January 2, 2024

How Do You Walk in the Way of God?

Proverbs 2

Lori Stewart
Tuesday's Devo

January 2, 2024

Tuesday's Devo

January 2, 2024

Tuesday's Devo

January 2, 2024

Tuesday's Devo

January 2, 2024

Big Book Idea

Living wisely; God's way.

Key Verse | Proverbs 2:6

For the LORD gives wisdom;
from his mouth come knowledge and understanding;

Proverbs 2

The Value of Wisdom

1  My son, if you receive my words
    and treasure up my commandments with you,
2  making your ear attentive to wisdom
    and inclining your heart to understanding;
3  yes, if you call out for insight
    and raise your voice for understanding,
4  if you seek it like silver
    and search for it as for hidden treasures,
5  then you will understand the fear of the LORD
    and find the knowledge of God.
6  For the LORD gives wisdom;
    from his mouth come knowledge and understanding;
7  he stores up sound wisdom for the upright;
    he is a shield to those who walk in integrity,
8  guarding the paths of justice
    and watching over the way of his saints.
9  Then you will understand righteousness and justice
    and equity, every good path;
10  for wisdom will come into your heart,
    and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul;
11  discretion will watch over you,
    understanding will guard you,
12  delivering you from the way of evil,
    from men of perverted speech,
13  who forsake the paths of uprightness
    to walk in the ways of darkness,
14  who rejoice in doing evil
    and delight in the perverseness of evil,
15  men whose paths are crooked,
    and who are devious in their ways.

16  So you will be delivered from the forbidden 1 2:16 Hebrew strange woman,
    from the adulteress 2 2:16 Hebrew foreign woman with her smooth words,
17  who forsakes the companion of her youth
    and forgets the covenant of her God;
18  for her house sinks down to death,
    and her paths to the departed; 3 2:18 Hebrew to the Rephaim
19  none who go to her come back,
    nor do they regain the paths of life.

20  So you will walk in the way of the good
    and keep to the paths of the righteous.
21  For the upright will inhabit the land,
    and those with integrity will remain in it,
22  but the wicked will be cut off from the land,
    and the treacherous will be rooted out of it.

Footnotes

[1] 2:16 Hebrew strange
[2] 2:16 Hebrew foreign woman
[3] 2:18 Hebrew to the Rephaim
Table of Contents
Introduction to Proverbs

Introduction to Proverbs

Timeline

Author and Date

Proverbs itself mentions Solomon (reigned c. 971–931 B.C.) as author or collector of its contents (1:1; 10:1), including the proverbs copied by Hezekiah’s men (25:1). There are also two batches of sayings from a group called “the wise” (22:17–24:22; 24:23–34), and “oracles” from Agur (30:1–33) and Lemuel (31:1–9). No author is named for the song in praise of the excellent wife that ends the book (31:10–31). Although Proverbs was begun in the time of Solomon, it probably was not in its present form until the time of Hezekiah (reigned c. 715–686 B.C.).

Theme

The goal of the book is stated right at the beginning (1:1–7): to describe what wisdom is and to help God’s people become wise. Wisdom is founded in the “fear of the Lord,” and it enables believers to express their faith in the practical details of everyday life.

Audience

The book is addressed to a young man. The situations he will face while he is young receive much attention. These situations supply concrete examples from which all readers can apply lessons to their own lives. Anyone who is wise and who pays attention will benefit (1:5) from this instruction.

Reading Proverbs

The reader of Proverbs must seek to understand the various types of people the book describes. The most obvious characters in the book are the wise, the fool, and the simple. Proverbs urges its readers to be wise, which means embracing God’s covenant and living out the covenant in everyday situations (compare 2:2; 10:1). The fool is the person who constantly opposes God’s covenant (1:7b). The simple is the person who is not firmly committed, either to wisdom or to folly; he is easily misled (14:15).

The first nine chapters of Proverbs are “wisdom poems” that urge the reader to pursue wisdom. The main section of Proverbs—the concise, memorable statements of two or three lines—begins in 10:1. Proverbs often seem to be mere observations about life, but their deeper meanings will reveal themselves if the following questions are kept in mind: (1) What virtue does this proverb commend? (2) What vice does it disapprove of? (3) What value does it affirm?

Key Themes

Proverbs offers wisdom on a wide array of topics from daily life: diligence and laziness (6:6–11); friendship (3:27–28; 18:24); speech (10:19–21); marriage (18:22; 19:14); child rearing (22:6); domestic peace (15:17; 17:1); work (11:1); getting along and good manners (23:1–2; 25:16–17; 26:17–19; 27:14); eternity (14:32; 23:17–18); and much more. It shows that “godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come” (1 Tim. 4:8).

  1. God’s will is intensely practical, applying to every aspect of life. A proper relation to God involves trying hard to understand his truth, and then embracing and obeying that truth.
  2. A life lived by God’s will is a happy life (3:21–26).
  3. A life lived by God’s will is a useful life (3:27–28; 12:18, 25).
  4. A life lived by God’s will does not just happen. One must seek after it (9:1–6).

Outline

  1. Title, Goal, and Motto (1:1–7)
  2. A Father’s Invitation to Wisdom (1:8–9:18)
  3. Proverbs of Solomon (10:1–22:16)
  4. The Thirty Sayings of “the Wise” (22:17–24:22)
  5. Further Sayings of “the Wise” (24:23–34)
  6. Hezekiah’s Collection of Solomonic Proverbs (25:1–29:27)
  7. The Sayings of Agur (30:1–33)
  8. The Sayings of King Lemuel (31:1–9)
  9. An Alphabet of Womanly Excellence (31:10–31)
The Global Message of Proverbs

The Global Message of Proverbs

Proverbs: Wisdom for the World

The book of Proverbs is not simply a collection of “wise sayings” for life. It is heaven-sent help for stumbling sinners all over the world from every walk of life who are willing to listen to something other than their own fallen instincts. The “fool” in Proverbs is not someone who lacks intellectual capacity but one who stubbornly lives out of his own fallen intuitions, resisting instruction and correction. Likewise, the wise person in Proverbs is not someone who is intellectually superior but someone who humbly places himself beneath the authority of God. Such wisdom is for all God’s people everywhere.

In his great mercy God has clearly shown wisdom to the world—both through the instruction of his Word and in the person of his Son. The book of Proverbs summarizes true wisdom as rooted in the “fear of the LORD” (Prov. 1:7). In Jesus such wisdom takes on new clarity and glory as the one who is the “wisdom of God” (1 Cor. 1:24) and who “became to us wisdom from God” (1 Cor. 1:30). God’s global people are to receive such wise instruction, to base their wise living in the fear and worship of God, and to testify to a lost world about God’s saving wisdom.

God’s Wisdom Is Theological and Practical

In one sense wisdom is very much universal. It is difficult to find a culture or tradition without its own legacy of wise sayings. Some of these are culture-specific; others reflect the shared human experience.

Scripture’s admonition and exhortation about wisdom, however, is clear. Our faith is not to rest on man’s wisdom but is to be rooted in God’s power (1 Cor. 2:5). The wisdom of this world is “folly with God” (1 Cor. 3:19). Ultimate wisdom is from God (1 Cor. 1:30) and is revealed by God (1 Cor. 2:7). True wisdom is theological and God-given. Those who lack wisdom are to “ask God” for it (James 1:5). It is the Lord who gives wisdom (Prov. 2:6). In Proverbs 9:10 God’s people are reminded again that, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight” (compare 1:7). True wisdom is not the handy tips for life that get handed down from generation to generation among those who do not know God. True wisdom is divine. It is rooted in God’s own saving revelation to his people.

God’s wisdom is not only theological; it is also practical. Indeed, wisdom is practical because it is theological. Theology impacts daily life, and this is clearly seen in the instruction of Proverbs. Everyday life issues are addressed, including parental relations (Prov. 10:1; 15:20; 19:26; 23:25), marriage (5:18; 12:4; 18:22; 19:13–14; 31:10), money (3:9; 10:4; 11:1; 15:16; 16:11), and the power and danger of words (4:5; 7:5; 10:19; 16:24; 17:27). These are life issues that affect people of every age and place. Proverbs provides a picture of both the blessed life grounded in the fear of the Lord and the danger-filled and foolish life of those who despise the Lord’s wisdom and instruction (1:7).

God’s Wisdom Is Individual and Global

Individual wisdom. For every person, in every place, in every time, the message of Proverbs rings true: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom” (Prov. 9:10). Wisdom from above is not mere advice or pithy sayings. Rather, the worthiest and most blessed advice flows from God, when he has his proper central place in the heart and worship of each individual created by his hand and in his image.

Global wisdom. The message of Proverbs is also global. This is true, first, because only God’s wisdom comprehensively instructs and skillfully dissects with perfect insight the hearts of mankind from every place and for every time. God’s wisdom is global, second, in that God’s global people are called to global engagement and a global mission. The Lord is not a tribal god. The teaching of Proverbs is not tribal lore. God’s wisdom is eternal and global. And God’s people are called to be instruments, through word and deed, of teaching his wisdom to the world. Those who are wise in God represent God to the world. For example, the wise exhibit generosity to the poor and the needy (Prov. 14:21, 31). The wise in God speak enduring and reliable wisdom to a world desperately looking for life-giving counsel. The wise in God feed even their own enemies (25:21).

Taking God’s Saving Wisdom to the World

In the book of Proverbs the Lord has equipped his people to fulfill his global and eternal purposes. God’s purpose is to reveal himself to and then through a people who will bring eternal blessing to the world, and that purpose is still unfolding around the world today (Matt. 28:18–20). In his kindness God has made known both the path of the wicked (Prov. 4:14) and the path of righteousness (12:28). The one leads to destruction and the other to life (11:19).

When love and grace is observed by the world in the lives of God’s people and supremely in the cross of Christ, it is indeed “folly” to them (1 Cor. 1:18, 21). But “the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men” (1 Cor. 1:25). The wise in God share the good news of the wisdom of God in the gospel of Christ with nations both near and far. Such sharing, when it lands on receptive ears, is “like cold water to a thirsty soul” (Prov. 25:25).In grace God is opening blind eyes through the gospel to his glorious wisdom. In grace he has shown us and empowered us toward a life of God-honoring, upright living. In grace he will use us as his global ambassadors till the day we join in the angelic choir proclaiming, “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen” (Rev. 7:12).

Job Fact #9: Proverbs in Job

Fact: Proverbs in Job

Proverbs in Job. In 17:5, Job may have been quoting a proverb to warn his friends not to make false accusations against him. Proverbs are an effective and memorable way of stating a truth. The book of Proverbs is a rich resource of such wisdom.

Proverbs Fact #1: Wisdom

Fact: Wisdom

Wisdom is a key term in Job, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes. The word can mean “skilled at making sound decisions in life.” Proverbs 9:10 states that “the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.”

Proverbs Fact #4: Garlands

Fact: Garlands

Garlands were wreaths woven from leaves and flowers. They were worn around the head or neck during various celebrations such as weddings. They were also symbols of honor for military success. In Proverbs, they symbolize the honor that comes from following the way of wisdom (4:9).

Proverbs Fact #7: The simple person

Fact: The simple person

The simple person (7:7) is one of the primary character types described in the book of Proverbs. The term describes someone who is immature and easily misled (14:15).

Proverbs Fact #10: A different kind of security

Fact: A different kind of security

A different kind of security. In biblical times, if a person was unable to pay his debt, the consequences could be serious. The whole family could be sold into slavery. If someone put up “security” for another person, he promised to pay that person’s debt if he was unable to do so himself. Proverbs teaches that putting up security for another person is generally unwise, since those who do so risk losing everything if the other person cannot pay his debt (11:15).

Proverbs Fact #27: Gluttony

Fact: Gluttony

Gluttony refers to excessive eating. The Bible condemns gluttony as well as drunkenness. Proverbs teaches that eating and drinking in excess can lead to poverty (23:19–21).

Proverbs Fact #28: Hezekiah’s contribution to Proverbs

Fact: Hezekiah’s contribution to Proverbs

Hezekiah’s contribution to Proverbs. Although most of the Proverbs were collected or written by King Solomon, who reigned from 971–931 B.C., the book of Proverbs did not exist in its present form until the time of King Hezekiah, some 200 years later. Hezekiah and “his men,” probably his scribes, recorded chs. 25–29.

Proverbs Fact #29: Rock badgers

Fact: Rock badgers

Rock badgers are small cliff-dwelling animals closely resembling guinea pigs. They live and forage for food in large groups and are good at hiding. They are best known for posting sentries that alert the group when danger is near. Perhaps it was this mark of wisdom that earned them a mention in Proverbs (30:26).

Proverbs Fact #2: Proverbs

Fact: Proverbs

In biblical times, proverbs were often used as a means of instruction for young people.

OT Testimony that All Are under Sin (3:9)

OT Testimony that All Are under Sin (3:9)

Romans 3 OT Reference
Sinful Condition
v. 10, none is righteous Ps. 14:3/53:3; Eccles. 7:20
v. 11a, no one understands Ps. 14:2/53:2
v. 11b, no one seeks for God Ps. 14:2/53:2
v. 12, all have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one Ps. 14:3/53:3
Sinful Speech (note progression from throat to tongue to lips)
v. 13a, b, their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive Ps. 5:10, Septuagint (English, 5:9)
v. 13c, the venom of asps is under their lips Ps. 140:3
v. 14, their mouth is full of curses and bitterness Ps. 10:7
Sinful Action
v. 15, their feet are swift to shed blood Prov. 1:16/Isa. 59:7
v. 16, in their paths are ruin and misery Isa. 59:7
v. 17, and the way of peace they have not known Isa. 59:8
Summary Statement
v. 18, there is no fear of God before their eyes Ps. 36:1
Study Notes

Prov. 2:1–4 These verses call the listener or reader to seek wisdom diligently.

Study Notes

Prov. 2:5–8 The first benefit of wisdom is that one will understand the fear of the LORD. This knowledge is possible only because the Lord gives it to the upright. While wisdom is to be sought diligently, it is not something merited by the actions of an individual.

Study Notes

Prov. 2:9–11 The second benefit of wisdom is that one gains an understanding of righteousness and justice and equity. Wisdom takes root in the heart and protects the person who embraces it (vv. 10–11). The Lord will be “watching over the way of his saints” (v. 8) through the wisdom and understanding he will give them (v. 11).

Study Notes

Prov. 2:16–17 The ESV footnote indicates that forbidden woman is literally “strange woman” and adulteress is literally “foreign woman.” “Strange” is likely used here in the sense of “forbidden” or “unauthorized,” that is, someone who is supposed to be unavailable because of another relationship. Likewise, “foreign” probably means being a member of another household.

Study Notes

Prov. 2:16–19 Like those who walk the crooked path (vv. 12–15), a woman who seeks to lure a man to adultery both practices deception (she flatters with smooth words, v. 16) and is herself deceived (v. 18). Verses 18–19 show where the paths of death and life will finally lead.

Study Notes

Prov. 2:21–22 The upright will inhabit the land describes the inheritance that will belong to those who continue on the wise path. This is contrasted with the wicked being cut off from the land.

Proverbs Fact #2: Proverbs

Fact: Proverbs

In biblical times, proverbs were often used as a means of instruction for young people.

S3:002 Proverbs 2

Listen Now

Dive Deeper | Proverbs 2

Living wisely begins with understanding the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 2:5). This is not a passive process. Like a good recipe, Proverbs 2:1-4 gives us specific instructions to be in a good place for understanding:

  • Treasuring God's commandments (Proverbs 2:1) is more than memorization; His Word becomes part of us. 
  • We have to listen well and incline our hearts to God's heart (Proverbs 2:2).
  • Then, we ask Him for insight (Proverbs 2:3) and knowledge because of the great value wisdom holds (Proverbs 2:4). 

These are skills we can develop over time to understand the fear of the Lord. God's wisdom is always good. He gives wisdom to us (Proverbs 2:6); and not only does He give it to us, He stores it up for us (Proverbs 2:7)! 

Wisdom keeps us away from people, places, and things that could and would pull us away from God. Knowing whom to hang out with and whom to avoid is wisdom. The Lord is a shield (Proverbs 2:7) not just from others but from ourselves (Psalm 139:23). He protects and leads us to "every good path" (Proverbs 2:9). Living according to God's wisdom means applying discernment in every aspect of our lives—for decisions both large and small. Whether you are processing a major life decision like a job, a move, or a large purchase, or navigating conflict with others, God has promised wisdom for those who ask for it (James 1:5). 

Wisdom cries out to us as we move through our lives (Proverbs 1:20); God asks us to trust Him over the comforts of the world. Temptation from the world comes in many different forms.  Walking in the way of wisdom may not always feel easy or comfortable. Ultimately, God desires the best for us because He loves us (John 3:16). He has given us His wisdom through His Word and His Holy Spirit, and He has given salvation for those who believe in His Son Jesus.

This month's memory verse

with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,

– Ephesians 4:2

Discussion Questions

1. Have I made my ear attentive to the Lord? Am I inclining my heart to His? Am I asking the Lord and seeking wisdom for the abundant value it has?

2. Am I choosing to live by the wisdom God is giving? If not, am I willing to take the steps outlined in the devotional above to put me in a place to receive wisdom and live in accordance with it?

As we gear up to release even more features for Join The Journey in 2025, our staff team, unfortunately, no longer has the margin to continue to support the comment functionality. We have big things in store for Join The Journey 2025. Stay tuned!

HS

Hugh Stephenson

On baseball - -There is a school of thought that says that hitting a a round ball with a round bat is the hardest task in all of sports. As a testament to this: The average field goal percentage in the NBA hovers around 50%. The average completion rate for a QB in the NFL is about 60% What do you think the median batting average in MLB is? If you said .300 (30% of the time a batter gets a hit) you would be way too high. For years it was about .270. Now is about .250. If you bat .300 for your career you’ll be in the Hall of Fame. That’s means you failed 70% of the time. So…what does all this have to do with Proverbs? Flashback- Me and a number of other dads were coaching our sons’s team. All of us played baseball through high school at least. Several were college players. But it was a real task to get these 8 year olds to buy-in to the reality that we knew more than they did about throwing, catching, and hitting a baseball. What is the batting average for 8 year olds? I don’t know but it’s way, way less than in MLB. You’d think these kids would want some instruction. But most of these kids were not really teachable. I can’t really complain. For most of my adult life neither was I. Romans 3:23 applies to me as much as anyone else. Probably more.
HS

Hugh Stephenson

I am taught that a key component of a Godly person is that they are “teachable”. They know that the walk of learning and sanctification is a life long journey. The lack of teachability is what I think is represented in Proverbs in the simple, fool, scoffer, and the wicked. At what age does the “teachability” of a child begin to decline? When does the self oriented rebellion kick in? Many parents will say about 2 years old. We found that our kids’ rebellion and our energy was negatively correlated. The more rebellious they got the less energy we had to deal with it. I guess that’s about when Romans 3:23 becomes real for parents. The difference in my old life and my new life can be summed up in one word- TEACHABILTY What I love most about Proverbs is that it is a collection of practical application. For believers, we KNOW that God is our creator therefore the source of all wisdom. So why wouldn’t I be teachable when the subject is the wisdom of God ?!?!?! Especially when it is directly correlated to the outcomes. Not guaranteed promises, but foundational principals. In Proverbs 2 I see among the most important words in all of scripture. That word is “IF”. It’s the key word in verses 2,3 and 4. After that there are serval instances of “Then”, “For” and “So”. All of which are attached to the “if”. To underline and highlight in bold… the last verse in Proverbs 2 starts with “But...” Verse 22- “…but the wicked will be cut off from the land, and the treacherous will be rooted out of it.” The contrast with the prior verse is stark - 21  “For the upright will inhabit the land,
    and those with integrity will remain in it,...” Application? My teachability will determine the quality and quantity of my life. The Mosaic covenant uses “IF” to convey to God’s people that they must obey to have the blessings. In other words they must be teachable. I’m taught that wherever Jesus was directly addressing the disciples regarding following him He started with the word “IF”. Luke 9:23- “And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” In 1 Kings 3:4-15 God appears to Solomon and answers his prayers with promises. In verse 14 he adds this: 14 “And if you will walk in my ways, keeping my statutes and my commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your days.” God gave me/us the power of choice. To me, that makes IF a very, very powerful word.
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Clemente Bustamante

Praise the lord!
LD

Lindsey Driscoll

Lori, great simple “recipe” breaking down the first few verses in proverbs 2. It is the kindness of God that He makes it so simple for us to follow, and yet we choose dark ways, crooked paths, leaving the covenant. Q1. Am I making my ear attentive to the Lord? This is a convicting question. I’ll be asking myself today - what am I listening to in this moment? Have I stored up and treasured Gods commands?(2:1), am I applying them to my heart in the moment? (2:2), when I forget/am anxious/there is unknown do I ask in prayer, look, and search the word for Gods direction? (2:3-4)
MA

Maryann Adams

Thank you, Lori, for this thought-provoking devo! Your first question is where my focus is: my role in cultivating a heart that is ripe to receive wisdom. The proverb begins with: "...if you receive and treasure up...if you call out...if you seek it and search for it as for hidden treasure..." It reminded me of a big pile of leaves we were playing in with my grandchildren last week! I lost my glove in the pile. We pursued it as if pursuing a treasure! At one point, we were going to give up but then, we did not! We kept raking through those leaves! And, we found it!
MS

Michael Scaman

The heart must be in it. In Psalm 1, the righteous heart beat dances with delight, finding joy in God's eternal word. Yet, in Psalm 2, the wicked see those same words as shackles, clenching their teeth in defiance. The righteous anchor their hope in Him, like trees by the riverbank, unyielding in storms and hoping in a God who laughs at the raging nations. Proverbs urges us to walk in His ways, but that walk cannot be done unless fueled by aligned delights of the heart Pray for a heart alignment. Proverbs calls us to unearth wisdom treasuring it as silver, and to persevere, But those "seduced by the dark side" may lose themselves on a treasure hunt for faux gold. Only God can transform the heart, once hearts are changed, we can intentionally nurture right desires with disciplines of grace with the word and prayer Making a plan how in 2024 you might rake large sections of scripture and dig deep in more narrow is good as well as a plan to pray through the year. I liked that John Piper for years had sermons the first two Sundays, one on the word of God and one on prayer, to kick off the new year.
GJ

greg jones

Great questions to go with the deeper dive today. Proverbs 2:1-8-if statements. Proverbs 2:9-15-then statements. Proverbs 2:16-22-so statements. If-seems to question, then-seems to be a change, so-seems to be the purpose for the change. Paul puts this formula to work in 1 Corinthians 8 teaching on eating meat sacrificed to idols. He does however add in a “however”. Now concerning food offered to idols: we know that “all of us possess knowledge.” “Knowledge” puffs up, but love builds up. [If] any one imagines that he knows something, he does not yet know as he ought to know. But [if] one loves God, one is known by him. 1 Corinthians 8:1-3 Hence, (then) as to the eating of food offered to idols, we know that “an idol has no real existence,” and that “there is no God but one.” For although there may be so-called gods in heaven or on earth—as indeed there are many “gods” and many “lords”—yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist. 1 Corinthians 8:4-6 [So] Food will not commend us to God. We are no worse off if we do not eat, and no better off if we do. 1 Corinthians 8:8 [However], not all possess this knowledge. However, not all possess this knowledge. But some, through being hitherto accustomed to idols, eat food as really offered to an idol; and their conscience, being weak, is defiled. 1 Corinthians 8:7 The wisdom formula with the however added in. Only take care lest this liberty of yours somehow become a stumbling block to the weak. For if any one sees you, a man of knowledge, at table in an idol’s temple, might he not be encouraged, if his conscience is weak, to eat food offered to idols? And so by your knowledge this weak man is destroyed, the brother for whom Christ died. Thus, sinning against your brethren and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ. Therefore, if food is a cause of my brother’s falling, I will never eat meat, lest I cause my brother to fall. 1 Corinthians 8:9-13 Paul a Jew talking to gentiles about eating meat sacrificed idols. He is not talking to fellow Jews about eating meat sacrificed to idols. Therefore, in verse 13 the wisdom formula shows up to tell us how Paul will proceed from here. Therefore [if] (the question) food is a cause of my brother’s falling, (then) I will never eat meat, (so) lest I cause my brother to fall. Wisdom doesn’t produce black and white answers as much as it produces desired results. Later in Revelation is evidence of teachings concerning the eating of meat sacrificed to idols without regard or possibly a lack of understanding of the negative results. To the church in Per′gamum…But I have a few things against you: you have some there who hold the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, that they might eat food sacrificed to idols and practice immorality. Revelation 2:12-14 To the church in Thyati′ra…But I have this against you, that you tolerate the woman Jez′ebel, who calls herself a prophetess and is teaching and beguiling my servants to practice immorality and to eat food sacrificed to idols. Revelation 2:18-20
SB

Sue Bohlin

Thanks so much, Lori. I LOOOOOOVE the scripture's emphasis on getting and using wisdom. As a brand new baby Christian in college, I met another new believer who told me his daily prayer was, "Lord, give me wisdom beyond my years." I clearly sensed the Holy Spirit's nudging to make that my prayer and my orientation as well. 50 years of actively seeking wisdom has been good, rich, and rewarding. I also love that JTJ Junior is covering much of our reading in the New Living Translation. Since I access JTJ on my computer, it's easy to flip over to the Junior page. Today I especially appreciated reading vv. 10-11-- "For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will fill you with joy. Wise choices will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe." What great counsel for kids, particularly! I recently read an article from a parenting coach suggesting the best three words to give kids each day (in addition to "I love you," of course): "Make good choices." Actively seeking knowledge, wisdom, and understanding is necessary to make good choices. And it starts with being teachable. Thanks for that word of wisdom, Hugh.
AL

Amy Lowther

1. My ears are attentive to the Lord. My heart is inclined to His. I ask for the Lord’s advice and seek His wisdom continuously because they have abundant value. 2. I choose to live by God’s wisdom. I can do this because I learn God’s wisdom through attending church regularly and through serving for the church regularly. These two opportunities also help me learn how I can apply what I learn from God’s wisdom in daily life which helps me understand and value Him. Lori- Thank you for sharing your ideas. I like your point “Like a good recipe, Proverbs 2:1-4 gives us specific instructions to be in a good place for understanding”. Learning about God and building a relationship with Him can be built by doing a little bit at a time. It doesn’t have to be overwhelming or all at once. I also like your point that “God has promised wisdom for those who ask for it (James 1:5).” It is ok to ask questions when you have them.