Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but Yahweh weighs the hearts. v. 2 (WEB)
One of the things that I have learned this week from this study in Proverbs is that to gain Wisdom I must be willing to look at myself in the mirror and hear as well as see God’s Truth about myself. God knows the real Jody. He knows my heart. He knows every piece of me and loves me unconditionally. Whatever He says to me is to help me grow as a disciple into who He made me to be.
To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to Yahweh than sacrifice. v. 3 (WEB)
My friend, Greg, writes a blog every day that is guaranteed to, at a minimum, make me think, and usually makes my toes hurt – from being stepped on! He said share one day that he had found it much easier to give money to help someone than to actually get out there and do something. Ouch. Jesus set the example of sacrifice. How am I doing following that example? Time for me to look in the mirror again!
It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop, than to share a house with a contentious woman.
It is better to dwell in a desert land, than with a contentious and fretful woman. vv. 9, 19 (WEB)
Though it seems that Solomon is taking some pointed shots at woman, he does speak the truth! I was blessed to grow up in a home that the few times that I knew my parents were – disagreeing – they usually did it behind closed doors and it never involved broken dishes or days of not speaking to each other. It was in the area of my personal behavior that I saw the biggest change when I accepted Jesus as my savior. I seriously felt saturated with God’s grace. I had more patience. I stopped slamming doors! I’m sure my children could list many more changes. I liked myself more. I suspect that is because I saw less of me and more of Jesus. I’ll have to check that mirror again if I find Henry sleeping on the deck or taking long trips to the desert.
Whoever stops his ears at the cry of the poor, he will also cry out, but shall not be heard. v. 13 (WEB)
Warning! God is very clear that the poor (those in need) are His priority. That makes them my priority. There are so many opportunities (so many people in need) to serve. Ask God. Listen to God. Obey God.
There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against Yahweh. v. 30 (WEB)
Some would say that to believe and trust in God is to give up everything that is me. How can I, the created one, do anything but agree with the wisdom, the truths, and counsel of my Creator? That process isn’t a ‘bad thing’ to me. It is the ‘right thing’. It brings me into ‘right relationship’ with Him. He is everything. All things have been created by God.
The horse is prepared for the day of battle; but victory is with Yahweh. v. 31 (WEB)
I am prepared as God has been sowing seeds in me, teaching me, speaking to me. Like Esther, He has a plan and purpose for each one of us. Take time to read the story of Esther. Yes, she was a queen (but had little power) but as you read, notice all the ‘little people’ around her. They may have been insignificant in themselves but together they were a part of bringing about God’s plan for His people. In God’s eyes, an obedient child is never insignificant. To be prepared is to be part of God’s plan. His is the victory. To Him is all the glory!
Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere;
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.
For the LORD God is a sun and shield; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless. Psalm 84:10-11 (NIV)
