Category: Proverbs

Reading

Audio, Visual

SAA Notes

There are many thought-provoking proverbs in today’s reading: eg 21:17, 22:2,6,15. 21:14 is a piece of wisdom for those living under totalitarian or arbitrary rule of corrupt officials, kings and dictators. The Scriptures explicitly say: Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds those who see and twists the words of the righteous. Exodus 23:8

SJA Notes

* Creator God, You are the Maker of us all. Praise Your Name!

“No wisdom, no understanding, no counsel can avail against the LORD.”

Most folk around us who live in spiritual darkness think nothing of building arguments to make it seem foolish to believe in God.

We God’s people can get upset at not being a good apologist for our Lord. People will scoff and laugh, in their wilful ignorance – Whether dressed up in intelligent speech or not.

However. Our foundation is not in our own ability to present arguments. Our identity and worth is not found in how well we can put to shame the arguments of the world.

In Isaiah 44 God gives a very clear word, one for us today,

“I am the LORD, who made all things, who alone stretched out the heavens, who spread out the earth by myself, who frustrates the signs of liars and makes fools of diviners, who turns wise men back and makes their knowledge foolish,”

God is not lessened by whatever firm-sounding arguments people might put together.

It is God who will frustrate the wicked and turn back the worldly wise folk.

We can only present God’s word as we live it out, pointing people to Jesus – Even if in the scope of the Almighty God we are a breath and frail and our means limited and poor.

Because God is NOT! He is the God who ALONE spread out the earth.

Praise God that He chooses to work through us, clay vessels.

* Almighty God,

There is none like You!

Thank You for Your word – Please write it on our hearts, remind us that You alone are our fortress and deliverer, our rock and our defense.

Your word is the only weapon in Your armory that You give to us – Please help us to use it wisely, with humility and reverence.

Thank You for today.

Amen.

Reading

Audio, Visual

SAA Notes

Verse 6 reminds us that deeds not words of self-promotion should govern our assessment of others. This present century is one where self-promotion is expected and encouraged.

SJA Notes

* God of Light, may we do what is acceptable in Your sight today.

“Do not say, ‘I will repay evil’; wait for the LORD, and he will deliver you.”

Vengeance can be a tough subject.

Paul exhorts us in Romans 12,

“Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.'”

In Deuteronomy 32 we read from a number of verses,

“Vengeance is mine, and recompense, for the time when their foot shall slip; for the day of their calamity is at hand, and their doom comes swiftly.”

“I will take vengeance on my adversaries and will repay those who hate me.”

“… For he avenges the blood of his children and takes vengeance on his adversaries.”

There is some importance here to wrestle with.

Our sense of right-ness and justice should never lead us to _revenge_ on people who do us or our loved ones ill.

It can be a very hard thing to do, to leave vengeance in the hands of the Lord.

How can we leave it alone, when our loved ones are hurt?

But.

But HE is the living God. HE is holy and just. HE does not slumber. HE keeps watch over His flock.

This is the God who will return as King, the Rider on the White Horse, treading the winepress of His own fury (Revelation 19).

This is our God.

We must leave vengeance to Him.

* Righteous God,

Please work righteousness in us, that we would abhor what You abhor.

Please make us wise in Your wisdom.

And please Lord, remind us to seek You out instead of our own vengeance.

Let us find refuge and peace in You, the God of all mercy and grace.

Amen.

Reading

Audio, Visual

SAA Notes

Both the negative and positive aspects of poverty and wealth are covered in the opening verses of this chapter. Verse 14 is a good proverb for both husbands and wives to learn!

SJA Notes

* Almighty God, Your purposes are steadfast and stand firm – They cannot be moved.

“When a man’s folly brings his way to ruin, his heart rages against the LORD.”

People will be angry at God.

If we are honest, even as God’s people there are times when we can become angry at our Lord God.

Especially as here, when our own foolish decision-making brings about ruin.

God has given to us very clear direction.

Choose wisdom!

Wisdom is life. Folly is death. Wisdom is good for us. Folly is bad for us.

When we choose folly, our way is brought to ruin, what do we do?

God to the Lord. He knows.

Peter gives us good wisdom in 1 Peter 5,

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.”

If we choose folly, and suffer – Instead of anger at God for allowing things to go this way, let us humble ourselves under His hand.

He loves us. He cares for us. He works for our good (even painful though the refinement can be).

Humility is an excellent antidote for man’s anger.

* Holy God,

Please sink us in self that we might rise in Thee.

Please plant Your word deep within us and grow it, that we might be good soil and bear much fruit.

Please show us Jesus today.

Amen.