Decisions, Decisions
Opening Prayer
Wise, Eternal God, You are the giver of all true and dependable wisdom. I want more of Your wisdom today.
Read Proverbs 1:1-19
[1] The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel: [2] for gaining wisdom and instruction; for understanding words of insight; [3] for receiving instruction in prudent behavior, doing what is right and just and fair; [4] for giving prudence to those who are simple, knowledge and discretion to the young- [5] let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance- [6] for understanding proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise. [7] The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. [8] Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. [9] They are a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck. [10] My son, if sinful men entice you, do not give in to them. [11] If they say, “Come along with us; let’s lie in wait for innocent blood, let’s ambush some harmless soul; [12] let’s swallow them alive, like the grave, and whole, like those who go down to the pit; [13] we will get all sorts of valuable things and fill our houses with plunder; [14] cast lots with us; we will all share the loot”- [15] my son, do not go along with them, do not set foot on their paths; [16] for their feet rush into evil, they are swift to shed blood. [17] How useless to spread a net where every bird can see it! [18] These men lie in wait for their own blood; they ambush only themselves! [19] Such are the paths of all who go after ill-gotten gain; it takes away the life of those who get it. Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
How would you summarize the purpose of the Proverbs?Every day we make choices. Some, like which cereal to have for breakfast, are insignificant. Others, a career choice, for example, are important. Some are crucial for our relationship with God. Solomon knows all about choices and wants his son to learn to make the right ones. The central message of Proverbs is that wisdom helps us to make the right decisions. It’s easy to go along with others. We want to be accepted; the activity looks exciting; we stand to gain. We may feel that the invitation in vs. 10-19 is beyond anything we normally confront. Yet, what about joining the group that makes fun of others or makes them feel excluded? What about falling in with the work culture of fiddling the expenses? Not as severe maybe, but still damaging to us and to others. In the long term such behavior only ends in disaster (19). What’s the key to making the right choices? It’s there in v. 7: keep God at the center of your thinking. When we respect and revere God and follow his standards, we will have a framework in our lives which will help us to get it right.
Apply
Give to God all the decisions you have to make this week. Ask him to help you make good ones.
Closing prayer
Good Lord, You offer me so much invaluable wisdom. I want it to sincerely ask for discipline to seek it.
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