Proverbs 1 Devotional

The Bible touts Solomon, son of David, king of Israel as wisest man, ruler ever...and we get his writings!! Blessed by God, anointed ruler and judge, we get to sit at his feet and hear from him through the book that he left for us, the book of Proverbs.

Right from the start, this man of God gets to the point that fearing God is beginning of true smarts, but the foolish (fools) absolutely will not well receive general wisdom and instruction. This brings to my mind the scenario when I choose not to discuss something with someone because I want to spare the conflict: I am certain they, he, she will bicker and NOT GET IT. Only God is the judge, but Proverbs 1:7 is evidence that such characters exist...

We have probably all been such characters in those moments between accusation/conviction/denial, and realization that we are indeed guilty (of what ever sin has snuck in to our lives).

Proverbs 1:7
7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Proverbs 1:10
10 My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.

Whew hows Proverbs 1:10 for encouragement to choose your company and friends wisely?

Proverbs 1:22-23

22 How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge?

23 Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you.

Wow Proverbs 1:22-23 is particularly meaningful to me because God recently revealed to me, my participation in the sin of scorn, and He is in the process of totally healing me on this. For many years, dare I say, decades, I was simple and blind to this flaw or sin in me, but my heart was open, and seeking, and just recently the Holy Spirit did a big work in me. (You can read more about it here https://grandmamarymartha.blogspot.com/2020/06/secret-scorn.html

How truly BLESSED I have been since He has poured out His Spirit in my life to make His words known in my life. He has spoken to me about my sin, and I confessed and repented, and He is HEALING me of this very common and dreadful sin.

I am still tempted. I go to Him for wisdom, strength, His GOOD WORK so that I do not....

I would not want to any longer, or all my life ignore His counsel. He is clear that He does have boundaries of waiting and patience:

Proverbs 1:28-31

28 Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me:

29 For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the Lord:

30 They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof.

31 Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices.

I do not want to be one who despises wise counsel.

Was there ever a time when you despised when people tried to point out your sin or your flaw, and later you understood or realized it was so? Has the Holy Spirit ever pointed out sin in your life? Would you dare to ask the Holy Spirit to reveal sins or flaws in you? After you notice a sin or flaw, what is the prescribed Christian reaction? (confession, repentance, and seeking God for healing and help...) What can we do so that our spiritual eyes and ears are sharp to sense what is right and what is wrong? Are you taking care of your spirit, and serving God well?

Dear God help us to be a people who listens to Your wisdom, Your voice, Your truths. Grow us strong and wise. Hold our hand when we need it. Send us wise brothers and sisters to travel, learn and grow with. Grow us in Your good fruits please, we pray. Our hearts are open. Thank you for loving us. Thank you for hearing our prayers, and for preparing good things for us. In Jesus's name we pray, amen.