There are so many areas of our lives where we need copious amounts of Wisdom. I am eternally grateful for Jesus who has been made Wisdom for us, because I need him all the time! Jesus becomes our Wisdom with how we work (ethic), how we manage our money, what words come out of our mouths, how we handle our relationships, how we parent and grandparent…essentially how we live our whole lives seven days a week.
In our reading in Proverbs today, we begin a new section but just like Chapters 1-9 Solomon continues to contrast two paths for his son: The Way of Wisdom and the Way of Folly. These proverbs are randomly placed yet keep in mind Solomon is still seeking to get practical wisdom to his son. Solomon is following God’s command in Deuteronomy 6 to teach his son to be mindful of God’s laws of love all day long; essentially in every area of life. Basically, think about the fact that Solomon is just wanting to cover all kinds of topics that will confront his son for which he will need Wisdom any given day.
As we invest time in Chapter 10, please read our passage through the eyes of Christ’s love. Believers are blood-bought adopted sons and daughters of God. We have been made a part of God’s family because of Jesus, so please focus on who you really are and see this passage through the eyes of a Lord who adores you and wants to help you grow and live in a way that is righteous.
Idolatry is when we put anything ahead of God; it is misdirected worship. God instructs his people, “I am the Lord your God, and you must not have any other god but me” (Ex 20:2-3). Quite frankly, idolatry is a huge temptation for every human being even believers. Idolatry can sneak in to influence our attitude about work and commitment causing us to be bitter, how we view money and giving to God, how we talk to others and knowingly harm them, and idolatry can even be an attitude parents have about their children because they choose not to discipline them.
There is no condemnation in Christ Jesus, he came to save us (John 3:16-17), so there is only growth ahead of us. Following the Voice of Truth is how the Father is progressively helping us conform to the image of Christ; ongoing salvation in helping us live holy lives. Knowing these things and having them in our hearts when we read, should fill us with joy at the goodness of God to be with us—Immanuel. When we live by faith in the Son of God, obedience should be our response that leads us into a lifestyle of genuinely worshiping the Lord! Whatever we do each day it should be for the glory of God (1 Cor 10:31). Father knows how life works best to remain eternally joyful. So, let’s dig in to these ‘truths for living’ (proverbs).
Proverbs 10 NLT The Proverbs of Solomon
1 The proverbs of Solomon:
A wise child brings joy to a father;
a foolish child brings grief to a mother.
2
Tainted wealth has no lasting value,
but right living can save your life.
3
The Lord will not let the godly go hungry,
but he refuses to satisfy the craving of the wicked.
4
Lazy people are soon poor;
hard workers get rich.
5
A wise youth harvests in the summer,
but one who sleeps during harvest is a disgrace.
6
The godly are showered with blessings;
the words of the wicked conceal violent intentions.
7
We have happy memories of the godly,
but the name of a wicked person rots away.
8
The wise are glad to be instructed,
but babbling fools fall flat on their faces.
9
People with integrity walk safely,
but those who follow crooked paths will be exposed.
10
People who wink at wrong cause trouble,
but a bold reproof promotes peace.
11
The words of the godly are a life-giving fountain;
the words of the wicked conceal violent intentions.
12
Hatred stirs up quarrels,
but love makes up for all offenses.
13
Wise words come from the lips of people with understanding,
but those lacking sense will be beaten with a rod.
14
Wise people treasure knowledge,
but the babbling of a fool invites disaster.
15
The wealth of the rich is their fortress;
the poverty of the poor is their destruction.
16
The earnings of the godly enhance their lives,
but evil people squander their money on sin.
17
People who accept discipline are on the pathway to life,
but those who ignore correction will go astray.
18
Hiding hatred makes you a liar;
slandering others makes you a fool.
19
Too much talk leads to sin.
Be sensible and keep your mouth shut.
20
The words of the godly are like sterling silver;
the heart of a fool is worthless.
21
The words of the godly encourage many,
but fools are destroyed by their lack of common sense.
22
The blessing of the Lord makes a person rich,
and he adds no sorrow with it.
23
Doing wrong is fun for a fool,
but living wisely brings pleasure to the sensible.
24
The fears of the wicked will be fulfilled;
the hopes of the godly will be granted.
25
When the storms of life come, the wicked are whirled away,
but the godly have a lasting foundation. (JESUS!)
26
Lazy people irritate their employers,
like vinegar to the teeth or smoke in the eyes.
27
Fear of the Lord lengthens one’s life,
but the years of the wicked are cut short.
28
The hopes of the godly result in happiness,
but the expectations of the wicked come to nothing.
29
The way of the Lord is a stronghold to those with integrity,
but it destroys the wicked.
30
The godly will never be disturbed,
but the wicked will be removed from the land.
31
The mouth of the godly person gives wise advice,
but the tongue that deceives will be cut off.
32
The lips of the godly speak helpful words,
but the mouth of the wicked speaks perverse words.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the discipline you bring to us as your children. We need your instruction, as well as your correction. Help us to cast down every form of idolatry, so we can worship you in Spirit and Truth, as well as live for your glory. In Jesus’ name. Amen.