Proverbs 1:21 Standing still will move you backwards

4/9/10

Time Spent:

Main Idea: Those who do not actively seek wisdom are fools

What I learned about God: God does not show compassion upon the ignorant and desires all to know the full counsel of His Word

Summary: The way of wisdom is to fear the Lord, which is the beginning of knowledge (7). This proverb then is broken down into 3 parts; the way of wisdom (8-9), the way of folly (10=19), and the plea of wisdom (20-33). All of these parts fit into the bigger umbrella concept that the way of wisdom is the beginning of knowledge in the Lord, which will place the person that applies these principles will thus lead to a reverent fear of the Lord. The section I looked at falls under wisdom's plea. Wisdom has made herself readily accessible to all that delight in her, yet there are very few takers upon it. Even the ones that have not openly chosen to seek it are left condemned in this proverb as it states in verse 32 that the complacency of fools destroys them. God does not want anyone to be "complacent" in their search of wisdom but must continuously seek the Lord's counsel.

Application: In ministry, I am left with some situations where I wish I didn't need to make such hard decisions. It always leaves me feeling that I am lacking in wisdom and discernment when I am not able to respond to the needs of the people or the ministry. Thus, I have begun a study on Proverbs for the next 31 days to actively seek out and pray for God's wisdom to be imparted upon my life. I must remember to be wary of the danger of microwavable QTs, where just because I am reading less that I am spending less time with the Lord. Instead, I want to really dig down deep and understand beyond the surface level of what the wisdom from Proverbs states. For that, I bought a commentary recommended by one of my professors and will also do my best to read the Proverbs once when I awake and once when I am about to sleep. I must not be complacent in my search, but actively seek the cry of wisdom in my life.