Thoughts on Proverbs

I was talking with Andy Falleur at our bootcamp, and just like the year previously, he mentioned that reading through Proverbs was a part of his regular devotional time. So, since there are 31 days in a typical month and 31 proverbs, I thought I'd read one a day. Solomon, history's wisest man wrote them so I am hoping something will rub off.

I have some thoughts I thought I'd share for someone seeking truth. Maybe you ask: "How do I get faith ?" Proverbs 2 has a partial answer: In Proverbs 1:7 it says the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge... By definition, wisdom is the correct application of available knowledge and the New Testament tells us in Romans 10 that faith comes by hearing, and hearing through the word of God. So, getting to know the Bible is such a wise step for a truth seeker! But, this doesn't happen by osmosis. Proverbs 2 lays it out:

1 My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, (It needs to be something valued to you, store up has the idea of treasuring)

2 turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding, (it is something you need to pay attention to and observe, not casually try to take in. Then you need to APPLY it)

3 and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, (ask God for insight, especially when reading the Word)

4 and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, (pursue it as this is by far the greatest gift you could ever receive and has ETERNAL consequences... so you owe it to yourself to pursue it as treasure)

5 then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God. (result- a guarantee that you will find the knowledge of God)

And the promises of someone who finds the knowledge of God are in Verse 7 and following

v7 -He holds victory in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless,

8 for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones.

9 Then you will understand what is right and just and fair—every good path. (you get right thinking, dysfunctional thinking is rooted out)

10 For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.

11 Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you.

12 Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men, from men whose words are perverse,