Today we will conclude our study of Proverbs 2 with a very short study.
Read Proverbs 2: 20-22.
What are the benefits listed in this passage of having the Wisdom of God?
Verse 22 goes back to our original discussion of having Fear of the Lord. Why? what are your thoughts on this today?
Does this refer to those who are unsaved and refuse to accept Christ as the only way? Or does this refer to those who are saved, but refuse to follow God's direction and will for their lives?
ReplyDeleteOr does it mean both?
If we are talking unsaved, then of course they will be cut off from God on judgement day. Cast away with the goats and Jesus will say, "I never knew you." Regardless of the "good" they may think they've done.
If it refers to the other, does it mean their lives will not go as they would like? That they will be rootless in Him, and their "treasures" will mean nothing?
Chime in here folks and tell us what you think. I struggle with this type of scripture. Today, I have no real insight and am very interested in what you all think.
To fully understand who the verses apply to, you must go back to the beginning of the chapter. The chapter starts out..."My son, IF you..."
ReplyDeleteAs the passage goes down you will see, "THEN you" (verses 5 and 9). Verse 20 continues this thought with "THUS you".
On this passage it might be helpful to underline all the IF's, THEN's and THUS's. It helps you remember the big picture of the whole passage.
So, without me discussing further, with this in mind, can anyone answer BeLinda's question?
I believe it refers to both. Those who are not saved and those who "think" they are saved, but don't follow Gods words and commandments.
ReplyDeleteAs I read this, I believe that it refers to the unsaved. It classes two groups together, to receive the same treatment: the wicked, and the unjust. In so many verses in the Old Testament, God told the children of Israel that he prized those who were "just" and honorable. He deplored and was angry at those who were unjust. I believe (and ya'll can feel free to correct me if I'm wrong!) that this is the same destruction referred to in Malachi 4:1 for the wicked.
ReplyDeleteI think that I need to seek wisdom, let it enter into my heart, and be "pleasant to" my soul, for that will keep me out of the way that will end in this destruction predicted here.
Just my humble opinion....
Jacque in SC
quiltnsrep(at)yahoo(dot)com
I believe it refers to the unsaved as well, but Mary brings up a very good point. I really don't like the practice of telling people that a prayer gets them saved. It is so much more than that. It is allowing Christ to be Lord of your life. If you pray some prayer but don't change, then you really didn't make Christ Lord of your life. Yes, one must pray and ask forgiveness...but they also must mean it! (I kind of chased a rabbit there, but it just kind of hit me after reading Mary's comment.)
ReplyDeleteWell Tonya, it's kind of like what I told my son at age 7 when he was saved. As he lay in the bed that night, we talked about salvation. He told me he wanted to be saved and I told him that he must pray to God and ask Jesus to save him and come into his heart. And I told him it wasn't just something to pray, he had to MEAN it. And he did, bless his little heart. Both of my children were saved at a very early age. Some wouldn't believe a small child can be saved, because they can't understand about all the ins and outs of it, and the repentance, etc. But Jesus said to come to him as a little child. I have no doubt at all that my children were saved. I saw a difference in my daughter right away. She glowed and was so happy! My son was always sweet and loving and tried to do right. I feel the Holy Spirit was convicting him, and he didn't like the feeling, so he did something about it!
ReplyDeleteTalk about chasing rabbits!!!