Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Proverbs 4: 10-19

Here in the beginning of Proverbs you may feel like much of what you read is redundant. But I ask you, how many times did you have to tell your son to put his clothes in the hamper instead of the floor before he actually did? Did he ever? We have to be instructed, instructed, instructed. 

Continue to log the instructions and benefits of those instructions in your journal as you read Proverbs 4: 10-19.

A couple of verses jump out at me for discussion.

Vs 13--how can we take hold, guard, and not let go of instruction? (NASV) My version says, "Guard her for she is your life". Those are pretty strong words---it's a matter of utmost importance.

Vs 14-15--When you hear the word, "the wicked" what does it make you think of? My first thought goes to those 2500 prisoners that live a mile away from our home. But then I have to remind myself wicked is everywhere and it is just down right scary how it is now integrated into and accepted as part of every day life in our society. What are some things that are accepted in our society today that should someone who has the wisdom of God (or at least is trying to) should stay away from? Think of things across all platforms: political, social, media, education...let's discuss! And be specific too if you would like.

What does the Bible say to do about these things? The Bible is very clear on this. My version (vs 15) says AVOID it, Do NOT EVEN PASS BY it, TURN AWAY from it...

I am usually a person that cannot stand confrontations. I don't like arguments or debates. But this is my HOT button. I'll behave though. Good thing you aren't a class of Jr High students that I am more used to teaching. I really like to get them going on this topic. (Although I would love to see a healthy discussion here. Those of you that read this by email, I wish that you could come back here and log on this evening and see the comments. The conversations are a big part of the study, same as a classroom setting.)

On a friendlier note...read verse 18 again. Isn't that warming? I just love this verse! I am so looking forward to the 'full day' (the day that Christ comes back to get us) aren't you?!

3 comments:

  1. I long for the kind of lifestyle that my parents had when I was small. I know it takes both parents working to make ends meet these days, and I don't blame anyone for working outside the home, as I've done it myself and may wind up doing it again. But how lovely it was to see my Mom so happy to be at home, sharing a cup of coffee with her neighbor in the afternoon and socially interacting that way.
    You know, interaction on the net can be a wonderful thing. This study for example, but so many marriages have been ruined by it. Adultery, promiscuity, children out of wedlock, these are all accepted practices now.

    As long as an elected official does his job, it doesn't really matter what he does in his private life. Really?

    We as Christians haven't stood up to keep prayer in school, or protect creationism. (I'm as guilty as the next person)
    Mr. Darwin seems to get more respect than God.

    We as a nation are so focused on either just holding on to all our material possessions, or acquiring more, that we have lost what it's really all about. In the words of Rick Warren, "It's not about ME."

    As I've said before, I've been burdened about praying for our country and our leaders. But they are only as good as those supporting them....

    ReplyDelete
  2. Wicked/Evil is all around us. All I have to do is watch the news or read a newspaper, and I feel sick to my stomach.

    I think the world is full of so many lost people, they seem to be always looking for something more, they get into drugs or other addictions. It is glamorized on television. Jealousy, greed, addiction...it is on all the tv shows.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Sadly I see evil in so many places too. Yesterday we drove to the city to get out of the heat and walk the mall a bit. One place that we love to stop at is Hastings...they sell books, music and movies but the best part is they sell used books too. I just was sickened as I passed the 'young adult' section and saw the evil staring at me. It wasn't much better in the kids section. Evil is being taught to children at a very young age.

    I feel blessed to be able to stay home with my children and school them. We study science and history from a creationists viewpoint. I am so thankful for that!

    ReplyDelete

We welcome comments pertaining to our study; rude comments will be deleted, as will links for advertising purposes.