Proverbs 1:1-4:27
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Today we begin the book of Proverbs! The author of the majority of the Proverbs was King Solomon, the son of King David. This means that most of the Proverbs were written in the 10th century B.C. when Israel was a united kingdom. It may be that the Proverbs were not officially compiled together as a book until the 6th century B.C. Agur son of Jakeh, King Lemuel, and "wisemen" were the other authors of the Proverbs. Bob Deffinbaugh, Th.M., with bible.org has a wonderful Introduction to Proverbs at this link. Below is an image of King Solomon dictating his wise maxims, the Proverbs:
Today we read in Proverbs chapter 1 verses 2 through 4 a great overview of why we should read and study the Proverbs: "The purpose of these proverbs is to teach people wisdom and discipline, and to help them understand wise sayings. Through these proverbs, people will receive instruction in discipline, good conduct, and doing what is right, just, and fair. These proverbs will make the simpleminded clever. They will give knowledge and purpose to young people." Do you want wisdom? Do you want discipline in your life? Do you want to do what is right, just and fair? Do you want purpose for your life? Do you believe this journey through the Bible in 2011 will move you forward in these areas? Will you cling to the wisdom of the Proverbs this year?
Proverbs chapter 1 verse 7 is basically the mission statement for the entire book of Proverbs! "Fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge. Only fools despise wisdom and discipline." What does this proverb say to you? Do you believe we should fear God? Bible commentaries define this fear of God as "a loving reverence for God that includes submission to his Lordship and to the commands of his words." Do you believe that fear of God is the beginning of knowledge in our lives? Will you embrace wisdom and discipline in your life? Will you make wisdom and discipline top priorities in your life in this new year?
Proverbs chapter 1 verses 17 and 18 teach us this today: "When a bird sees a trap being set, it stays away. But not these people! They set an ambush for themselves; they booby-trap their own lives!" I think these verses basically say that birds are smarter than those who conspire to do harm to others - Are you with me on this thought?? :) Speaking of smart birds and one who conspires to do harm to another...:
Proverbs 1:23 is beautiful to think about: "Come here and listen to me! I'll pour out the spirit of wisdom upon you and make you wise." Do you want the spirit of wisdom this year? Do you want to be wise? Do you believe studying the Bible can give you the spirit of wisdom? Will you pray to God for the spirit of wisdom in this new year?
Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in Proverbs titled "The Two Ways" is at this link.
Worship Video: Our readings in Proverbs 1:8-33 remind me of the Casting Crowns song "Slow Fade:"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QASREBVDsLk
Are you on a slow fade? Click here to be rescued!
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline." Proverbs 1:7 NIV
Prayer Point: Based on Proverbs 1:7, will you pray for wisdom and discipline in your life this year? Will you pray for a healthy and proper fear of the LORD? Will you pray for knowledge? Please pray that this year's Chronological Bible journey will help you grow in all of these areas.
Comments from You: What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings? Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!
God bless,
Mike
p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.
p.s. #2 - Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.
p.s. #3 - I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!
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