Proverbs 16: 27-30

If you don't recognize this building then you just don't watch enough tv. Actually I hate tv but I do have this thing for watching Dr. Doofenshmirtz (Phineus and Ferb). Now I doubt any of you spend your days rubbing your hands together, ready to plot your next sinister scheme.

Take a second now to read today's verses.

Let's take it apart verse by verse--housewife style:

Vs 27- "Hey, best friend, could you believe what so and so did at the PTA meeting the other night? I just cannot believe that. She had no right to cut our idea down like that. Let's get back at her for that and make her look stupid for a change." 

Vs 28--" Hey, best friend, it's me again. Did you hear about Betty Jo? Her teenager got knocked up by that Billy Bob kid. I knew it would happen. I bet she's embarrassed. Well she should be. I heard Mary Lou saying that she wanted to have a baby shower with our Sunday school class. A baby shower for an unwed mother? Scandalous!"

vs 29-- "Hey, Marge? This is me, your neighbor. Did you hear what that Jones family is planning to do? Yes a pool and an ugly chain link fence. I thought we should get up a neighborhood petition. Let's do something about it and fight them. I mean, I can hear the late night parties now. Can't you?..."

vs 30-- "I will not budge on this issue. I have told you that we've done it this way for ten years and I am not going to change just because you, Miss New to our Church, thinks it might be a better way."

Ah, Perry the Platypus. Quietly, meekly fighting evil schemes. 

Often those evil schemes begin right inside of our own hearts; sneaking up on us when we aren't aware.

I think this might be a good time to remind ourselves to put on the full armor of God.

You can find the passage in Ephesians 6:10-18. 

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?!

Proverbs 2:6-19

Begin by reading Proverbs 2: 6-11.

Yesterday we discussed treasures; and how the wisdom of God is a treasure. According to these verses, how should we begin this Great Treasure Hunt of Wisdom?

Now read Proverbs 2: 12-19. 

Today I want you to make a little drawing in your journal. Now, I can't draw a thing, so don't worry if you can't either. No one is going to see it unless you decide to share it. Draw a path with a stick person reading a sign that says, "The Way of Evil". Now, along the path either draw or write the things your little stick person would come across if they walked the path. Just go verse by verse to find them. For instance, starting in verse 12, there is "The man who speaks perverse things". (your version of Bible may say it differently). I looked up the word 'perverse' in an online dictionary and then on my path I wrote ' Unacceptable speech and language'. 

Just follow the passage, verse by verse,  and draw out 'The way of Evil". After you are finished, get a red pen or marker and circle some things along the path that you need Wisdom to help protect you from. Really ponder these things. For instance, verse 15 talks about someone being devious. Don't just think Dr Doofenschmirtz here! (He is the evil villain on the the tv cartoon Phineas and Ferb. I love this cartoon for some reason! When I think devious he comes to mind.) Aren't there many ways of being devious? Lying? Twisting words around? Gossiping which can hurt others? I am sure there are other stops along the path that we can ponder a bit more deeply to see if we can relate to them.

Tomorrow we will discuss verses 16-19 in more detail. 

My verse of the day is Proverbs 2:7. 

Today in the comments we will move on to the "T" part of our ACTS prayer helps. "T" for THANKSGIVING. What are you thankful for today? List 10 things if you can. One for each finger. Then as you go throughout the day remember to Praise God for these things.