June 4: Proverbs 4-6

June 4, Proverbs 4-6

Proverbs 4 Widsdom is life giving. Pass it onto the next generation. The central theme of all of Proverbs is found in vs 7: “The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight” No, this is not redundant for the sake of repetition, instead our focus should be on achieving wisdom so that we live a life that is worthy of God. This happens through us slowing down and recognizing what we are doing and what and how God wants us to live. We are to not enter the path of the wicked, or walk in the way of evil - flee from it and don't go near it. Often times, we play with fire, and sooner or later, we are bound to be burned. The wicked path is darkness, which is pain and stumbling. Rather, we are to be attentive to these words and put wickedness, crooked speech, devious talk away from us. Rather look forward, focus on Christ and stay on the path that God has you on.

Proverbs 5 A great summary of this chapter is found in the Reformation Study Bible, “Wisdom urges us to avoid the life-destroying adulteress and to find sexual and emotional satisfaction in faithfulness to the marriage bond.” We are not to desire anyone but our spouse and the temptations are going to be there. But give in, and here are some consequences…

Death.

Squander your life

Waste your life

Strangers take your strength and exploit you

You will live a life full of regret

It will end in you in misery.

Sounds like a great trade off doesn't it? My Grandpa used to say, A moment of pleasure can ruin the rest of your life. I think that Solomon would agree. Men, we are called to be a one woman man. Flee from porn, lust, adultery and the like. Have nothing to do with it. Women, you too. Be satisfied fully with the wife that God has given you and be intoxicated in her love! How do you do that? Love her as unto Christ and you will see her in an intoxicating way, as you are thankful for her. 

We cannot hide our sins from God, even though sometimes we think we can. Sin eventually catches up to you. 

Proverbs 6  Here we are given some practical advice and warnings from a fathers perspective. Make things right in life, don’t wait to make them right. Get to work and don’t be lazy. Plan ahead or poverty is waiting for you. How do we do right living? “There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him: 

1. Haughty eyes - arrogance
2. A lying tongue - a liar
3. Hands that shed innocent blood - abortion and voluntary manslaughter
4. A heart that devises wicked plans - lovers of evil
5. Feet that make haste to run to evil - pursuers of evil
6. A false witness who breathes out lies - a liar under oath
7. One who sows discord among brothers. - a divisive person

Strong words from a strong God. Moving on, we are warned again to have nothing to do with any sexual promiscuity - ANY. Flee from sexual immorality. It is not worth it. It is sin. It leads to death. It is cheap but costs you your life. Flee from voluntary sin that is against you and your God and your spouse, kids and the like. 

To sum it all up:

• Think about what you are doing… don't make emotional and rash decisions - seek God while He can be sought…
• Is it too much to expect someone to stay faithful to God and their spouse? Absolutely not. We serve the Creator of the Universe and we have the resurrecting power of Jesus Christ in us. Nothing is impossible. Sometimes hard? But not impossible.