Proverbs 2
There’s good reason to refer to the Scriptures as “the Living Word”, isn’t there? It’s fresh each time we revisit.
Today the Lord impressed two things on me.
1) Cause & Effect.
IF –> THEN.
Actions –>Results.
2) The stark contrast of God’s character vs. the lack thereof in the wicked men.
I found myself listing them today. (The IF would make a great to-do list!)
IF I-
-accept His words
-store up His commands (learn & memorize)
-turn my ear to His wisdom (to really hear)
-call out for insight
-cry aloud for understanding (more than mere wishful thinking)
-look for it (seriously – like for precious metals)
-search for it (turn things over, look underneath & behind)
THEN
(results of the IFs)
-I’ll understand the fear of the LORD (cf. Pr. 1)
-I’ll find the knowledge of God
-I’ll understand what is right and just and fair
-I’ll have wisdom inside me
-Knowledge will bring pleasantness (great thought!)
-I’ll be protected by discretion (imagine that!)
-I’ll be guarded by understanding
-Wisdom will save me from the ways of wicked men
-Will live in the land and remain in it. (intended for the nation of Israel but parallels are easy to find for today)
FOR—
descriptions of God’s character & track record as supporting evidence of IF –> THEN
-the Lord gives wisdom
-He speaks knowledge & understanding
-has victory already in waiting (in store / in stock) for the upright
-He shields the blameless (shoot, he IS the sheild!)
-He guards the course of the just
-He protects the way of His faithful
FOR—
things to remember about the alternative
-perverse words
-on dark and crooked paths
-off the straight paths
-delight in doing wrong
-rejoice in evil’s perverseness
-are devious
-wayward
-seductive
-ignoring promises and covenants, has left her mate
-downward paths … to death
-dangerous! No return.
-cut off from the land – torn from it (specific applications for Israel again, with direct implication for believers of all time.)
I pictured King Solomon writing these on and old-fashioned blackboard with pure white chalk, all capital letters, then turning around, and after a long, quietening pause while he looked at us with gentle but authoritative eyes, I imagined him asking, “Any Questions?”
There were none; a hush had fallen over the room, my heart included.
Phil—
