SOME
INSTRUCTIONS FROM PROVERBS
My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not
(Prov. 1.10). Sin is the result of consenting to temptation (Jas.
1:13,14). Therefore, it is wise not to put ourselves in situations that tempt
us. Those who are sinners often encourage the furtherance of sin (Rom.
1:32). My son, walk not thou in the way
with them; refrain thy foot from their path for their feet run to evil, and
make haste to shed blood (Prov. 1:15,16).
My son, hear the
instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother (Prov. 1:8). Is this a thought for another time,
or is it always applicable? From the law on stone (Ex.20:12) to the law in the
heart (Heb. 10:16) the instruction to obey our parents has been the same (Eph.
6:1,2).
Trust in the LORD with all
thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding (Prov.3:5). The ways of man are not the ways of
God (Isa. 55:9). Even in the church man is warned not to think of himself more
highly than he ought to think (Rom.12:3). Our understanding must be guided by
God's instructions to be pleasing to Him. Trust in the LORD with all thine
heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding (Prov. 5:1).
These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are
an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed
innocent blood, an heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift
in running to mischief, a false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth
discord among brethren (Prov.6:16-19). When we are instructed that an act is hated or an
abomination to God we should take it seriously. Why do we often allow such acts
to exist in our lives?
Treasures of wickedness profit nothing: but
righteousness delivereth from death (Prov. 10:2). This is a statement similar to the
words of Paul. For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is
profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that
which is to come (I Tim. 4:8). Sometimes we fail to see the rewards of
righteousness because they may not be immediate. Think long term. Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness
delivereth from death (Prov. 11:4).
The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he
that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise (Prov.12:15). Were those who lived in the days of
Micah fools? It is said, In those days there was no king in Israel, but every
man did that which was right in his own eyes (Judg. 17:6). Biblical history
shows that when the Israelites made decisions without God, the results were
disastrous. Only the fool makes decisions without God's counsel. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but
fools despise wisdom and instruction (Prov. 1:7).
Proverbs
is a book of wisdom and good advice. All of us can gain from it's instructions.
Jack