Today’s Reading: Song of Songs 1-2

I love a good story. Sad stories, triumphant stories, tragic stories, funny stories, mysterious stories — I love them all, but love stories are probably my favorite. Let me tell you a love story about a young woman who has a sincere desire to grow closer to the One she loves. His name is Jesus.

At first this woman focuses simply on enjoying the one she loves and what He can do for her; her attention is on how His presence makes her life more wonderful. Then she discovers the indescribable joy of being loved BY Him. Her relationship with Jesus grows throughout the story as she realizes how much He delights in her and desires a relationship with her. She matures spiritually while on this journey to intimacy. She is no longer simply a worker for Jesus; she is now a devoted lover of Jesus. Do you recognize this story? Does it sound a lot like the love story you have experienced with our Savior? Let’s look a little closer at this love story found in Solomon’s Song of Songs.

There are many interpretations of Solomon’s writings, but I love the perspective Aletha Hinthorn provides in her book Receive His Love. So as we read through this love story, let’s consider Song of Songs as a young woman’s journey to intimacy with Christ, and see what God might teach us about the potential of our relationship with Him.

Kiss me and kiss me again, for your love is sweeter than wine.
How fragrant your cologne; your name is like its spreading fragrance.
No wonder all the young women love you!
Take me with you; come, let’s run!
The king has brought me into his bedroom. – Song of Songs 1:2-4

Consider the meaning of the word “kiss” as receiving a word from the Lord, a word from His mouth. Now reread these verses. She longs to receive a word from the Lord. I can relate to that. I wake up each morning and enter into a private room with Jesus out of my desire to hear from Him. Time in His presence is like a “spreading fragrance” so I run to Him each morning, longing to experience intimacy with Him as I cling to His words.

I am dark but beautiful, O women of Jerusalem –
dark as tents of Kedar, dark as the curtains of Solomon’s tents.
Don’t stare at me because I am dark – the sun has darkened my skin.
My brothers were angry with me; they forced me to care for their vineyards,
so I couldn’t care for myself – my own vineyard.
Tell me, my love, where are you leading your flock today?
Where will you rest your sheep at noon?
For why should I wander like a prostitute among your friends and their flocks? – Song of Songs 1:5-7

I look at myself and I see the dark nature that is mine when I live life away from my Savior. Everything I have experienced under the sun has left its scars and dirt on me; exposure to this life has darkened me. Where are you going, Lord? I long to be with you today, participating in your work rather than working in someone else’s fields. I desire to give you all of my love rather than getting lost in the desires of this world.

If you don’t know, O most beautiful woman, follow the trail of my flock,
and graze your young goats by the shepherds’ tents.
You are exciting, my darling, as a mare among Pharaoh’s stallions.
How lovely are your cheeks; your earring set them afire!
How lovely is your neck, enhanced by a string of jewels.
We will make for you earrings of gold and beads of silver. – Song of Songs 1:8-11

How beautiful! He looks at me – looks beyond the darkness of my past and sees the beauty of my future. He sees what He can make out of my life! He says – If you don’t know what to do and where to go, follow me! Those who follow after my Lord have left a trail for me to walk in. Those who have accepted the calling of “shepherd” have prepared a field in which I can graze and grow in my understanding of the Savior. He looks beyond my scars and sees my beauty and potential.

The king is lying on his couch, enchanted by the fragrance of my perfume.
My lover is like a sachet of myrrh lying between my breasts.
He is like a bouquet of sweet henna blossoms from the vineyards of En-gedi.
How beautiful you are, my darling, how beautiful!
Your eyes are like doves.
You are so handsome, my love, pleasing beyond words!
The soft grass is our bed; fragrant cedar branches are the beams of our house,
and pleasant smelling firs are the rafters. – Song of Songs 1:12-17

Lord, thank you for the couch you prepared for me this morning — this place of rest. We met together and you found me beautiful. We met together and I found your love like nothing I can obtain in this life around me, like the myrrh and sweet henna blossoms. It is like something distant and beyond my reach that you graciously bring close to me so that I can experience your presence.

A relationship with you, Jesus, is pleasing beyond words! You give me a comfortable place to recline and a firm foundation on which to build my life, while also giving me blessings to make this spiritual journey pleasant. Thank you for your “kisses” – for giving me a word from your mouth this morning. My heart desires to hear from you and I am not disappointed. I drink in your presence like a delicious cup of my morning coffee.

Today’s Reading: Proverbs 31

There has been a lot of conversation lately about what brings a woman more joy — her career or her family. Arguments have broken out regarding the fulfillment and worth of a woman. Those passionate dialogues come back to my mind this morning as I read through Proverbs 31.

The title given to this section in the New Living Translation is “A Wife of Noble Character”. Immediately I noticed that this passage is not about all women but about all wives. It does not diminish the value of an unmarried woman but speaks wisdom to the woman who bears the title “wife”. It speaks to her virtue (who she is), to her ability (what she does), and to her potential (what she is going to do). Let’s look closer at this passage and choose to let it inspire us (women or wives) rather than frustrate us.

Who can find a virtuous and capable wife?
She is more precious than rubies.
Her husband can trust her, and she will greatly enrich his life.
She brings him good, not harm all the days of her life. – Proverbs 31:10-12

TO BE TRUSTWORTHY AND LIFE-GIVING

When I walked down the aisle of Pekin First Church of the Nazarene on our wedding day, my heart was eager to marry the love of my life. But I did not marry Scott just because I liked the idea of being married; I did not say “I do” just because I wanted to be the center of attention at my wedding. No, I longed to be the perfect wife for the man I loved; I longed to choose excellence in my new role in order to bring glory to God and joy to my groom.

She finds wool and flax and busily spins it.
She is like a merchant’s ship, bringing food from afar.
She gets up before dawn to prepare breakfast for her household
and plan the day’s work for her servant girls. – Proverbs 31:13-15

TO BE DILIGENT AND RESOURCEFUL

I love taking care of my family! It brings me great joy to provide for their needs and create a home that is without chaos and confusion. I want to bring the presence of the Lord into my household, creating a safe place for my family to dwell and thrive. I do not accomplish this begrudgingly but joyfully; I do not fly solo with this great task but involve the entire family in setting the tone and creating a healthy environment. Together, we have made a commitment to have a healthy family that glorifies the Lord.

She goes to inspect a field and buys it; with her earning she plants a vineyard.
She is energetic and strong, a hard worker.
She makes sure her dealings are profitable; her lamp burns late into the night. – Proverbs 31:16-18

TO BE HARD-WORKING AND PROFITABLE

This wife of noble character is willing to work hard for the sake of her family. She is busy providing for those she loves, wisely investing her time and energy in order that her time will be productive and profitable. Her family gains from how she spends her day, and she is willing to work late when needed.

Her hands are busy spinning thread, her fingers twisting fiber.
She extends a helping hand to the poor and opens her arms to the needy.
She has no fear of winter for her household, for everyone has warm clothes.
She makes her own bedspreads.
She dresses in fine linen and purple gowns.
Her husband is well known at the city gates, where he sits with the other civic leaders.
She makes belted linen garments and sashes to sell to the merchants. – Proverbs 31:19-24

This affirms to me that the wife of noble character can also enjoy a career. It does not have to be either / or; women can succeed both at home and at work. Her wisdom and hard work can make an impact on both her family and her community. She has so much to offer for the Lord has gifted her beyond her expectations. Her contribution to this world is both within and outside of the home. In fact, her contribution to the world can also make a great impact on her family, as she sets a strong example for her children to follow.

TO BE CARING AND COMPASSIONATE

She works hard to make sure her family is taken care of while reaching beyond her home to respond to the needs of the community. Her children see the compassion she extends to others and it forms the way they will respond to poverty and injustice in this world for the rest of their lives. Her love is displayed in the way she cares deeply for others.

Do not put limitations on the many ways God can use her, for she listens carefully to His voice and is committed to obeying her Lord and Savior. The beautiful work God has done inside her heart is evidenced through the wonderful things God does through her life. She is strong and she is capable; she is a woman of noble character.

She is clothed with strength and dignity,
and she laughs without fear of the future.
When she speaks, her words are wise,
and she gives instructions with kindness.
She carefully watches everything in her household
and suffers nothing from laziness.
Her children stand and bless her.
Her husband praises her:
“There are many virtuous and capable women in the world,
but you surpass them all!”
Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last;
but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.
Reward her for all she has done.
Let her deeds publicly declare her praise. – Proverbs 31:25-31

Today’s Reading: Proverbs 22-24

Listen to the words of the wise;
apply your heart to my instruction.
For it is good to keep these sayings in your heart
and always ready on your lips.
I am teaching you today—yes, you—
so you will trust in the Lord.
I have written THIRTY SAYINGS for you,
filled with advice and knowledge. – Proverbs 22:17-20

The book of Proverbs lists thirty sayings to help us live life wisely and in a way that glorifies God. Grouping them into general categories, we can see them reflected in the words of Jesus.

BE WISE IN HOW YOU TREAT THE POOR. Do not take advantage of their financial needs for your own gain. It matters to God how we treat them. Do not cheat your neighbors. Rescue those who are unjustly sentenced to death, and do not pretend you didn’t know about their injustice.

Jesus told him, “If you want to be perfect, go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” – Matthew 19:21

BE WISE IN YOUR RELATIONSHIPS. Choose friends that are a good influence on you, avoiding those whose habits would be unhealthy for you to pick up. If you choose to be around those who are angry all the time, you may find yourself becoming an angry person. Don’t waste your breath on fools who despise your wisdom. Don’t cheat your neighbors. Be wise in your parenting and do not fail to discipline your children. Continue to listen to your father and respect your mother. Don’t rejoice when your enemies fall; don’t be happy when they stumble (24:17).

“Honor your father and mother. Love your neighbor as yourself.” – Matthew 19:19

BE WISE WITH YOUR MONEY. Do not make a financial commitment that is beyond your means, even if you are trying to do something nice for someone else. Don’t wear yourself out trying to get rich. Be wise enough to know when to quit (23:4). Wealth can disappear in the blink of an eye.

“No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money.” – Matthew 6:24

BE WISE IN YOUR EMPLOYMENT. Those who show themselves to be competent and produce quality work will get bigger and better opportunities.

“A faithful, sensible servant is one to whom the master can give the responsibility of managing his other household servants and feeding them. If the master returns and finds that the servant has done a good job, there will be a reward. I tell you the truth, the master will put that servant in charge of all he owns.” – Matthew 24:45-47

BE WISE REGARDING THE PLEASURES OF THIS WORLD. Do not get so caught up in the cravings of this gluttonous world that you fall into its trap. Do not desire the delicacies of this world more than you desire what God has for you. And don’t desire what the stingy do not want you to give you. Don’t envy sinners, but always continue to fear the Lord (23:17). Do not hang around with those who love to get drunk, or feast with those who eat excessively. Avoid the lure of sexual sin. Don’t envy evil people, or those whose words are always trying to stir up trouble.

The seeds that fell among the thorns represent those who hear the message, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the cares and riches and pleasures of this life. And so they never grow into maturity. – Luke 8:14

BE WISE. Commit yourself to instruction; listen carefully to words of knowledge (23:12). Speak what is right. Take time to listen, and keep your heart on the right course. Get wisdom, discipline, and good judgment, and pass on your wisdom to your children. Build your home with wisdom. Don’t step into conflict without first seeking wisdom and guidance from godly advisors. Your future will be bright if you crave wisdom like the sweet taste of honey. Fear the Lord.

“But wisdom is shown to be right by the lives of those who follow it.” – Luke 7:35

Father God, give us a heart that craves your wisdom. May we be drawn towards you, instead of craving all this world tries to sell us. May you be glorified in our relationships with others and in our growing relationship with you. Thank you for all we have learned as we have studied the book of Proverbs. May your words come to our mind when we need it most. We love you, God. Amen.

O my son, give me your heart.
May your eyes take delight in following my ways. – Proverbs 23:26

Today’s Reading: Proverbs 25-30

The wise are mightier than the strong, and those with knowledge grow stronger and stronger. – Proverbs 24:5

I want that kind of strength. I want to become wiser and wiser, which will make me stronger and stronger. Receiving wisdom is not a “once and done” gift. Wisdom is a gift we continually ask for – a gift that continues to strengthen us as we experience new situations and challenges.

King Solomon has three more areas of life or scenarios in which he gives advice in his book of Proverbs. The first is regarding friendships

1.) THE VALUE OF HAVING A GOOD FRIEND AND BEING A GOOD FRIEND

A friend is always loyal,
and a brother is born to help in time of need (17:17).

The seeds of good deeds become a tree of life;
a wise person wins friends (11:30).

Love prospers when a fault is forgiven,
but dwelling on it separates close friends (17:9).

A troublemaker plants seeds of strife; gossip separates the best of friends (16:28).

An offended friend is harder to win back than a fortified city.
Arguments separate friends like a gate locked with bars (18:19).

There are “friends” who destroy each other,
but a real friend sticks closer than a brother (18:24).

The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense (27:9).

Never abandon a friend— either yours or your father’s (27:10a).

As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend (27:17).

My friends are so precious to me! I cannot imagine my life without them. My friends make me a better person. But friendships can get complicated and sometimes we have to work through difficult situations in order to protect our friendship; we have to talk things out in order to clear misunderstandings, restore wrongs, and come out stronger in the end. It takes wisdom to know what to say and how to say it.

2.) THE DANGERS OF ALCOHOL, NOT A FRIEND FOR THE WISE

Wine produces mockers; alcohol leads to brawls. Those led astray by drink cannot be wise (20:1)

Who has anguish? Who has sorrow?
Who is always fighting? Who is always complaining?
Who has unnecessary bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes?
It is the one who spends long hours in the taverns, trying out new drinks.
Don’t gaze at the wine, seeing how red it is,
how it sparkles in the cup, how smoothly it goes down.
For in the end it bites like a poisonous snake; it stings like a viper.
You will see hallucinations, and you will say crazy things.
You will stagger like a sailor tossed at sea, clinging to a swaying mast.
And you will say, “They hit me, but I didn’t feel it.
I didn’t even know it when they beat me up.
When will I wake up so I can look for another drink?” – Proverbs 23:29-35

It is not for kings, O Lemuel, to guzzle wine. Rulers should not crave alcohol.
For if they drink, they may forget the law and not give justice to the oppressed (31:4-5).

3.) JUSTICE FOR THE OPPRESSED

As I read through these proverbs regarding justice, the issues of abortion and poverty come to my mind.

Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves;
ensure justice for those being crushed.
Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless,
and see that they get justice (31:8-9).

Don’t excuse yourself by saying, “Look, we didn’t know.”
For God understands all hearts, and he sees you.
He who guards your soul knows you knew.
He will repay all people as their actions deserve (24:12).

There are six things the Lord hates — no, seven things he detests: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that kill the innocent, a heart that plots evil, feet that race to do wrong, a false witness who pours out lies, a person who sows discord in a family. – Proverbs 6:16-19

Father God, we thank you for the wisdom found in the book of Proverbs. Although not the easiest book to read, it is full of treasures to help us through life. Lord, will you please daily give us wisdom and make us stronger and stronger in you. We thank you for our friends and we ask that you bless our friendships. Give us wisdom in the choices we make and stir our hearts towards helping others. May we never allow anything in our lives that controls us more than you do, and may we never ignore the injustices around us. Amen.

Today’s Reading: Proverbs 22-24

King Solomon was given wisdom and he, in turn, introduces us to wisdom by personifying her. He continues with his analogy of life being a path. He gives us a visual picture as he shows us that she (Wisdom) is taking her stand at the crossroads, where we need her most. When we are at a point of decision and we need Wisdom more than we need our next breath, there she is. Can you see her? She takes a deep breath and calls out to us:

“I call to you, to all of you!
I raise my voice to all people.
You simple people, use good judgment.
You foolish people, show some understanding.
Listen to me! For I have important things to tell you.
Everything I say is right, for I speak the truth
and detest every kind of deception.
My advice is wholesome.
There is nothing devious or crooked in it.
My words are plain to anyone with understanding,
clear to those with knowledge.
Choose my instruction rather than silver,
and knowledge rather than pure gold.
For wisdom is far more valuable than rubies.
Nothing you desire can compare with it.

“I, Wisdom, live together with good judgment.
I know where to discover knowledge and discernment.
All who fear the Lord will hate evil.
Therefore, I hate pride and arrogance,
corruption and perverse speech.
Common sense and success belong to me.
Insight and strength are mine.
Because of me, kings reign, and rulers make just decrees.
Rulers lead with my help, and nobles make righteous judgments.” – Proverbs 8:4-16

I love the visual this passage gives us. Can you see it? Wisdom is standing side by side with Good Judgment, Knowledge, Discernment, Common Sense, Success, Insight and Strength. See this team of heroes who are staying strong in the fight against Evil, Pride and Arrogance. They hold the weapons we need to beat Corruption and Perverse Speech. They are available to us if only we will ask.

“The Lord formed me from the beginning,
before he created anything else.
I was appointed in ages past,
at the very first, before the earth began.
I was born before the oceans were created,
before the springs bubbled forth their waters.
Before the mountains were formed,
before the hills, I was born—
before he had made the earth and fields
and the first handfuls of soil.
I was there when he established the heavens,
when he drew the horizon on the oceans.
I was there when he set the clouds above,
when he established springs deep in the earth.
I was there when he set the limits of the seas,
so they would not spread beyond their boundaries.
And when he marked off the earth’s foundations,
I was the architect at his side.
I was his constant delight, rejoicing always in his presence.
And how happy I was with the world he created;
how I rejoiced with the human family!

“And so, my children, listen to me,
for all who follow my ways are joyful.
Listen to my instruction and be wise. Don’t ignore it.
Joyful are those who listen to me,
watching for me daily at my gates,
waiting for me outside my home!
FOR WHOEVER FINDS ME FINDS LIFE
and receives favor from the Lord.
But those who miss me injure themselves.
All who hate me love death.” – Proverbs 8:22-36

What great words of Wisdom — literally. I want to follow the way of Wisdom. I want to listen to her instruction and watch for direction from God. To find Wisdom is to find life – that is a powerful concept to soak in. Wisdom helps us understand God, helps us see God for who He is, and helps us to trust Him in even the most difficult of situations.

Listen to the words of the wise; apply your heart to my instruction.
For it is good to keep these sayings in your heart and always on your lips.
I am teaching you today – yes, you – so you will trust in the Lord. – Proverbs 22:17-19

My child, listen and be wise: Keep your heart on the right course. – Proverbs 23:19

A house is built by wisdom and becomes strong through good sense.
Through knowledge its rooms are filled with all sorts of precious riches and valuables.
The wise are mightier than the strong, and those with knowledge grow stronger and stronger. – Proverbs 24:3-5

Today’s Reading: Proverbs 21

The king’s heart is like a stream of water directed by the Lord;
he guides it wherever he pleases. – Proverbs 21:1

What a beautiful analogy of the direction God gives us when we stop resisting His perfect plan for our lives and completely submit to His. God will guide our hearts — we will start desiring what He desires, we will display mercy to those in need, and our walk with God will be evidenced by His righteousness. There is no need for us to create our own righteousness or to try to produce a holiness of our own, because He is willing to give us His. And the evidence of a heart that is truly devoted to God and a life that bears fruit will be pleasing to God.

GOD’S RIGHTEOUSNESS WILL BE EVIDENCED IN OUR LIVES.

People may be right in their own eyes,
but the Lord examines their heart.
The Lord is more pleased when we do what is right and just
than when we offer him sacrifices. – Proverbs 21:2-3

The godly walk with integrity;
blessed are their children who follow them. – Proverbs 20:7

The life of the godly is full of light and joy,
but the light of the wicked will be snuffed out. – Proverbs 13:9

Whoever pursues righteousness and unfailing love
will find life, righteousness, and honor. – Proverbs 21:21

GOD’S MERCY WILL BE POURED OUT FROM OUR LIVES.

Some people are always greedy for more,
but the godly love to give! – Proverbs 21:26

Blessed are those who are generous,
because they feed the poor.
Throw out the mocker, and fighting goes, too.
Quarrels and insults will disappear.
Whoever loves a pure heart and gracious speech
will have the king as a friend.
The Lord preserves those with knowledge,
but he ruins the plans of the treacherous. – Proverbs 22:9-12

If you help the poor, you are lending to the Lord—
and he will repay you! – Proverbs 19:17

GOD WILL BE PLEASED WITH THE FRUIT OF OUR LIVES.

When people’s lives please the Lord,
even their enemies are at peace with them. – Proverbs 16:7

The king is pleased with words from righteous lips;
he loves those who speak honestly. – Proverbs 16:13

The Lord detests the sacrifice of the wicked,
but he delights in the prayers of the upright.
The Lord detests the way of the wicked,
but he loves those who pursue godliness. – Proverbs 15:8-9

When we choose to accept God’s free gift of salvation, which is available because Jesus was willing to die for our sins, God does a transformational work in our lives. He refines us and molds us into the person He created us to be. We start reacting in new ways and our lives become a reflection of who God is. This is not a learned performance, but the result of a Spirit-filled life.

Since we believe that Christ died for all, we also believe that we have all died to our old life. He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them.

So we have stopped evaluating others from a human point of view. At one time we thought of Christ merely from a human point of view. How differently we know him now! This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. — 2 Corinthians 5:16-18a

Father God, thank you for your patient love that led us into a relationship with you. Thank you for the work you have begun and will continue to do in our lives as we daily walk in relationship with you. May your righteousness and mercy continue to be evidenced in the way we serve you by serving others, and may you be pleased with our lives. We submit to you today and allow you to guide us and lead us like streams of water. Amen.

Today’s Reading: Proverbs 17-20, 31

Instruct the wise, and they will be wiser.
Teach the righteous, and they will learn even more. – Proverbs 9:9

This morning, as I again sit at the feet of wise King Solomon and share my morning coffee with the Lord, I find myself asking for wisdom – for insight and understanding. Solomon spoke in Proverbs of several different kinds of women. We studied his advice about the IMMORAL WOMAN, and maybe you could not relate to that. Let’s read on and allow the Spirit to expose the areas in which He wants to continue to work in us and in our marriage.

THE GOSSIP

King Solomon described the woman who loves to gossip, using her mouth to seduce the mind of others — to influence them to think negatively of others. She goes around telling secrets (11:13), planting seeds of strife, and separating the best of friends (16:28). So don’t hang around with these chatterers (20:19). Only wrongdoers eagerly listen to gossip and liars pay special attention to this slander (17:4). A gossiping tongue causes anger (25:23) and ruins reputations, including that of the person gossiping (25:10). Listening to rumors allows them to sink deep into our heart (26:22).

Fire goes out without wood, and quarrels disappear when gossip stops. – Proverbs 26:20

THE QUARRELSOME SPOUSE

It’s better to live alone in the desert than with a quarrelsome, complaining wife. – Proverbs 21:19

I imagine no one desires to be this quarrelsome spouse, yet how many find that this is exactly who they have become. My heart desires to be an understanding wife, not one who uses words to gossip, quarrel or complain. It is good to listen closely to the wisdom of King Solomon as he describes the quarrelsome spouse:

It’s better to live alone in the corner of an attic than with a quarrelsome wife in a lovely home (25:24)…A quarrelsome wife is as annoying as constant dripping on a rainy day. Stopping her complaints is like trying to stop the wind or trying to hold something with greased hands. – Proverbs 27:15-16

Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut, and you will stay out of trouble. – Proverbs 21:23

THE UNDERSTANDING SPOUSE

Fathers can give their sons an inheritance of houses and wealth, but only the Lord can give an understanding wife. – Proverbs 19:14

The decision to marry another person is a commitment to be the encourager and emotional supporter of that person. A friendship should form that helps each spouse be all that God has created them to be. We learn what they need, speak words of affirmation after a long day, and become their biggest cheerleader in life. That is who I want to be – an understanding wife that my husband sees as a gift from the Lord. King Solomon ended his book of Proverbs with the description of just such a wife — the virtuous wife.

THE VIRTUOUS WIFE

Who can find a virtuous and capable wife?
She is more precious than rubies.
Her husband can trust her, and she will greatly enrich his life.
She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.

She finds wool and flax and busily spins it.
She is like a merchant’s ship, bringing her food from afar.
She gets up before dawn to prepare breakfast for her household and plan the day’s work for her servant girls.

She goes to inspect a field and buys it; with her earnings she plants a vineyard.
She is energetic and strong, a hard worker.
She makes sure her dealings are profitable; her lamp burns late into the night.

Her hands are busy spinning thread, her fingers twisting fiber.
She extends a helping hand to the poor and opens her arms to the needy…

She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.
When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness.
She carefully watches everything in her household and suffers nothing from laziness.

Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her:
“There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!”

Charm is deceptive and beauty does not last;
but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.
Reward her for all she has done.
Let her deeds publicly declare her praise. – Proverbs 31:10-31

The most important relationship after our relationship with God should be the one with our spouse. We have made a commitment before God and family/friends to love them forever. Although Solomon focuses on the wife, there are still great truths for the husband to consider in the book of Proverbs. This morning, let’s renew our covenant to our spouse; let’s remember our vows and recommit to let God bless their lives through our marriage.

Today’s Reading: Proverbs 14-16

The WAY of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn,
which shines ever brighter until the full light of day.
But the way of the wicked is like total darkness.
They have no idea what they are stumbling over.
My child, pay attention to what I say.
Listen carefully to my words.
Don’t lose sight of them.
Let them penetrate deep into your heart for they bring life to those who find them,
and healing to their whole body.
Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the COURSE of your life.
Avoid all perverse talk; stay away from corrupt speech.
Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you.
Mark out a STRAIGHT PATH for your feet; stay on the safe path.
Don’t get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil. – Proverbs 4:18-27

CHOOSE THE PATH GOD HAS MARKED OUT FOR YOU.

In his quest to help us find wisdom and in order that we might gain insight, King Solomon warns us to choose the path of righteousness and to run from sinful ways. I connect with his analogy of life as a path that we are walking. It makes sense to me and it is easy for me to apply to this life’s journey. There is a straight path that is safe, but to wander off of the road marked out for us is dangerous. We should avoid evil and everything related to it, especially in our speech. To choose a life of sin is unwise.

For the Lord sees clearly what a man does, examining every path he takes.
An evil man is held captive by his own sins; they are ropes that catch and hold him. – Proverbs 5:21-22

There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death. – Proverbs 14:12

Only simpletons believe everything they’re told!
The prudent carefully consider their steps.
The wise are cautious and avoid danger;
fools plunge ahead with reckless confidence. – Proverbs 14:15-16

We plunge ahead with our own plans, with our own ideas of what is the right life for us. We try to create a new road, one we think will bring us the most joy. But there is no greater joy than to commit everything to the Lord.

FIND JOY IN LETTING GOD DETERMINE YOUR DIRECTION.

We can make our own plans, but the Lord gives the right answer.
People may be pure in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their motives.
Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed…
We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps. – Proverbs 16:1-3,9

Proverbs 16:3 was the verse I clung to as I made plans to attend Olivet Nazarene University. My family did not have a lot of money and it seemed impossible to be able to afford the college of my dreams. I stood at the fork in the road and begged God for the chance to walk down that path. I committed my future to Him, and I gave Him ALL the glory when the grants and scholarships came in, covering all my college expenses. Now I realize that the Lord’s path for our lives does not always match the direction we were hoping life would take us, but that is what makes the relationship of trust so beautiful.

Those who listen to instruction will prosper; those who trust the Lord will be joyful. – Proverbs 16:20

We throw the dice, but the Lord determines how they fall. – Proverbs 16:33

You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail. – Proverbs 19:21

The Lord directs our steps, so why try to understand everything along the way? – Proverbs 20:24

PRAY THAT GOD WILL GUIDE YOUR HEART AND DIRECT YOUR STEPS.

That verse describes me well. Why do I attempt to understand all the details along the way? Lord, guide my heart; direct my steps. May I have a heart that genuinely seeks you before I take any step. Lord, help me to trust you more. Keep my heart on the right course. Amen.

The king’s heart is like a stream of water directed by the Lord; he guides it wherever he pleases.
People may be right in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their heart. – Proverbs 21:1-2

No human wisdom or understanding or plan can stand against the Lord. – Proverbs 21:30

A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions.
The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences. – Proverbs 22:3

Listen to the words of the wise; apply your heart to my instruction.
For it is good to keep these sayings in your heart and always ready on your lips.
I am teaching you today – yes, you – so you will trust in the Lord. – Proverbs 22:17-19

Commit yourself to instruction; listen carefully to words of knowledge. — Proverbs 23:12

My child, listen and be wise:
Keep your heart on the right course. – Proverbs 23:19

Today’s Reading: Proverbs 10-13

In the next four chapters of Proverbs, we see a contrast between those who choose godliness and those who choose wickedness — those whose life reflects the heart of God versus those who live for their own selfish desires. When we allow God to come in and transform us into the person He created us to be, our life looks different from those who chase after all this world has to offer them.

The Lord will not let the godly go hungry,
but he refuses to satisfy the craving of the wicked. – Proverbs 10:3

People with integrity walk safely,
but those who follow crooked paths will be exposed.
People who wink at wrong cause trouble,
but a bold reproof promotes peace.
The words of the godly are a life-giving fountain;
the words of the wicked conceal violent intentions. – Proverbs 10:9-11

The words of the godly are like sterling silver;
the heart of a fool is worthless.
The words of the godly encourage many,
but fools are destroyed by their lack of common sense. – Proverbs 10:20-21

When the storms of life come, the wicked are whirled away,
but the godly have a lasting foundation. – Proverbs 10:25

The mouth of the godly person gives wise advice,
but the tongue that deceives will be cut off.
The lips of the godly speak helpful words,
but the mouth of the wicked speaks perverse words. – Proverbs 10:31-32

The godly are directed by honesty;
the wicked fall beneath their load of sin.
The godliness of good people rescues them;
the ambition of treacherous people traps them.
When the wicked die, their hopes die with them,
for they rely on their own feeble strength.
The godly are rescued from trouble,
and it falls on the wicked instead.
With their words, the godless destroy their friends,
but knowledge will rescue the righteous. – Proverbs 11:5-9

Godly people find life; evil people find death.
The Lord detests people with crooked hearts,
but he delights in those with integrity.
Evil people will surely be punished,
but the children of the godly will go free. – Proverbs 11:19-21

The godly can look forward to a reward,
while the wicked can expect only judgment.
Give freely and become more wealthy;
be stingy and lose everything.
The generous will prosper;
those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed. – Proverbs 11:23-25

Thieves are jealous of each other’s loot,
but the godly are well rooted and bear their own fruit.
The wicked are trapped by their own words,
but the godly escape such trouble.
Wise words bring many benefits,
and hard work brings rewards.
Fools think their own way is right,
but the wise listen to others. – Proverbs 12:12-15

The way of the godly leads to life;
that path does not lead to death. – Proverbs 12:28

The godly hate lies;
the wicked cause shame and disgrace.
Godliness guards the path of the blameless,
but the evil are misled by sin. – Proverbs 12:5-6

The life of the godly is full of light and joy,
but the light of the wicked will be snuffed out. – Proverbs 13:9

Trouble chases sinners,
while blessings reward the righteous. – Proverbs 13:21

This is yet another reminder from the Lord that we have a choice to make between life and death, between godliness and wickedness. There is no in between — no middle ground. We are either living for God or we are not. What choice will we make? Jesus died on the cross and rose again so that we could live in freedom from our sinful nature and be filled with the Spirit, but this is a gift we must choose to receive.

“Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live! You can make this choice by loving the Lord your God, obeying him, and committing yourself firmly to him. This is the key to your life. And if you love and obey the Lord, you will live long in the land the Lord swore to give your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” – Deuteronomy 30:19-20

Today’s Reading: Proverbs 7-9

Follow my advice, my son; always treasure my commands.
Obey my commands and live! Guard my instructions as you guard your own eyes.
Tie them on your fingers as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart…
Let them protect you from an affair with an immoral woman,
from listening to the flattery of a promiscuous woman. – Proverbs 7:1-5

Do you hear the intensity of Solomon’s plea? He is about to give strong advice, and he wants his readers to know how important it is to heed to this wisdom. Solomon speaks in Proverbs of several different kinds of women, but he starts with the most dangerous of all.

THE IMMORAL WOMAN

While I was at the window of my house, looking through the curtain,
I saw some naive young men, and one in particular who lacked common sense.
He was crossing the street near the house of an immoral woman,
strolling down the path by her house.
It was at twilight, in the evening, as deep darkness fell. – Proverbs 7:6-9

The young man was in the wrong place at the wrong time. He was positioned to have easy access to temptation. When approached by the immoral woman, the young man allowed her to throw her arms around him and kiss him. She spoke of her desire for him and invited the young man to her bed. Although he had the ability to resist temptation, he chose to give into his physical urges instead of walking away. He was not a victim but a willful participant.

So she seduced him with her pretty speech
and enticed him with her flattery.
He followed her at once, like an ox going to the slaughter.
He was like a stag caught in a trap,
awaiting the arrow that would pierce its heart.
He was like a bird flying into a snare,
little knowing it would cost him his life. – Proverbs 7:21-23

Sexual temptation has a powerful pull and it is wise to avoid its trap. There may be a moment where an individual naively stumbles into its web, but it is a choice to stay there — it is not ignorance but stupidity that follows the path of immorality. It is wise to understand the powerful pull of sexual temptation and run the other way.

So listen to me, my sons, and pay attention to my words.
Don’t let your hearts stray away toward her.
Don’t wander down her wayward path.
For she has been the ruin of many; many men have been her victims.
Her house is the road to the grave.
Her bedroom is the den of death. – Proverbs 7:24-27

Rather than going down the straight path designed by God, the immoral woman staggers down a crooked trail. Her lips appear sweet as honey, her speech smoother than oil, but in the end she is as bitter as poison, as dangerous as a double-edged sword (5:3-6). Avoid the trap she lays, for sexually immorality will lead to destruction. It is like playing with a flame on your lap, hoping that your clothes will not catch on fire (6:27).

Drink water from your own well – share your love only with your wife…
Let your wife be a fountain of blessing for you.
Rejoice in the wife of your youth.
She is a loving deer, a graceful doe.
Let her breasts satisfy you always.
May you always be captivated by her love. – Proverbs 5:15,18-19

O my son, give me your heart.
May your eyes take delight in following my ways.
A prostitute is a dangerous trap; a promiscuous woman is as dangerous as falling into a narrow well.
She hides and waits like a robber, eager to make more men unfaithful. – Proverbs 23:26-27

Let’s not get caught up in the gender Solomon uses to create his analogy. Solomon strayed from God’s instructions and he laid the blame at the feet of his wives and concubines, who brought into the palace their false gods and worldly ideas. But Solomon invited them into his bed against the clear guidance of his God. Solomon did not stumble into sin, he returned to it over and over again.

The temptation of sexual immorality is no respecter of persons — male or female. Our world has romanticized promiscuity and created a culture that worships sex. It can be found in our music, movies, stage productions, literature, art, pornography, prostitution, abortion, and now in our children’s books.

God help us! Give us wisdom to see the manipulations of sexual ideologies and agendas. Give us eyes to see the direction our world is going and ears to hear the lies of the world’s seduction. May we hear the invitation of Wisdom to walk in her ways, with eyes focused on God and God alone.

Wisdom has built her house;
she has carved its seven columns.
She has prepared a great banquet,
mixed the wines, and set the table.
She has sent her servants to invite everyone to come.
She calls out from the heights overlooking the city.
“Come in with me,” she urges the simple.
To those who lack good judgment, she says,
“Come, eat my food,
and drink the wine I have mixed.
Leave your simple ways behind, and begin to live;
learn to use good judgment.” – Proverbs 9:1-6