Friday, July 23, 2010

Proverbs 3:21-35

21 My son, do not let wisdom and understanding out of your sight, 

preserve sound judgment and discretion;

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 at your side 

and will keep your foot from being snared.

27 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, 

when it is in your power to act.

28 Do not say to your neighbor, 

"Come back tomorrow and I'll give it to you"— 

when you already have it with you.

29 Do not plot harm against your neighbor, 

who lives trustfully near you.

30 Do not accuse anyone for no reason— 

when they have done you no harm.

31 Do not envy the violent 

or choose any of their ways.

32 For the LORD detests the perverse 

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 shows favor to the humble and oppressed.

35 The wise inherit honor, 

but fools get only shame.

Questions to consider:
  • How do you respond to the Lord’s discipline to make you wise?
  • In what ways is the Lord’s wisdom revealed?
  • What is the Lord’s attitude toward the types of people in verses 32-35?
  • How can you fulfill verse 27 today?
  • How can you be in the Lord’s confidence?

Possibilities for prayer:

This chunk of chapter 3 gives us several imperatives--things that we are to (or more often here, are NOT to) do. These imperatives are followed by several types of people of whom God is not incredibly fond--suggesting that failing to adhere to the aforementioned imperatives plops us into one or more of those groups...which is a place we do not want to be. Today, let’s ask God to be shaping us into the people that He wants us to be, people He will be pleased and proud to call children. Let’s continue to ask for the wisdom that will allow and encourage us to make decisions that respond favorably to the imperatives listed here.