May 26, 2020
The book of Proverbs is a collection of short sayings in the Old Testament meant to instill wisdom in God’s people. As we read, it is important to remember that a proverb is a statement which is generally true in principle, not a universally true promise. Let’s dig into the Word together and allow the Lord to shape our hearts, our minds, and our lives in his wisdom over the next month!
Proverbs Chapter 9 is an interesting comparison between the Way of Wisdom (v.1-6) and the Way of Folly (v.13-18). It is interesting to read these two sets of verses and compare. But what’s perhaps most significant in this short chapter in Proverbs, are the verses in between, which speaks of instruction and reproach, as well as the ways we respond to them.
Verse 9 says “Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning.”
Sometimes it’s hard to take constructive criticism. Our human nature, our sinful nature, tells us to take pride in things and feel that we have done our best. When someone offers counsel or instruction, we can often view it as criticism and get defensive. But the Bible says clearly that to listen to instruction is wise and being teachable is the way of the righteous!
The wise path is to seek to learn from criticism or instruction, however difficult it may be.
All of this starts with a fear of the Lord…a healthy fear, knowing that He is Almighty God and able to do all things. In verse 10, it says “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.”
Proverbs 9
The Way of Wisdom
9 Wisdom has built her house;
she has hewn her seven pillars.
2 She has slaughtered her beasts; she has mixed her wine;
she has also set her table.
3 She has sent out her young women to call
from the highest places in the town,
4 “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!”
To him who lacks sense she says,
5 “Come, eat of my bread
and drink of the wine I have mixed.
6 Leave your simple ways, and live,
and walk in the way of insight.”
7 Whoever corrects a scoffer gets himself abuse,
and he who reproves a wicked man incurs injury.
8 Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you;
reprove a wise man, and he will love you.
9 Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser;
teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning.
10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.
11 For by me your days will be multiplied,
and years will be added to your life.
12 If you are wise, you are wise for yourself;
if you scoff, you alone will bear it.
The Way of Folly
13 The woman Folly is loud;
she is seductive and knows nothing.
14 She sits at the door of her house;
she takes a seat on the highest places of the town,
15 calling to those who pass by,
who are going straight on their way,
16 “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!”
And to him who lacks sense she says,
17 “Stolen water is sweet,
and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.”
18 But he does not know that the dead are there,
that her guests are in the depths of Sheol.
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. It’s where it all starts. Fear the Lord and humbly seek Him, and you will have knowledge and insight; and with that, the ability to see instruction as wise counsel, not just criticism.
Family Discussion Question:
- Why is it so hard for us to take loving counsel, instruction, or even rebuke? Why is it so important that we put aside our pride and have a humble attitude as we seek to learn wisdom?
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.
Gracias padre amado por tu enseñanza cada día, gracias porque tus nos enseña que el temor a ti es el comienzo a la sabiduría ,dame cada día esa humildad para aceptar tus críticas y consejos que provienen sólo de tú palabra con sabiduría y perspicacia. Para seguir tus caminos como una persona sabía, sólo en ti podemos encontrarla, gracias mi padre amado por tus bendiciones en nombre y por amor de tu hijo amado amén ?
Dear Heavenly Father,
You are the creator of the universe and I am in awe of Your wisdom and power. Thank You for giving us all that we need to live and prosper in this world. If we would only heed that instruction. Sometimes we let our pride keep us from seeking Your true teachings. But we have learned that pride comes before a fall. It takes a wise person to accept criticism and want to change his ways. I don’t want to displease You, Lord. Please search my heart and mind of any impure or imperfect thought and make me acceptable in Your sight. I want to grow in wisdom and stature and in favor with You and man. Teach me , O Lord, I am listening. In Jesus’ name…the name above all names. Amen.
Heavenly Father, thank You for paving the way for us to walk in wisdom by abiding in Your Word.
10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.
11 For by me your days will be multiplied,
and years will be added to your life.
Dear Father God,
Your Word teaches us that fearing You is the foundation of wisdom. Remove pride from my heart today so I can be teachable and become wiser in You.
In Your Holy name, I pray,
Amen.
Good morning Lord!
While we fear you as our Creator and God, you love us as your children and friends. Instill in us the insight to realize how little we know so that we can allow wisdom to enter our hearts, minds and souls. Help us to understand that, as C. S. Lewis said in Mere Christianity, the problem with pride is that it comes straight from hell.
Thank you my heavenly Father for another day in the land of the living. Thank you for your plan for us today. Help us to see you at work and to be where you are. We can only be where you are through wisdom, knowledge, and insight into who you are. Please Father, I pray you remove any sense of pride which is as a result of our sinful self. Clothe us with your truth, help us to be the people who put together rather than take apart what you are putting together. Instil in us your sense of righteousness and truth. Forgive me/us where we have run away from your counsel because it does not fulfill our selfish desires. Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable to you oh my Father. You alone are God! We honor you! We love you, thank you for loving us first! ????. Amen!
Amen Chuck! Great quote and so true. Keep us humble Lord and separate us from the Pride that will destroy us.
Let’s not forget yesterday that said the fear of the Lord is to hate evil. In that is wisdom.
Thank you Lord that you take away my pride so that I can follow your wisdom.
Thank you Lord for teaching us with your unending patience! Help stir in me my lifelong desire for learning – learning your ways and your truth. Help me as I teach others daily – not to criticize in my instruction but to pass on knowledge that comes from you! Criticism does not build relationships, instead it is like folly and destroys. Help me Lord to build my relationship with you and with others! Amen.
Reading these words of wisdom will keep us grounded. Look forward to the Daily Devotionals that guide us & keep us on the right path.
Thank you Jesus for your sacrifice. Amen
Father, you alone are wise. I lift my cup to you this day, for it is dry. May it overflow with your love. May I use the right words with the right tone this day, words spoken with your wisdom and your love. Shield me this day from the fiery darts of the evil one. Now, let us be going to find one more for Jesus. Amen
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for revealing to us the things that we need to know and help us draw closer to you so that we will hear and obey your word. Pride is the opposite of humility and your word teaches us to humble ourselves and you will exalt us. Lord, convict us all when we become prideful in the little things we do such as in our thoughts thinking we are better than others, in our purchases when we get a new car or house or promotions / advancement in our jobs. It is easy to become prideful when we fail to keep our hearts and eyes are the true prize and that is you, Jesus Christ. Remind us daily to remove self and allow others to see the Christ in us as our goal is to be pleasing in your sight. Amen
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight. Amen
Give me wisdom Lord, to live it out and be more righteous. Also, help me lead with wisdom, to better teach, rebuke, correct and admonish those that that seek to be more wise, knowledgable and understanding.
Amen