Proverbs 1:4: Seizing Has Responsibility

To give prudence to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion. Proverbs 1:4

This verse continues the purpose of SEIZING each of the items in Proverbs 1:3. 

Once you have seized instruction, justice, judgment, and equity, the result is to put, set, apply, also means to pay wages. There is a responsibility to growing in wisdom—you are to give it to others. 

The word, "simple" has the idea of one who is naive, who believes whatever is taught whether wisdom or folly. So there is a responsibility to share wisdom so that discernment is developed and practiced. That the younger will gain the power of devising, discretion.

As I read this verse, I think of the young people throughout our society. They do not have discernment, they are naive and will follow the any crowd and anything that may sound good. I've seen videos of young people attending rallies and protests. When those young people are asked what they are protesting, many don't know, or give false information. They are simply caught up in the frenzy of the moment and whatever cause catches their attention. They have no discernment for the Truth. 

If I truly want to seize instruction, justice, judgment, and equity, then I need to continue with the responsibility that comes with it, and GIVE. The ability to give, will only come as I develop a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG). 

Proverbs 1:3: Seizing the Full Truth!

To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, judgment, and equity; Proverbs 1:3 (NKJV)

The main verb in Proverbs 1:3 is RECEIVE. 

Receive: seize, take

What is to be seized? 

• Instruction: discipline, chastening, correction
• Wisdom: have insight, comprehension
• Justice: righteousness, as ethically right
• Judgment: matters of justice, standard
• Equity: evenness, uprightness; in ethical sense, uprightness, equity, as taught in the school of wisdom

When I think of the word seize, I think of grab onto with strength, not wanting to let go. As I read the list of what I am to seize, I had to stop at the first one, "Instruction". The order of these words is important as they build upon each other.

The meaning of instruction isn't just hearing or reading and manual. No, this word has the meaning of being disciplined and corrected. I am to seize being disciplined? Yes, when I am confronted with my sin, then I can confess my sins and then have a closer relationship with God Almighty. 

Once I am willing to accept and seize Instruction (discipline), then my heart can be ready to seize Wisdom. Comprehension of Truth. 

As I comprehend the Truth, I'll righteousness—ethically right actions will begin to follow. Then I'll have a clear understanding and be ready to seize judgment—God's standard. Then the uprightness in the ethical sense will be grasped. 

It all begins with a heart permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG). For once I have a reverence for God, I'll be willing to accept His discipline and make headway on seizing the full Truth! 

Max-A-Million • 2.18.2002-8.28.2015

Max died this morning from a heart attack. He was 13 1/2 years old. 

Max was a very special blessing from God. Thankful for the 12 1/2 years I had with this little guy. I know that I'll be looking for him each time I walk into the room. I'll miss his "happppeeee burpy" and "pretty bird" and his "achoos", "Bur-choos" and all his sounds and kisses. 

I'm very thankful for the many years I was able to enjoy this special blessing from God.

Proverbs Study Begins

Please join me as I read through the book of Proverbs and learn about gaining wisdom and applying it.

Proverbs 1:1-7

As I read these verses I realized that Proverbs is a book of "VERBS". Meaning the purpose of Proverbs is ACTION, DO, REQUIRE. Verbs.

Proverbs 1:1-6

To Know/perceive; Receive; Give

One must Hear; Increase learning; Attune to Wise Counsel; Understand

Proverbs 1:7

It ALL starts with God.

The FEAR of the LORD is the foundation of knowledge and wisdom.

As I study the book of Proverbs, I've decided to break it down into several categories.

• God
• Know
• Receive
• Hear
• Increase Learning
• Attain Wise Counsel
• Understand

Let's back up and look at the verbs in Proverbs 1:2

Know: A primitive root; (absolute) have knowledge, be wise.

Perceive: to discern (accusative), meaning discern something in particular. In this case, words of understanding. 

Written down so we’ll know how to live well and right, to understand what life means and where it’s going. Proverbs 1:2 MSG

There is a purpose to "Knowing" and "Perceiving"—it's to impact one's life. This is a book of VERBS—and that means ACTION! 

When my heart is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG), then the desire to know and perceive wisdom will grow—and then I'll act in accordance with that wisdom.