The book of Proverbs is a series of clear and clean contrasts. Good and evil. The destructive and the life-giving. Wise and stupid. Devoted and half or hard-hearted.
As you process the word pictures for yourself, remember God is always weighing – everything. Not so much merely to hold people accountable, but because He IS a God of just weights and balances. One thing we can know for sure is that when all things are made new, all things will become right. I am counting on it!
As a mom or dad Proverbs forms a great backdrop to prepare our children in practical wisdom, that if practiced, will “deliver you from the hand of the trapper.” It is simply the final authority on walking the talk. God has every base covered – regarding what He desires and what will set us free – or bring us into bondage. Become an expert – and bravely pass it on!
“It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, but the glory of kings is to search out a matter.” – Proverbs 25:2
“His disciples began questioning Him as to what this parable meant. And He said, “To you it has been granted to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God, but to the rest it is in parables, so that SEEING THEY MAY NOT SEE, AND HEARING THEY MAY NOT UNDERSTAND.
Now the parable is this: the seed is the word of God. Those beside the road are those who have heard; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their heart, so that they will not believe and be saved. Those on the rocky soil are those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no firm root; they believe for a while, and in time of temptation fall away.
The seed which fell among the thorns, these are the ones who have heard, and as they go on their way they are choked with worries and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to maturity. But the seed in the good soil, these are the ones who have heard the word in an honest and good heart, and hold it fast, and bear fruit with perseverance.”
– Luke 8:9-15
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.” – Proverbs 1:7
Hopefully you have taken the opportunity to highlight your favorite Proverbs in your copy of the God Story. As the kids were growing up we read and discussed Proverbs when we were together at breakfast or dinner. 31 chapters and 30 or so days every month gave us a home base for conversation – and a structure which paid off over accumulated years.
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