Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,” and call understanding your nearest kin, That they may keep you from the immoral woman, from the seductress who flatters with her words. Proverbs 7: 4, 5
Wisdom: ethical and religious
Sister: figurative of intimate connection
Understanding: the object of knowledge
Nearest kin: intimate friend
Keep: preserve, protect
Immoral: A primitive root; to turn aside; hence to be a foreigner, stranger, profane
Seductress: something strange, i.e. unexpected calamity -- strange; harlot
Fatters: smooth talker
Words: speech
Who is in my inner circle? Who do I allow into my thoughts? Who do I spend time with getting to know? Whose company do I enjoy? Who do I allow to give me advice?
In Proverbs 7:4, 5 there are two choices. Wisdom and the Flatterer. Wisdom gives sound honest advice. The Flatterer simply says what we want to hear, and offers wrong and misleading advice.
Who is in my inner circle? Wisdom and understanding should be! However, since we all like to hear good things, the easy way out, and things that make us feel good—too often we exchange Wisdom for the Flatterer.
Remember, Proverbs is all about the VERBS. If I want wisdom to remain in my inner circle, so that wisdom can help me make the right decisions in life, and bring the joys that God has planned—I must remember the VERBS. I must not only "say" but "DO". I can't just say, "Wisdom you are in my inner circle." And then ignore the advice, wise counsel and instruction wisdom gives me.
Who is in my inner circle? Who am I listening to? Who is giving me advice?
If my heart is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God, then I will not only "say", but I will allow Wisdom to be in my inner circle.
Who is in your inner circle? Who are you listening to? Who is giving you advice?
No comments:
Post a Comment