The Lost Twelve Years

(Luk 2:40 KJV)  And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.

(Proverbs 31 also read)

At this point in the gospels the life of Jesus goes dark.  This is the last we hear of him for twelve years.  I sometimes like to speculate on what Jesus was like as a little boy.  Other verses tell us that He went through all the temptations we do, yet He was without sin.  My grandchildren are marvelous and as close to perfect as you could imagine but I would hardly say they are without sin.  I would have loved to see the practical jokes He would play because I think, being perfect, He must have had a God-level sense of humor.  

There were no red letter days that we know about.  I would suggest that the same thing is true of our lives.  Most of our days are spent in routine and with a lack of capital letters.  That does not mean that we are not growing in “grace” (5485) and “wisdom” (4678).  Just as the man Jesus was being molded as the boy Jesus, so we are being molded by our daily experiences.

So?  I trust that this new year will be an opportunity for you to grow and become stronger in grace and wisdom.  Let it be. 

Where’s the Jiff?

(Act 20:38 KJV)  Sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him unto the ship.

(Proverbs 30 also read)

People and their priorities are strange.  Here we see an dramatic emotional storm because Paul has told them that he will not return.  Just a few verses back we have him warning them that “grievous wolves” would show up and that there would be terrible attempts to destroy the church.  That did not seem to bring much of a response.

I wonder how often we are guilty of the same things.

There are a lot of issues we need to be concerned with in our personal lives, the church and society around us.  Too often we worry about whether the car has been washed or get emotional about our favorite brand of peanut butter not being in stock.

So?  Focus on the things that matter.  Sure, look for your peanut butter but while you are looking don’t ignore the wolf that is waiting to destroy the important things of life. 

Attitude of Freedom

(Pro 29:19 KJV)  A servant will not be corrected by words: for though he understand he will not answer.

It is not enough to “understand” (995) if we do not obey.  When we are dealing with a God who knows our hearts and can read our minds we cannot plead ignorance.  One of the common dodges that people use against responsibility is this idea of “I didn’t know.”  I have had it used on me.  I would guess I have used it, although I don’t want to dive into my memory to find out for sure.  

One reason why I don’t worry if I miss the sermon on Sunday is that I already know more than I am doing.  God wants obedience.  That is sometimes physical and sometimes mental.  It is always an attitude.

So?  Develop an attitude of freedom.  Serve willingly. 

Beware the Auditor

(Pro 28:8 KJV)  He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor.

The second half of this verse is a bit obscure but that makes it frightening.  Obviously God is not happy with the idea of loaning money at interest.  Owing money is a form of slavery and it is a bondage that can keep us from being responsive to the leadership of God.  The second part takes this a step further.  It seems to make God the auditor and tax man.

It seems to me that this is saying God will find a way to pass the wealth of the money lenders on to the poor.  I don’t know how that will work but there it is.  

So?  God expects us to earn our bread by the labor we contribute.  That can be as a field hand or as a merchant.  Each contributes something to the process.  It would seem doubtful that people who make their money on the misfortune of others are in a different category. 

Diet

(Pro 27:27 KJV)  And thou shalt have goats' milk enough for thy food, for the food of thy household, and for the maintenance for thy maidens.

Recently I was visiting with a friend who has some very specific ideas about food.  He is not vegetarian and does not follow the kosher law but his habits come close to each.  At dinner in a Chinese restaurant he was very specific that he did not want anything with pork in it.  He has in the past eaten only brown rice and when he fixed himself some oatmeal he only put cold water on it.  Needless to say I do not ever plan on him preparing my meals.

The demand for no pork brought up a short discussion of the ideas of being vegan or vegetarian.  I think we were agreed that neither was a sin.  That was big of us, I know.  We also agreed that there was no Biblical basis for either one.  This is one of those verses that pushes the vegan approach out the spiritual door and makes it only personal choice.  A vegan could not partake of goat’s milk although it is clearly endorsed by Proverbs.

So?  It may not be an issue for you.  If it comes up don’t get into being judgmental unless the food junkie tries to tell you it is a Biblical requirement.  No.  Just no. 

Results May Vary

(Act 14:2 KJV)  But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren.

(Proverbs 26 also read)

Have you ever been frustrated because you were not effective as a witness, evangelist or teacher?  You are in good company.  Paul was the acknowledged apostle to the Gentiles.  He had a lot of success but you need to realize he also had a lot of failure.  One often follows the other.  Here we have a case where his success planted the seeds for violent opposition.

Be aware that everyone does not want to hear the truth.  Think about the prophets.  Few listened to them.  Think about Jesus.  People came to be healed and fed but often did not want to hear what He had to say.  

So?  Our goal is to be faithful.  The results are in the hands of God and the hearts of those He is trying to reach.

Memories

(Luk 2:12 KJV)  And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

(Proverbs 25 also read)

Years ago, when our son was first beginning to talk, we went to a Christmas presentation in a large public auditorium.  As part of the presentation they had a living nativity scene.  It was a very living scene with grown camels being led onto the stage.  My son decided it was time to ask the question that is very un-Christmas, “What if he goes potty?”  He did not whisper it in my ear.  He gave it all his Thespian might.  It resounded through the theater.

It is an aspect of the first Christmas we might not think about.  My youngest grandson is moving toward underwear instead of diapers but he isn’t there yet.  This may be the last Christmas where diapers are necessary.  The first Christmas was a time when Mary and Joseph were very aware of it.

So?  This is the day of the Incarnation.  God became man, or a baby.  He went through having His diaper changed so that we could have the hope of forgiven sins.  I trust you have taken advantage of that.  Merry Christmas.

Eve of the Unknown

(Gal 4:4 KJV)  But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,

(Proverbs 24 also read)

Around this time of year you hear a lot of people saying that we don’t know the date of Jesus’ birth.  That is correct, we don’t.  We can narrow down the year somewhat but the day is not given to us.  There are different types of people who bring this up.  One is the know-it-all who needs to demonstrate their tremendous knowledge.  Then there are people like me who mention it in passing and don’t consider it significant.  At the other extreme you have people in the cults who use it to try to jump to the reliability of the Bible.

We don’t know.  Deal with it.

What we do know from a verse like this is that Jesus was born when God decided it was the right time.  Again, deal with it.

So?  Jesus was born.  God became man.  The incarnation was the beginning of the path that led to the cross and our chance at forgiveness.  What a great thought for Christmas.

Keep the Focus

(Pro 23:2 KJV)  And put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to appetite.

As I write I am looking at Thanksgiving tomorrow.  When this is posted it will be just before Christmas.  These are two times of celebration and feasting among Christians as well as the general population.  Here the warning is against people who want to take advantage of you and try to buy you off with food.  I would hope that is not a problem in your circle.

But the warning is really about being ruled by our “appetite” (5315).  It is easy during all the rush to shift our focus from the incarnation and the promises of God.  It is almost second nature to get lulled by the physical and forget the spiritual.  This is a reminder.

So?  Celebrate.  Rejoice.  Feast.  And in the midst of it all keep re-engaging with the truth that is behind it all.  Merry Christmas. 

Emotions of Christmas

(Psa 142:7 KJV)  Bring my soul out of prison, that I may praise thy name: the righteous shall compass me about; for thou shalt deal bountifully with me.

(Proverbs 22 also read)

This is one of several Psalms that seem to be written from the depths of despair.  Dare we say, “depression”?  This is tagged as being written by David, the man after God’s own heart.  If you read through this and don’t pick up the anguish, you were reading on neutral.  It is all through.  What sealed it for me was this opening phrase, “Bring my soul out of prison”.  

This is David.  King, victorious warrior, author, musician.  And he suffered times of depression.

So?  I would suggest that if David could feel this way and still write something like the 23rd Psalm, there is hope for us when we get a bit dragged down.  You soul does not need to stay in prison.  Keep that in mind as you celebrate the season. 

Seeing Through the Towel

(Pro 21:24 KJV)  Proud and haughty scorner is his name, who dealeth in proud wrath.

How often do we try to hide behind synonyms?  Sin can be labeled many ways that are used to cover up the gravity of rebellion against God.  Selfishness can be called stewardship.  You know the pattern.  The point is that a happy synonym does not take away the pain of the moment.  The games we play with toddlers come to mind.  It is fun to cover a kids head with a towel and start saying, “Where is Rufus?”  That assumes of course that the child is named Rufus.  I have not yet figured out if Rufus knows you see him but is having fun or actually has not put the picture together.

Here the issue is basically pride.  It might be many other areas.  God has put the picture together.

So?  Be honest with yourself.  That is often the first step toward being honest with God and those people around you. 

Dangers of Deceit

(Pro 20:17 KJV)  Bread of deceit is sweet to a man; but afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel.

If you ever read the comics you are familiar with the Peanuts cartoon that has Lucy holding the football for Charlie Brown and assuring him that this time she will not pull it away.  After the first two or three times I knew what was coming.  Why didn’t Charlie Brown?  In our lives why do we act like him so often?

One reason we keep falling is optimism.  We believe that this time things will be different.  We are not thinking about us but about the other person or the situation.  We think that we made a mistake but that is rectified now and all will be well.

Sometimes it is just a matter of refusing to admit the sin in our own life.  

“Deceit” (falsehood NASB) (8267) is a serious problem.  It is bad enough when we are the target.  It is even worse when we are targeting others.  

So?  Be honest with yourself and with others. 

The Myth of the Open Mind

(Pro 19:25 KJV)  Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware: and reprove one that hath understanding, and he will understand knowledge.

Today as I write I am looking for a verse that fits into a thought I already have.  Since I knew the issue I wanted to expand on, I was also aware that Proverbs speaks about it frequently so my chances of it popping up were good.  Proverbs came through.  I refer to the term “simple” (naive NASB) (6612a).  The reason it is on my mind is because in a discussion with another believer who was trying to bring me to his position he kept saying, “You need to keep an open mind.”  I have a hard time not laughing when people say this because of my knowledge of Proverbs.

I laugh because the root in the Hebrew for this word is open.  Thus in Hebrew to be naive and simple is to have an open mind.  The word picture is a large space able to accept whatever needs to be stored so I tend to think of this open mind they want me to have is a garbage dump with room for every bit of nonsense the world has to offer.  

So?  I will be open to the teachings of God as expressed in the Bible.  I will be skeptical to all the traditions of man that keep trying to change how I think.

Christmas Blood

 (Act 20:26 KJV)  Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men.
 

(Proverbs 18 also read)

When I read this a certain bit of prophecy came to mind.  I could not find it in any of the cross references which is a good reason to keep your own mind awake.  I felt like Paul was referring back to the words of Ezekiel,

(Eze 3:18 KJV)  When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.

Paul had preached.  He had taught.  He had talked endlessly.  During that time he did not pull punches on truth.  I wish I could say the same and I am afraid that it is a common failure in Christian circles.  

We don’t want to offend.  We want to be liked.  We don’t feel we have the right words.  We still are the ones with the truth.  This should be a bit easier at Christmas time because we know what it is all about.

So?  If you love, share.  For many you may be the only Bible they get near. 

Bored to Death

(Act 20:9 KJV)  And there sat in a window a certain young man named Eutychus, being fallen into a deep sleep: and as Paul was long preaching, he sunk down with sleep, and fell down from the third loft, and was taken up dead.

(Proverbs 17 also read)

And you thought last Sunday’s sermon was boring?  Imagine how Paul felt.  I would imagine that the excitement cut in just when he was getting to the key point in his sermon.  It is funny how that works.  Next time you are a bit upset with the pastor’s preaching remember that you could have been listening to Paul while sitting in a third floor window.

If you are the pastor or related to one keep in mind that people also seemed to complain about the apostle Paul.  Even Jesus had a problem getting His disciples to listen and take notes.

So?  It is up to us whether we get anything out of a sermon, lesson or book.  This is not the place to pass the buck. 

Unvicious Cycles

(Pro 16:23 KJV)  The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips.

I watch people having a hard time walking and my mind goes to the vicious cycle that can be a part of their lives.  They are tired so they don’t walk.  Because they don’t walk they get weaker.  Because they are weaker they have physical problems that grow.  Physical problems make it hard to walk, and we start around again.

There is another side of that.  There are the cycles of blessing we can experience.  I am talking about spiritual blessings although I am sure the cycle exists in the physical realm.  Here we have the “heart” (3820), “mouth” (6310) and the “lips” (8193).  In previous verses it talks about the understanding and the spirit.  I would want to ask which comes first in our spiritual journey to wisdom.  

So?  I would suggest that you treat it like any cycle.  Jump in wherever you can.  Like the exercise/health problem the important thing is that you start and do what you can.  God will meet you and bring progress.  Remember it is hard to make progress from a stand still. 

Home Remedy

(Pro 15:4 KJV)  A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.

I am taken aback when I realize how simple some things can be.  I was reading a book about innovation and the thought came to me that many of the medications we take are more optional than we want to admit.  We go to the doctor, get a prescription, take a pill and expect all to get better.  In the process of “healing” we experience nausea and sleeplessness.  We find that the side effects are worse than the original problem.  They we read about some home remedy that used to be common.  I am within reach of a jar that contains something called “healing jelly”.  It used to be called “petroleum jelly” but needed rebranding.  It is amazing all the things it can do if applied.

In the same way a mouth that applies simple kindness can be a healing thing.  We don’t need therapy or counseling.  We don’t need a vacation.  What we need is to simply apply the opening attributes of the description of love which is patience, kindness and a lack of jealousy.

So?  Act like the drug store is closed.  Use what you have on the shelf or what is already in your spiritual vocabulary.  Let God be your natural healer. 

Some Things Can’t Be Shared

(Pro 14:10 KJV)  The heart knoweth his own bitterness; and a stranger doth not intermeddle with his joy.

I read the second part of this verse as a grandfather who has just been traveling and enjoying other people’s grandchildren.  At my destination I was able to get to know the grandchildren of friends.  I found that they have the same tickle spots as mine.  They have just as many toes and they are hugable.  

I have seen stranger’s grandchildren in the airport.  They bring a big smile to my face.  I can even enjoy the parents’ frustration in dealing with them.

But they are not mine.  I can understand the love that others feel because I have my own.  I can have strong feelings and a bit of joy but much of that is anchored in the joy that mine bring to me.

So?  Enjoy the joy of others but realize that God has His own joys for you.  Be aware and thankful. 

Light Attitudes

(Pro 13:9 KJV)  The light of the righteous rejoiceth: but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out.

This chapter in Proverbs, and probably most chapters, has a list of contrasts.  Many, if not most, are a contrast that comes down to attitude.  How do you look at life?  That is established by how you look at the day.  Or is it the other way around?  It doesn’t matter.  The point is you decide what kind of illumination you want on what you face.  

Take a simple flashlight.  My grandchildren love to play with them even in the middle of the day.  At night they can keep you from stubbing your toe, stepping on a scorpion or missing a stair.  They can also be used to terrorize.  How?  Go in a dark room in front of a mirror, put the flashlight below your chin and shine it up over your face so that the shadows create a wicked result.  Same light.  Different angle.

So?  You have heard it before and will hear it again.  We can decide what our attitude is going to be.  Start with the encouragement of worship involving praise and thanksgiving.  It will make you have a different attitude toward the call about your auto warrantee. 

A Different Style of Holiday Buffet

(2Co 12:7 KJV) And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.

(Proverbs 12 also read)

Does everyone have a “thorn” (4647) in the “flesh” (4561) [sarx]?  The purpose seems to be to keep us humble.  Paul is not clear exactly what it is that holds him back.  There has been a lot of speculation.  The use of “flesh” here would seem to indicate it is something physical, such as epilepsy or a stutter, but it could have been a person.  We don’t know.

Maybe everyone doesn’t need one.  I guess it is possible that some people are so naturally humble they don’t need any extra measure but it seems to me that often the person with the least to brag about is the most cocky.

Most of us are very good at keeping them off the front page.

So?  If you are struggling with a handicap understand you are not alone, unless that is your handicap.  And don’t forget that the good news is God working through our weaknesses. 

Hold It

(Pro 11:12 KJV)  He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour: but a man of understanding holdeth his peace.

I have been involved in a lot of discussions lately.  Sunday School, bi-weekly Zoom meetings, family get togethers; the opportunities to share my wisdom and insight are plentiful.  I have been disappointed that no one seemed to want to listen to what I had to say.  They were too busy sharing their wisdom and insights.  I was a bit amused that they would often not pay attention to whether anyone else was talking.

There is a theme in this chapter of Proverbs and I am guessing you will find it other places.  The theme is, “Keep your mouth shut.”  I have a hard time with that when one lady suggests that a child with high lead levels might have been chewing on pencil lead.  On another day the teacher commented how the Bible never tells us to anoint with oil when we are praying for the sick.  To be honest I did not remain quiet either time, but I am working on it.

So?  Listen.  I keep telling myself I might learn something. 

Some Things Must Be One Way

(Pro 10:12 KJV)  Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.

“Hatred” (8153) is destructive.  That is clear in this verse.  I find myself wondering if it is required of both parties in a dispute.  Can the hatred of one person cause dissension if the other refuses to return it?  We live in a day of warm fuzzy theology that seems to say if we just keep a smile on our face and keep turning the other cheek then eventually the hater will fall down on his knees in repentance and rainbows will appear and the birds will sing a sweet song.

Maybe.  Sometimes that will work just fine.  How did it work out for Jesus in the Garden?  

So?  I think we need to accept the fact that people filled with hate will cause problems.  How we respond will vary based on the situation.  What is in our hearts cannot change.  We must never be the one filled with hatred.  As always, the results are up to God. 

Standing Grace

(Psa 130:3 KJV)  If thou, LORD, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand?

(Proverbs 9 also read)

We tend to drift off course in two directions.  One drift is to focus on the sins of others and how bad they are.  This is a way of lifting ourselves up at their expense.

The other direction has us magnifying our sin to the point where we find it almost impossible to accept the forgiveness talked about in the next verse.

Sin is real.  It cripples us and pollutes our whole being.  If that was all we had to know about then we would be truly the most miserable of creatures.  In fact, the question is, “Who could stand (5975)?”  The answer is no one.

So?  Grab the grace that is inferred.  This is not a statement of dismal dejection.  This is a reminder that God sent His son to die for our sins.  This chapter does not go into that but it doesn’t need to because it is clearly presented other places.  Rejoice!  Jesus has stood for us. 

Fool Simple

(Pro 8:5 KJV)  O ye simple, understand wisdom: and, ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart.

Every day I pray for a group that I call “the seekers”.  These are celebrities and intellectuals that seem to be actually open to finding truth.  They are well spoken.  Some are advanced in their formal education with lots of letters after their names.  People listen to them.  They seem to be open to truth but are having a hard time finding it.  

Here we have the statement that “fools” (3684) can find truth.  It would seem to me that if a fool can grasp truth, why are the elites having such a hard time.  Picture someone stumbling through a dark room seeking the coffee pot.  They can smell the coffee.  They believe it is there but they can’t find it.  They run into a corner of the room, put out their hand and find a light switch.  What would you do?  I would turn it on.  Simple people turn it on.  Even fools will turn on the lights.  The top of the pyramid have trouble with that.  They want to map out the entire room and explain why each obstacle is where it is.  It is really hard for them.

So?  Pray for people whose names you hear regularly.  Some of them are close to turning on the lights.  Some will never find it because of pride.  It is isn’t a problem with the availability.  It is a problem with willingness. 

Mystery

(Php 2:7 KJV)  But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

(Proverbs 7 also read)

This is the incarnation.  It is one of the great mysteries of the Bible.  It is clearly described as God becoming man.  Jesus is God.  Jesus is man.  He is both at the same time.  The mystery is not in knowing what happened.  It is not in knowing why.  The mystery is in wrapping our mind around the concept of the dual nature of Christ.  We have a hard time understanding human beings.  God is infinitely beyond our ability to grasp.  Put them together and it is even more difficult.

What we need to know is that mankind is sinful and destined for an eternity in Hell.  In order to keep that from happening Jesus was born in a manger to become the perfect Lamb of God.  He would be the sacrifice that paid and made it possible for us to know eternity in the presence of God Almighty.

So?  Maybe eternity will be long enough to begin understanding what happened on the first nativity.  Merry Christmas.  Get started in contemplating the mystery. 

Take the Opportunity

(Psa 145:7 KJV)  They shall abundantly utter the memory of thy great goodness, and shall sing of thy righteousness.

(Proverbs 6 also read)

One of the great attributes of Christmas is the opportunity to talk about the greatness of God.  This whole Psalm rejoices.  Sometimes David is being grumpy and woeful.  Here he is reflecting on his blessings.  You can often start a discussion of God’s love and grace simply by saying “Merry Christmas.”

Sometimes it will be simple expression of joy.  I have Christmas music on and am reveling in its message of hope and stirring of memories.  With some people you will share the joy.

Sometimes it will be to contradict the Grumps of Xmas.  They are all around you.  For some it is a serious rejection of the things of God.  For others it is simply that they have been listening to the news.  Christmas is a great time to share why you know the joy of the Lord.

So?  That assumes you have some joy to share.  If you are struggling a bit then just reflect that God became man so that you could know forgiveness of sins.  Rejoice.

Natural Solutions

(Act 13:26 KJV)  Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent.

(Proverbs 5 also read)

We have here a group of people that I have heard referred to as the God Fearers.  They were described as a group of gentiles that would listen to what the Jews had to say, have a desire to know this God of whom they spoke, but were not willing to take the step of circumcision.  You can picture how they would be a natural audience for Paul when he made the transition from speaking to the Jews to preaching to the Gentiles.

You may have people like this around you.  My daughter recently had a neighbor who started expressing interest because her daughter was interested.  You might know someone who has watched The Chosen.  God moves people in many ways.  We need to watch for those expressing an interest.  That is how the Holy Spirit works.

It is also possible that someone reading this might be in a class like that.  If so, I invite you to put your faith in Jesus as the one who died for your sins to be forgiven.  

So?  Be alert to the ways in which the Holy Spirit is working around and in you.

Who Supplies the Lemons?

(Pro 4:11 KJV)  I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths.

I started reading today in this verse.  Two things hit me.  One was a question and the other was a realization.

The question was, “Who is giving me this advice?”  I was thinking it was a personification of Wisdom which would be good but as I finished reading the chapter I realized that this was Solomon’s Father, David.  There is not mystery of spiritualization here.  This is not mystical.  This is dad talking to you.

I realized that we all have a responsibility to pass on what we have learned.  Accept that people may not listen.  Be aware that your timing and attitude need work.  Admit that you still have the duty to share truth.

So?  Look around you.  There are people you influence.  It may only be the clerk behind the Covid shield but remember that you have the Holy Spirit on your side.  He doesn’t even need lemons to make lemonade.

Death Wish

(Act 12:19 KJV)  And when Herod had sought for him, and found him not, he examined the keepers, and commanded that they should be put to death. And he went down from Judaea to Caesarea, and there abode.

(Proverbs 3 also read)

Do you want a miracle in your life?  Do you want God to deliver you from some difficult situation?  Have you ever wondered why He has not done so?  Here is part of the answer.  In order for Peter to be delivered several men had to be executed.  That was the penalty for allowing a prisoner to escape.  Do you want someone to die so you can have a new car?  Are you really willing for someone else to go through suffering so you can be relieved of pain, specially when the pain is probably the result of your lack of obedience in the first place?

Were the men executed innocent?  No, they were sinners like us, but it certainly wasn’t fair to kill them.  Could God have freed Peter another way?  Yes, but He didn’t.

So?  Be careful what you ask for.  God is aware of what you need. 

Alert

(Pro 2:11 KJV)  Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee:

This is a transition verse.  That is why “discretion” (4209) is so important.  In the previous verses it talks about all the wonderful aspects of wisdom and what it can mean to your life.  The following verses warn about the dangers of ignoring wisdom.  This requires discretion.

We need to be reminded that the world is out to get us.  They can be subtle and slow or blatant and sudden.  They are masters of the many paths to Hell and they want to take you with them.  I think there are some people who are heavenly minded naturally in spite of their sinful nature.  They seem to respond readily to the gospel.  There are others who seem to have a built in antagonism to the things of God.  This latter group preys upon those in between.  

So?  Beware.  Unless you are in the devil’s camp then he and his minions are out to get you.  The good news is that God has given us ample resources to prepare for the attack.  Use them. 

Listen by Choice

(Psa 119:133 KJV)  Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.

(Proverbs 1 also read)

This verse is a good reflection of my daily reading in Proverbs 1 today.  In that chapter it talks about people trying to pull us away into sin and how often people refuse to listen to the guidance of the living God.  Here David is praying to see the opposite happen.  I see two points.

First, we need the “word” {565a} to “order” (establish NASB) {3559} us.  Picture majoring in philosophy.  I know that is a dreadful prospect for many, but stick with me.  Could you picture trying to be a philosopher if you had never read Plato?  I guess it would be possible to claim the title but your arguments would be lacking to say the least.  One of the weaknesses of modern philosophy students is that the new age philosophy departments have cut out all of the classical writings.  We cannot do that with the word.

Second, David is praying that God would deliver him from the power of sin.  “Dominion” (7980) is a strong concept that means to control and master.  If we did not have the power of God in our lives we would soon be beaten under by the forces of evil.  

So?  I have repeated it in nauseating fashion, get into the word and make it a daily part of your life.  It has eternal consequences.