Sunday, December 20, 1998 This Week's Lesson:
In this week's lesson, which came from Proverbs 1:20-33, we learned about the importance of choosing godly wisdom over the teachings of the world. This world says be all you can be and get all you can get, do whatever you must to have it all. However, there is a higher teaching and a greater wisdom than this, and it can be found in the writings of Scriptures. During his time, Solomon was proclaimed to be the wisest of all people, and he wrote much about wisdom. In giving wisdom the qualities of a fine lady, he wrote that wisdom seeks out those who will follow. She cries out to those who will listen. She makes her presence known to those who want her. She cries out in the streets, in the chief places, and in the gates. Wisdom tries to get our attention, and it is up to us as to whether we respond or decline. As we have seen in previous lessons, a daily study of the Book of Proverbs will give the student a thorough understanding of God and His principles. Daily studying Proverbs is a very positive way to respond to the invitations of wisdom, and it will make a person wise.
In Proverbs 1:20-23, Solomon wrote that the utterances of wisdom are easy to understand. He asked how long would the simple remain simple. He asked how long would scorners cling to their scorning. Studying Proverbs daily will make the simple less simple. It will give the young man knowledge and discretion. Wisdom encourages people who are not on the straight and narrow to seek out that avenue of life. Those who follow her will understand her message, and their life will be spared. Those who refuse will suffer the consequences. Most people turn away from wisdom, but they do so at their own peril. Because we have refused her good instruction, Solomon wrote in Proverbs 1:24-27, wisdom will laugh at us when we fall into difficulties. Because we have refused, she will mock or ridicule us when our fears come. Godly wisdom is our way to escape the hard times and difficulties of this life. How foolish we are when we do not heed the instructions and teachings of godly wisdom.
Through the years, people have always been consistent. When troubles come, then they look for the Lord and try to find the right paths for living. At that point, however, according to Proverbs 1:28-33, it is usually too late. We can always receive forgiveness for our ill deeds, but we will still have to usually suffer the consequences. When troubles come, all we can do is throw ourselves on the mercy of the Lord. We can ask for forgiveness, pray for mercy, and hope that our consequences will not have to be too severe. But before troubles come, we can adopt an attitude that will best prepare us for the trials and difficulties of life by following these four simple rules. Do not hate knowledge, choose the fear of the Lord, accept the council of wise instruction, and be open to reproof or godly correction. Those who do not take this simple road around disaster are inviting trouble. Then, when that trouble comes, they will have to eat of the fruit of their own ways, and they will be filled with their own devices. Receiving godly wisdom allows us to dwell safely and quietly from the fear of evil. In the coming week, seek the wisdom that is from above, and do your best to put away the worldly teachings that threaten to bring you down.
Tom of Spotswood"He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life." (I John 5:12)
"And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:13)
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