Proverbs 1:2-3
“For attaining wisdom and discipline; for understanding words of insight; for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair;”
I would like to point out that our salvation is not reliant on our good deeds as some would like to believe. But rather, Jesus’ death on the cross saved us from all sin: past, present, and future. When we accept Christ into our hearts, we are made pure before the Lord. There is nothing more that we can do to make us any more holy.
So, why do we insist on doing what is right? We try to do what is right out of love and obedience to God. It is a form of worship. We are submitting ourselves to him and relying on his truths rather than our own. It is a form of praising God with our actions. Have you ever heard the saying, “Actions speak louder than words”? If we chose to live our lives in a manner that is glorifying to God it shows our love for Him. Proverbs will give us the wisdom to know what is right from wrong.
Warning against Enticement
Proverbs 1: 10
“My child, if sinners entice you, do not give in to them.”
Do not live to please the world but rather to please God. Be bold. When sin approaches, say “no” swiftly. To gain the whole world but to lose God is the greatest tragedy of all. God’s path is the path of life and life abundantly. In all that you do, seek to please God alone. Do not take one step without questioning whether or not it is glorifying to God. Stop living your life for yourself and submit yourself to God’s incredible path.
Proverbs 1:15
“My child, do not go along with them, do not set foot on their paths.”
Do not give into any form of sin (temptation, greed, lust, jealousy, etc.) in the slightest bit. When you give sin a small place, you give it a spot to grow. More so, it is very easy to be caught up with it and let it swallow you. Instead, lean on God and his Word to give you the strength to avoid it at all costs.
Warning against Rejecting Wisdom
Proverbs 1:22
“How long will you simple ones love your simple ways? … and fools hate knowledge.”
Why are you so foolish? Why is it that you insist on a life of simplicity rather than challenge and growth? Do not choose the easy way out of life. Don’t you want God to reveal His truths and knowledge to you? Then, seek him diligently and constantly. Stop being reluctant to open His Word and quick to cut time with Him short. The most precious time is when you are glorifying Him by seeking Him with all of your heart, soul, and mind. Don’t waste it with clouded thoughts and definitely don’t rush it.
Proverbs 1:23-31
“I would have poured out my heart to you and made my thoughts known to you… since you ignored my advice… I in turn will laugh at your disaster… they will eat the fruit of their ways.”
If you seek God with all of your heart, mind, and strength, he will reveal his truths to you. He isn’t hiding it from you; you decide to ignore it. You decide to live life your own way. You blatantly disregard him because you like your way more. How foolish are you? Do you really think your ways are better? Do you think you know more than God? No, of course you don’t know more than him. You only see a small sliver of the truth and you make your decisions off of it. Use faith. Understand that God is all knowing and he has designed a specific path for you because he knows best. Stop turning away from him and relying on your sight. If you rely on your sight and not faith, then you will slip. It will either lead you to destruction or keep you from your potential. Either way, you will have to live with the consequences.
HOWEVER…. Proverbs 1:33
“But whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm.”
If you seek God’s truth and accept it and live by it, then God has given you a great promise. He promises to guard and protect you. He will bring you strength in times of trials. He will not forsake you. You will never be alone again. He will relax your heart from fears. His peace will be over you when you trust in him and him alone.
