’t understand it)

God reveals Himself to all, there is not excuse:

Romans 1:18-20 – “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse”

(Prov. 3:20)

Verse 20 is likely a reference to what happened at the flood described in Noah’s day but is also a reference to His power and mightiness.

(Prov. 3:20-21)

Not depart them from your eyes. It’s a continuous work. Knowing first that we are in this process called SANCTIFICATION, we need to ask Him to transform us to His image more and more. We need to be humble and accept that we are not as good as we think, and we will never be so; God is who can change us.  

This is a process; it is a daily process. There are no formulas, no shortcuts… Sanctification is a process and God strength me every day for it. Wisdom and discretion will come, and they are my treasure. I will live differently from now on.

(Prov. 3:23-26)

He chose me as His child. I should walk as one. I should honor my Father as He is the Lord of my life and I should surrender to Him fully. It is a daily walk and I need His wisdom. I can only walk like this being strong and mature in Him and His Word.

No matter what is in my surroundings, I will stand firm with no fear. I know Who is walking with me. For the LORD will be your confidence. It’s not myself who directs my path anymore.

I can relate to this promise of God: Justice. If I reject His instruction and henceforth, Him, I will perish. But if I listen, I will be safe, and I will walk in peace without fear. I will be filled with the Spirit and I will have power in His name to live the life doing His will and being away from sin.

Philippians 4:7 “and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” – Our hearts and minds will be guarded!!

(Prov. 3:27-30)

This is the wisdom with my neighbor. Witnessing our faith is not a task to being performed in secret: in classrooms, hospitals, in church… The way I relate with others is as important as my relationship with God. I can try to explain this as it follows: If I want to be more like Him -being in the Word, being in prayer, knowing more and more of Him- and I know He is good to us, and He is merciful and graceful; so, If I’m not being good to others is a clear indication that my spiritual health with the Lord is not good. I’m not being transformed to His likeness maybe because my sin or my hard heart. I’m not fully surrender to Him. Remind this: Or He is Lord of all my life, or He is not my Lord at all

James 4:17 – “Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.”

• If I know I owe to somebody I should pay.
• If somebody is in need and it is in my possibilities to help, I should.
• I should not lie
• I should not gossip
• I should not plan wickedly against others
• I need to be just

(Prov. 3:31-35)

Do not envy the seems to be something obvious to me, but actually is something I do very often. It’s sad to say it, but my flesh always tries to bring me accumulate treasures in this Earth no matter how. It’s not sin having material possessions that God had provide to us but is sin to desire to obtain them wickedly. Remember: Whatever exaltation the wicked seem to have, it is only temporary. Their legacy shall be shame, but God has a destiny of glory for His wise, and humble ones.

Our duty is to be separated of this world and seek Him only and please Him only. The separation from the world is a personal choice and we need to be intentional on it. However, we are dependent on God and need to pray to Him for strength, wisdom, examination and leading.

The way of evil is broad. The immorality, the violence, the lies, the perversity and sexual depravation are examples of the wicked life.

It is wisdom to avoid places, to avoid people, to avoid circumstances which can lead me to sin. Prudence and discretion are now in my heart, so I will keep my testimony in front of people clean. I will honor God with my life.

Mathew 6:21 – “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Pride and riches set us in opposition to God, but humility and justice aligns with the grace of God. I should to be humble and receive God’s grace only. That’s my goal. There is where my treasure is.

If I get enough wisdom to really know God as He is and know me as I really am (nothing), I will have a natural humility.

1. V1-6 Incline your ear to wisdom
2. V7-12a Result of wisdom
3. V12b-19 Wicked person
4. V20-22 The wise and fool’s destiny

Remember, Proverbs’ book is a collection of wisdom to be applied in life. A number of useful ideas and advices to live our lives correctly according God’s heart. Advices from a father to his son. A book to instruct, to teach, to correct, to discipline.

We know now Who is the source and where we can find wisdom. We have the scriptures and through the Holy Spirit we can access it.

We are students first -as this kid or young man- and we should be very diligent on it. Ask God that we can see Him, then see ourselves in the scripture and then ask and be willing to be transformed by Him.

This wisdom is for us! Not for my spouse, not for my neighbor, for my siblings… It’s is for me and you!

I know we don’t like to people tell us what to do, but to they do it first; but guess what? Jesus modeled and lived perfectly wisdom during His life in earth. So, there is no excuse for you and me to pay attention and learn.

At the end of this proverb, we will be reminded about God’s justice and how we need to conduct ourselves and by which path we should walk.

1. V1-6 Incline your ear to wisdom

Proverbs 2:1-2

The father is talking to his son to instruct him with love. He is trying to teach him to do the right things for the right reasons. He is trying to teach him that is not about doing it to fulfill some requirements to him or to gain something. Instead, it’s a treasure he should keep in his heart and put into practice.

The expressions: “Incline your ear to wisdom and APPLY it” are talking about make it yours, make it personal. Being intentional in the learning and the exercise of this commandments.

Receive the words and treasure those, is different to just hear and remember. Here is talking about to love the Word of God, love this wonderful wisdom that is for his own good. This amazing tool enables us to know God and access His wisdom.

Hebrews 4:12

¹² For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

We as a Christian should love the Word above all. Love the whole counsel of God! From Genesis to Revelation! It’s not about the shows, the stage, the people or celebrities, the entertainment; but of the Word, it’s about the Truth.

Our treasure is the Word of God.

Psalm 19:7-11

The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul;
The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple;
⁸ The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart;
The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes;
⁹ The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever;
The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.
¹⁰ More to be desired are they than gold,
Yea, than much fine gold;
Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
¹¹ Moreover by them Your servant is warned,
And in keeping them there is great reward.

2 Timothy 3:14-15

¹⁴ But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, ¹⁵ and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

The problem nowadays is that we relegate the Word to second or third or the last place. The modern church is more worried about programs, entertainment, lights, personalities, feelings, sales, quantities, than in the teaching of the Word of God. Vain details as the best chairs, the best and bigger buildings, the best equipment, the best show and the best stage -is not a pulpit for them anymore-; and not in the content of the teaching. Thirty-some minutes of hot worship team and lights with just 10-15 minutes message about personal experiences with an out of context verse of the Bible are more popular now. This is sad and very dangerous.

We have this treasure in a shelve or a drawer. Most of the time just being shown opened in a Psalm in our living rooms. We should start loving it and putting this in our hearts to start living it. If we love God, we love the Word of God, and we love to obey it. He gave us everything. We have everything

John 14:15-18

¹⁵ “If you love Me, keep My commandments. ¹⁶ And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— ¹⁷ the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. ¹⁸ I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.

Loving God will produce a desire to know Him more. This will change us. We will be transformed.

2 Timothy 3:16-17

¹⁶ All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, ¹⁷ that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Pull in the same direction both ropes (being intentional on learning and studying, and asking Gog to transform you), is important as if you have only knowledge (pure information), you will be just as a pharisee, a whitened tomb. If you are not being transformed by Him, then you are operating in your own strength. No growth, no real fruit, just works.

When we get close to Him in a sincere manner, we will be broken, and we will keep His word and commandments. His word won’t be heavy to us but will be our joy. We will see the things we need to change, and we will realize that we cannot do it by ourselves.

We will be more in loved of the Word and amazed for all the wisdom. We will be in a constant state of “ Wow!” As we learn more and more and we treasure it.

Proverbs 2:3-4

Wisdom is available to us in the scripture, and we should ask God for it. The revelation in Christ Jesus of wisdom models a perfect life. He is the Word of God made human once; He is God.

Ask God for this wisdom as He is the real source as we studied in Proverbs 1. If we do this, God is gracious and loving and He will provide it to us.

Matthew 7:7-11

⁷ “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. ⁸ For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. ⁹ Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? ¹⁰ Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent? ¹¹ If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!

The word silver here is referring to a treasure. As we can see people getting crazy for gold and silver, where whole towns are build for seeking the ore and mountains are removed to extract it; we should do the same with the Word of God and examine each word, each verse, chapter, each book. The whole counsel of God. It is the most valuable possession we could have in our hands and the most beautiful message we could be taught.

Fall in love of it, Christian. Be intentional with it. Remember when you fell in love for the very first time. You wanted to spend every moment with that person, know her or him better, call or text every moment… The love in the Word is secure as It is perfect! You will find God if you seek for Him. You will have only but love, excitement, wisdom, instruction and correction, Truth. Everything we need for our life is in here.

Proverbs 2:5-6

The fear of the Lord become this supreme amazingness for the living God. The Holy, the Saint, the Creator, Savior and Lord. We will be more in love of Him. He loved us first and now, we can love Him.

We will understand the fear of the Lord as the reverence for Him. Our surrender to respect Him and honor Him only. He is the Creator, the just Judge, our Father. We should not be afraid of Him and do the things for that reason. The right reason is that He is worthy, and He is Holy. We are not. He loves us and He sent his Son for us. So now, we follow his commandments humbly, respectfully and carefully. We submit to Him voluntarily. We become now, true worshippers of Him, we become true servants of Him. (Doulos – is one who has given -voluntarily- his will up completely to his Master’s).

1 Corinthians 7:22-23

²² For he who is called in the Lord while a slave is the Lord’s freedman. Likewise he who is called while free is Christ’s slave. ²³ You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men.

Our motivations changes and we are not serving or studying for be in compliance, but to know more about God as we fall in love of Him more and more.

“What the alphabet is to reading, notes to reading music, and numerals to mathematics, the fear of the Lord is to attaining the revealed knowledge of this book.” (Waltke)

• V7-12a Result of wisdom

Proverbs 2:7-9

When we start this walk, our heart will change. Our perspective will be to try to be upright in the path. We will hate our sin and we will ask God for wisdom and strength to follow. God is merciful and gracious, and he will provide to us the wisdom we need, and we need to choose to walk on it.

We will understand that we are not righteous nor just. He is the righteous and just and we will rest on that. Is not in our own efforts but with His power. Is not in us to judge as we have no authority nor power (where are the worst sinner we have ever met).

1 Timothy 1:12-15

¹² And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry, ¹³ although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man; but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. ¹⁴ And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. ¹⁵ This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.

Justice, righteousness and equity are from God. We will understand this, and we will want to know more. We will acknowledge the right path and we will want to keep our feet on it. We will ask God to don’t let us go right or left but His path only.

Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. What a wonderful peace brings to my heart knowing this. He modeled and He is the path to walk, He showed us how to do it. He is the full revelation of the Word. He is the life, following Him and surrender to Him will give us the Life.

Proverbs 2:10-12a

When wisdom enters YOUR HEART. Is not talking about it to enter your head. When your heart start loving wisdom, you will start to put it into practice. It will be your delight.

How can we realize if we are not receiving the wisdom in our hearts? Well, everything will be heavy for you. You won’t have the right motivation to serve, to study, to fellowship. We need to start check our hearts and ask God to change it. When we have the right motivation that is to know God and serve Him (not men, not the people, not ourselves) with all our heart, we will have joy and peace. This doesn’t mean that we won’t be tired sometimes; but if we have the right motivation we will get tired IN ministry or service but NEVER OF ministry or serving.

Now in verse 11 and 12a we can see some of the fruits of receiving wisdom. We see we will have discretion. Not to please man, but God. This discretion, this INTENTIONAL discretion will preserve us from bad decisions, from the wrong way (the way of evil). We are intentional to be set apart to Christ (saints) and we will be careful with the things we do, say, we think… We will testify to others with our lives. The mindset changes here to have a Christ-like life.

• V12b-19 Wicked person

Proverbs 2:12b-19

The way of evil is broad. We will find here the wicked person that is always talking and doing evil things. He delights in doing evil and his life is just a party of lust and sin.

The immorality, the violence, the lies, the perversity and sexual depravation are examples of the wicked life. It’s not enough to him or her to live like this but to drag others to it.

The wicked person has easy to speech. Can convince weak people to do the wrong, saying that is not that bad and there are others worse than you. Starts with simple things as gossip and start going up little by little, as profanity, as blasphemy, adultery, drunkenness, violence. Starts with smalls actions, but the snowball starts running downhill getting bigger and bigger, becoming unstoppable in our strength.

Wisdom will deliver you from this as you will be intentionally avoiding this people and places. We will be able to identify the wicked intentions (innocent intentions under the sight of worldly eyes) and we will flee from those.

It is wisdom to avoid places, to avoid people, to avoid circumstances which can lead me to sin. Prudence is now in my heart, so I will keep my testimony in front of people clean. I will ask for strength to God.

All wicked and crooked path leads down to death. PERIOD.

Sin is sin, there is no smaller sin; there’s is no bigger sin. Sin is sin and if we decide to keep walking down that road, we will perish. PERIOD.

There’s no gray here. Is black and white.

If you have Jesus as your Savior and LORD, and you start walking His way, you will be strengthened. Jesus paid it all and now we can walk unashamed as we are being transformed every day to His image. Now it’s a sanctification process.

• V20-22 The wise and fool’s destiny

Proverbs 2:20-22

God is just. He will judge the hearts. The godly man will dwell with Him to worship and adore Him for eternity. The wicked will be cut off.

He chose you as His child. You should walk as one. We need to honor our Father. His is the Lord and our lives should be surrender to Him only. It is a daily walk. It’s daily wisdom and we need to be strong and mature in Him and His Word. No matter what is in our surroundings, we will stand firm. Not the wicked that will be uprooted from earth.

This is a promise of God: Justice. If you reject His instruction and henceforth, Him, you will perish. But the ones who listens will be safe and they will walk in peace without fear. Will be filled with the Spirit and will have power in His name to live the life doing His will and away from sin.

Choose well, Christian! Make the wise choice!

V1-7 The real source of wisdom

V8-19 Apply wisdom and resist evil

V20-23 Wisdom is calling

V24-31 Find wisdom now as it at hand

V32-33 Wise choice

We will be reading in this book of Proverbs, a father trying to instruct his child. A book to instruct, to teach, to discipline.

V1-7 The real source of knowledge

This section is the prologue to the book. We can find here why this is written. The whole book is a collection of wisdom to be applied in life. A number of useful ideas to live our lives correctly according God’s heart. Advices from a father to his son.

Salomon was wise king as he asked for wisdom to God (1 Kings 3:7-10)

Now, O Lord my God, You have made Your servant king instead of my father David, but I am a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in. And Your servant is in the midst of Your people whom You have chosen, a great people, too numerous to be numbered or counted. Therefore give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?”

The speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing.

1 Kings 3:7-10

As this book is a poetic book (remember: Job, Psalms, PROVERBS, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon) we cannot study it literally. It uses literature figures as Simile, Metaphor, Personification, Hyperbole… For this reason and because it is a compilation of ideas (not a succession of ideas in a context) we cannot create doctrine from it. However, we can find practical life principles to apply wisdom, to discipline, to instruct.

Is interesting as in the time we will be going through this book, we will notice that Solomon ended up going against his own recommendations and all the wisdom that God gave him (very human right?).

For instance:

• His heart got hardened because possessions as he was the richest king of all time (1 Kings 10:23)
• His flesh got corrupted with lust as he had the biggest “family” with 700 wives and 300 concubines (1 Kings 11:3)
• His pride got enhanced with 12000 horsemen and 40000 stalls of horses for his chariots (1 Kings 4:26)

Though David also spoke to Solomon at the end of his life:

“As for you, my son Solomon, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a loyal heart and with a willing mind;

(note: if we really know the Lord, we will serve Him)

 for the Lord searches all hearts and understands all the intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will cast you off forever.  1 Chronicles 28:9

It is interesting because all these things he spoke about to his son and he was very emphatic to instruct him (and his father David also spoke about it to him). This behavior is very common in our lives when we try to convince others to apply something, but we forget to apply it in our own. We become in this bad model of Christianity that only focus on sermons and teaching with only good information but with no transformation. We want to look-like but not to become.

We can follow the process in these first 7 verses in our lives:

1. We gain wisdom – v2
2. Do what is good – v3
3. Give prudence others – v4

Then:

1. We gain wisdom v2

To know wisdom and instruction, To perceive the words of understanding, Proverbs 1:2

We don’t start preaching to others before of ourselves. That’s why we always have the focus on learn and study first for our own growth and transformation. The teaching to the congregation, our family, friends… should be the result of the application of the topic in ourselves (the teachers).

We are students first and we should be very diligent on it. Ask God that during our studies we can see Him, then see ourselves in the scripture and then ask and be willing to be transformed by Him,

• Do what is good v3

“To receive the instruction of wisdom, Justice, judgment, and equity;”

Proverbs 1:3

We know that our salvation is not by works but faith. However, the knowledge of Justice, judgement and equity and a transformed life will produce this fruit. We will start to produce fruit as a tree does it. We don’t congratulate a tree for bearing fruit, it’s a tree and SHOULD bear fruit. Again, a real life, transformed by Christ, WILL produce fruit. We are aware now about Justice, judgement and equity. The Holy Spirit is dwelling in us. Now, we will acknowledge that everything comes from God and we will start to be mature in our walk.

• Give prudence others v4

To give prudence to the simple,
To the young man knowledge and discretion— Proverbs 1:4

Having eaten this meal -this REAL meal, not milk- chewed it all and let it nurture our bodies, we can now talk about it. Note something here: You are now living it, you are now being an example. You already started to give prudence others. Is very common that humans learn by examples and demonstrations.

I think is our fallen rebel human nature that draw us to this. We don’t like to people tell us what to do, but to they do it first. Therefore, teaching results from a transformed and consistent life. Our “students” (congregation, friends, son, daughters…) will receive the message with a different attitude.

“A wise man will hear and increase learning, And a man of understanding will attain wise counsel, To understand a proverb and an enigma, The words of the wise and their riddles. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction.”

Proverbs 1:5-7

God is merciful and gracious, and He uses us to speak wisdom according His will. This an important point:

• The wise man hears and learn. Attend the wise counsel
• Understands the Word
• Knows from where (Whom) this wisdom is coming.

In the moment we realize this, our confidence in our knowledge, strength and sufficiency move to a second plane (or the last plane) as is not important anymore. Our wisdom and strength are from the Lord. That removes an enormous weight from us. We need to be able to be humble and run to Him every time.

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. James 1:5-6

I understand that we like to read and watch christian books, documentaries, movies… But how often we go directly to the Bible for direction and wisdom? We like the references and the names, but we trash the real source of wisdom. We like “the 9 steps to overcome…”, “4 strategies to be more…”, “207 ways to…”. We are lazy and want the answers and the formulas. The danger: most of these books, movies are not even christian. They utilize churchy phrases but is nothing but a mere commercial guide which doesn’t hesitate in take hand of heretic doctrines, lies and evil… But disguised of false wisdom. Everything for making money. And the worst part: we are not even aware of it as we don’t know the Truth, the Word.

Read your Bible, Christian! To be clear, I’m not against of reading books, or movies, or documentaries, music… But nothing will never replace the diligent study of the Bible. You will be able to identify errors and trash false teaching. You will be mature, and the winds of false doctrine won’t take you from here to there.

Jude talking about false teachers:

These are spots in your love feasts, while they feast with you without fear, serving only themselves. They are clouds without water, carried about by the winds; late autumn trees without fruit, twice dead, pulled up by the roots; raging waves of the sea, foaming up their own shame; wandering stars for whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever. Jude 1:12-13

But more important: read your bible to Know God! To know Jesus! To be transformed!

Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Fear of the Lord is the acknowledgement of His supremacy, power, infinite love and knowledge, His perfection. We want to know Him and be transformed by Him.

Paul describes the real source of knowledge:

But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God—and righteousness and sanctification and redemption—

1 Corinthians 1:30

It’s not about mere information. Paul had all the information

circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee; concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.

But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ – Philippians 3:7-8

And it’s not earthly wisdom:

Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you seems to be wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, “He catches the wise in their own craftiness”; and again, “The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile.” 1 Corinthians 3:18-20

V8-19 Apply wisdom and resist evil

My son, hear the instruction of your father,
And do not forsake the law of your mother;
For they will be a graceful ornament on your head,
And chains about your neck.

My son, if sinners entice you,
Do not consent.
If they say, “Come with us,
Let us lie in wait to shed blood;
Let us lurk secretly for the innocent without cause;
Let us swallow them alive like Sheol,
And whole, like those who go down to the Pit;
We shall find all kinds of precious possessions,
We shall fill our houses with spoil;
Cast in your lot among us,
Let us all have one purse”—
My son, do not walk in the way with them,
Keep your foot from their path;
For their feet run to evil,
And they make haste to shed blood.
Surely, in vain the net is spread
In the sight of any bird;
But they lie in wait for their own blood,
They lurk secretly for their own lives.
So are the ways of everyone who is greedy for gain;
It takes away the life of its owners. Proverbs 1:8-19

During all our walk-through life we will have multiple teachers -besides the real source of wisdom-. If we born in a christian home our parents will be the first ones (they should be). However, we will have friends, pastors, acquaintances, bosses, coworkers and even strangers who will teach us wisdom. Either by example or by a formal teaching, the Holy Spirit will convict us and transform our lives. Is part of our growing and maturity be more sensitive to it and apply it.

We are IN the world, but we are not OF the world (1 John 2:15-17).

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.

It’s the way behave how we show the world and witness Jesus.

As mature christians, we cannot be part of sinful activities nor consent these. Is wisdom to avoid places and persons who are constantly dragging us to sin. However, the biggest sinner I have ever met is me. We cannot go around just blaming situations and others for my own sin. We make our own decisions, and our decision SHOULD be not to sin.

For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do. If, then, I do what I will not to do, I agree with the law that it is good. But now, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. Romans 7:15-17

A transformed life produces that you hate your inherent sin that much that you repent and walk near to God. Produces accountability, produces a new way to live. We don’t miss our sin or anything from our past sinful life (now is sinful -yes-, but we have Christ now). We are born again in Christ and we need to look to the prize that is Jesus. Remember example of Lot’s wife (Genesis 19:15-26; Luke 17:29-33)

V20-23 Wisdom is calling

Wisdom calls aloud outside;
She raises her voice in the open squares.
She cries out in the chief concourses,
At the openings of the gates in the city
She speaks her words:
“How long, you simple ones, will you love simplicity?
For scorners delight in their scorning,
And fools hate knowledge.
Turn at my rebuke;
Surely I will pour out my spirit on you;
I will make my words known to you.

Proverbs 1:20-23

Hey, Christian! Ready to start growing? Good news: The wisdom of God is available! Ask for wisdom and He will give you wisdom.

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. James 1:5-6

Your Bible is ready to be open. The Word of God and is perfect.

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

2 Timothy 3:16-17

This is the way to know the living God. We can read on John

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. John 1:1-5

Jesus became human as the full Revelation of the Word; He is the Word. He is the wisdom and modeled how to live it perfectly. He sent the Holy Spirit to us so we could understand and be used by God. We received power from Him.

V24-31 Find wisdom now as it at hand

Because I have called and you refused,
I have stretched out my hand and no one regarded,
Because you disdained all my counsel,
And would have none of my rebuke,
I also will laugh at your calamity;
I will mock when your terror comes,
When your terror comes like a storm,
And your destruction comes like a whirlwind,
When distress and anguish come upon you.

“Then they will call on me, but I will not answer;
They will seek me diligently, but they will not find me.
Because they hated knowledge
And did not choose the fear of the Lord,
They would have none of my counsel
And despised my every rebuke.
Therefore they shall eat the fruit of their own way,
And be filled to the full with their own fancies.

Proverbs 1:24-31

NOW is the time. There will be a time when would be so late. Jesus’s second coming is at hand. We don’t know when, but we need to live as if today would be the last day. He will be here to take His people and to reign. Tomorrow could be too late for you and me, my beloved friend.

Happens something curious with diets, the gym… We postpone things! The bad news in this case: this for eternity!

How can we be with God in heaven if we don’t know Him? Do you know we will be worshiping and adoring Him for all the eternity?

For me, the most terrifying words that I can hear is Jesus saying to me “I don’t know you”. Again, this is the time.

“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’ Matthew 7:21-23

We can read also in Isaiah:

Seek the Lord while He may be found,
Call upon Him while He is near. Isaiah 55:6

V32-33 Wise choice

“For the turning away of the simple will slay them, And the complacency of fools will destroy them; But whoever listens to me will dwell safely, And will be secure, without fear of evil.”

Proverbs 1:32-33

This is a promise of God: Justice. If you reject His instruction and henceforth, Him, you will perish. But the ones who listens will be safe and they will walk in peace without fear. Will be filled with the Spirit and will have power in His name to live the life doing His will and away from sin.

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28

Choose well, Christian! Make the wise choice!