Wisdom

Sometimes when I am reading my Bible…I feel such comfort and other times such conviction!

I love scripture and it never gets old or boring to me. The other morning I was compelled to read the book of Proverbs which is a book of direct instruction for living. It is easy to understand…very direct…and most of the time when I read it…there is conviction.

In fact, for some time I read a passage in Proverbs every day along with my study in other areas. I’m not sure why I stopped this routine several months ago but I can tell you after reading in Proverbs this week, I don’t think I will ever go a day without part of my daily routine being spent in the book of Proverbs.

Why? There was extreme conviction. As I read it reminded me how easy it is to allow my “flesh” to take over…to let the enemy creep into my thoughts and whisper…and give into subtle temptations.

Proverbs covers just about every sin we can commit and how to avoid it. It also gives promises that explain what the reward is when we avoid sin. For example, Proverbs 3:21-23, “My son, do not let wisdom and understanding out of your sight, preserve SOUND judgement and discretion; they will be life for you; an ornament to grace your neck. Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble” [emphasis added].

Yes, another name for the book of Proverbs is “WISDOM.”

The point of this post…is to encourage readers to make the book of Proverbs a part of your everyday reading.

It is wisdom and, at times, “conviction comes” when you are reading it like it did for me this week. In fact, it was a “title wave of conviction.” That is not a bad thing; it allows you to “confess.” It was a “mirror” God used to help me see my sin. Yes, my sin. It does exactly what Proverbs 2:10-11 says, ”For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you.”

You see, when you read God’s word, it is for comfort but it also serves the purpose of convicting us of the sin that separates us from God. Unconfessed sin hinders our prayers. God doesn’t want us to be “stuck in sin.” He desires for us to see it…confess it…and TURN from it…..as instructed in Proverbs 26:11, “As a dog returns to its vomit, so fools repeat their folly.” Who wants to be a “fool?”

I would like to leave you with a few of my favorite encouraging verses found in the book of Proverbs:

*Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not to your own understanding. In ALL your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

*Proverbs 3:13, “Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold.”

*Proverbs 3:11, “My son/daughter, do not despise the Lord’s discipline, and do not resent his rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.”

*Proverbs 4:23, “Above all else guard your heart, for EVERYTHING you do flows from it.”

*Proverbs 5:21, “For your ways are in FULL VIEW of the Lord, and he examines all your paths.”

*Proverbs 8:32-35, “Now then, my children, listen to me; BLESSED are those who keep my ways. Listen to my instruction and be WISE; do not disregard it. BLESSED are those who listen to me, watching DAILY at my doors, waiting at my doorway. For THOSE who find me FIND LIFE and RECEIVE FAVOR FROM THE LORD” [emphasis added on all verses].

Amen and amen!

The greatest gift we can ever receive is salvation and, as we surrender to the Lord, His favor. Read, my friends, the book of Proverbs D-A-I-L-Y. Conviction will come but then repentance can follow which then can provide blessings and the Lord’s favor. All else pales in comparison.

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