Soul Devotional - June 17, 2014

Proverbs 1:1-7

The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel: for gaining wisdom and instruction;for understanding words of insight; for receiving instruction in prudent behavior, doing what is right and just and fair; for giving prudence to those who are simple, knowledge and discretion to the young—let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance—for understanding proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

We are walking through the book of Proverbs as a church. Someone has once described the Book as God’s divinely designed self-improvement course. His textbook for learning how to wise up and live. We are encouraging everyone to take 5 minutes every day and read a chapter of Proverbs and reflect on the one thing that sticks out to you.

The fact is that God’s wisdom in Proverbs is designed for us all to understand, and has little to do with academic achievement, but is about everything to do with getting on in life.

 Have you ever noticed how almost everything you buy now comes with instructions of how to put it together? Well, like many men, I typically don’t like to read instruction manuals. When I pull something out of its box to put it together, I will try to figure it out on my own. If I get stuck, then only as a last resort, I will consult the instruction manual. How about you? Are you the kind of person who will read the manual first, or will you wait until you’re stuck before opening it up?

Have you ever thought about how great it would be if life came with an instruction manual? Well it doesn’t! But we do have a compilation of 66 books into one called the Bible. And of all the 66 books none is more practical in its wisdom for daily living than the Book of Proverbs. If you’re looking for wisdom and knowledge to live life on planet earth, then crack open your Bible, and read through the Book of Proverbs.

As we read through Proverbs, we will find them packed with advice about working hard, eating wisely, watching how much we drink, being careful in what we say, avoiding unhealthy relationships, being wise with our finances, and treating other people with humility and kindness, family, the value of hard work vs laziness and so much more.

As the introduction to Proverbs (1:1-7) tells us, this book will teach you wisdom and discipline; it will make simpleminded people clever; it will give young people knowledge and purpose, and make wise people wiser. Remember, the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. Get wisdom!

We all need wisdom for every aspect of life, and making good decisions in all matters, that affects our lives. The fact is that daily reading of Scripture will transform our lives, and as we read through Proverbs I pray that it will enhance our understanding with the wisdom from our Lord for our daily living.

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Gerry Michalski
Lead Pastor | Soul Sanctuary
gsm@soulsanctuary.ca