...LISTEN...
Further Benefits of Wisdom
1 My son, do not forget my teaching,but keep my commands in your heart,
2 for they will prolong your life many years
and bring you prosperity.
3 Let love and faithfulness never leave you;
bind them around your neck,
write them on the tablet of your heart.
4 Then you will win favor and a good name
in the sight of God and man.
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight.
7 Do not be wise in your own eyes;
fear the LORD and shun evil.
8 This will bring health to your body
and nourishment to your bones.
9 Honor the LORD with your wealth,
with the firstfruits of all your crops;
10 then your barns will be filled to overflowing,
and your vats will brim over with new wine.
11 My son, do not despise the LORD’s discipline
and do not resent his rebuke,
12 because the LORD disciplines those he loves,
as a father the son he delights in.
13 Blessed is the man who finds wisdom,
the man who gains understanding,
14 for she is more profitable than silver
and yields better returns than gold.
15 She is more precious than rubies;
nothing you desire can compare with her.
16 Long life is in her right hand;
in her left hand are riches and honor.
17 Her ways are pleasant ways,
and all her paths are peace.
18 She is a tree of life to those who embrace her;
those who lay hold of her will be blessed.
19 By wisdom the LORD laid the earth’s foundations,
by understanding he set the heavens in place;
20 by his knowledge the deeps were divided,
and the clouds let drop the dew.
21 My son, preserve sound judgment and discernment,
do not let them out of your sight;
22 they will be life for you,
an ornament to grace your neck.
23 Then you will go on your way in safety,
and your foot will not stumble;
24 when you lie down, you will not be afraid;
when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.
25 Have no fear of sudden disaster
or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked,
26 for the LORD will be your confidence
and will keep your foot from being snared.
27 Do not withhold good from those who deserve it,
when it is in your power to act.
28 Do not say to your neighbor,
“Come back later; I’ll give it tomorrow”—
when you now have it with you.
29 Do not plot harm against your neighbor,
who lives trustfully near you.
30 Do not accuse a man for no reason—
when he has done you no harm.
31 Do not envy a violent man
or choose any of his ways,
32 for the LORD detests a perverse man
but takes the upright into his confidence.
33 The LORD’s curse is on the house of the wicked,
but he blesses the home of the righteous.
34 He mocks proud mockers
but gives grace to the humble.
35 The wise inherit honor,
but fools he holds up to shame.
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New International Version 1984 (NIV1984) - Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica
19-20
ReplyDeleteWisdom, Understanding and Knowledge create beauty out of chaos.
Genesis chapter 1 tells us that when the earth started out is was this huge mass where everything was mixed together and nothing had boundaries or distinction; it was "formless and empty." But the Spirit of God was hovering over the earth waiting to take action. When he began to interact with the formless empty mass it became the beauty we see today.
The Poet is saying in verses 19 & 20 that the same is possible for us today. Our lives all start out formless and empty. No matter how hard we try, no matter where we go for help, nothing takes away the emptiness, nothing seems to help make since of life. But, just like in Genesis, the Spirit of God is hovering over our lives waiting to do His work. His tools are listed in Isaiah 11:2. The prophet describes the Spirit of God as being the source of wisdom, understanding, counsel, power, knowledge, and the fear of the LORD. Romans 5:5 tells says that those who are Christ followers have been given this Holy Spirit; he lives within them.
If I want beauty in my life where now resides chaos, as a follower of Christ, all I have to do is allow the Holy Spirit to do his work in my life; to willingly and actively participate in what he is doing. If I am not a Christ follower, then I must first cry out to God to rescue me from myself and take control of my life. When that happens, God gives to me his Holy Spirit.
LORD, help me today to step aside and allow the Holy Spirit do his work in my life; to transform chaos into beauty through wisdom, understanding, and knowledge.
NOTE: If you are not a Christ follower and would like to know how you can become one, please see "Yours for Life" on the "Spiritual Recover" tab of the main blog.