Study of Psalm 119. Psalm 119:30-32

This continues the study of Psalm 119.  (Start the series here: http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/2017/09/study-of-psalm-119-psalm-1191.html)
God Provides (by Rhonda Sawtelle)
Psalm 119: God's Word....

vs. 30-32: Provides Goals

I have chosen the way of truth; Your judgments I have laid before me.I cling to Your testimonies; O Lord, do not put me to shame!I will run the course of Your commandments, for You shall enlarge my heart.Psalm 119:30-32

Have chosen: select

Cling: cleave to, figurative of loyalty, affection etc., sometimes with idea of physical proximity retained, to impinge

Will run:  to run for whatever reason, especially to rush

Three specific verbs. Three specific actions. Three specific goals. 

Make a choice. Stick with that choice. Continue to follow that choice. 

Will my actions and goals be determined by my desires, the desires the media (social/news) portrays, or will they be based on the solid Word of God? 

Three specific verbs. Choose. Cling. Run. 

Proverbs 7:4, 5: Inner Circle

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? 

Proverbs 6:6-11: Be Wise

Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise, Which, having no captain, overseer or ruler, Provides her supplies in the summer, and gathers her food in the harvest. How long will you slumber, O sluggard? when will you rise from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep— So shall your poverty come on you like a prowler, and your need like an armed man. Proverbs 6:6-11

Free stuff. I have a right to it. I deserve it. I'm entitled!  

Sadly, that is the theme heard throughout the current generations. The entitlement dilemma has created a dangerous precedent and a very lazy and selfish generation. When one doesn't have to work for something, there is no appreciation of it. There is no understanding of value. No respect is gained when just handed everything all the time. 

Hard work. Diligence. Understanding of value. Giving and gaining respect. These are characteristics of a wise person. 

Laziness. It's easy to be lazy and find excuses not to get work done. It's much more fun to spend time on Facebook, or watch TV, or............ there are many things which are a great deal more fun than work! However, God has much to say about being lazy. 

This link lists 16 verses about being lazy: 

https://www.biblegateway.com/quicksearch/?quicksearch=lazy&qs_version=NKJV

Oh, and did you notice that none of the verses listed above, say anything good about being lazy? 

Laziness or the idea that I don't have to do anything, just be handed everything—that is a dangerous mindset. One verse that rings true is: Proverbs 16:27 "A worthless person plots trouble, and his speech is like a burning fire." An old quote says it this way, "Idle hands are the devil's workshop." Meaning if you are lazy, you will get into trouble! 

Remember Proverbs is all about the VERBS! And we are told in Proverbs 6:6 to Be Wise: become wise, act wisely. Become wise, gain wisdom and knowledge—then ACT wisely! Don't be lazy. Put that wisdom into action! 

Having a heart that is permitted with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG) is the place to start. BUT, it doesn't stop there! There is to be followthrough there is to be action! Not just head knowledge but wisdom which is put to good use. BE WISE: become wise, act wisely. 

Be lazy: act foolishly. Be wise: act wisely. The choice is yours.

Proverbs 4:20-27: Practice Pondering. Execute being Established.

My son, give attention to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your eyes; keep them in the midst of your heart; For they are life to those who find them, and health to all their flesh. Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life. Put away from you a deceitful mouth, and put perverse lips far from you. Let your eyes look straight ahead, and your eyelids look right before you. Ponder the path of your feet, and let all your ways be established. Do not turn to the right or the left; remove your foot from evil. Proverbs 4:20-27

Give attention: cause to hearken, give heed, incline, mark well, regard, prick up the ears

Incline: incline the ear, of men (in obedience to God)

Depart: vanish

Keep: retain, of store up

Midst: center, middle

Heart: memory, mind

Find: thing sought

Health: a healing, profit

Keep: watch, guard

Diligence: act of guarding, (as a guard watches a prisoner)

Issues: the source

Life: sources (origin and direction) of life

Put away: turn off, be removed

Deceitful: fraudulent

Mouth: speech, bad qualities ascribed to it

Perverse: deviation, crookedness

Lips: speech, babbling

Far: remove

Eyes: mental and spiritual faculties, acts and states

Look: regard, show regard to, purpose

Straight ahead: right on, straightforward

Eyelids: gaze

Right: to be straight or even

Before: verb of motion, to go in front of oneself, i.e. straightforward

Ponder: make level, smooth, weigh (mentally)

Path: course of action, or life

Feet: journey

Ways: manner moral action and character

Established: in moral sense, be directed aright, direct, faithfulness

Turn: decline, pervert

Remove: behead, eave undone, be without

Foot: journey, to walk along

Evil: ethically bad, wicked; distress, misery, calamity, grievous, to make (or be) good for nothing

As I read Proverbs 4:20-27, it made be think of a Dad giving advise to his son just as he ventures out for the first time on his own. Pure wisdom from someone who has been there.... done that, and found it to be worth it! 

I think out of all the VERBS in this passage, the ones in Proverbs 4:26 were the ones I wanted to highlight here. Ponder. Be established. 

Ponder, make smooth, weigh mentally —think about it, consider it thoroughly. 

I like that word, as it describes what I do before making a decision. I research and research and study, and ask people, then do more research... then think about it, and do more research... I mentally try to think through all aspects of the decision and the results of making that decision. 

The question becomes, do I give that same diligence to my life in general and take Wisdom (true God-given wisdom) into account? Do I practice pondering? 

The next verb: Be established. Direct. Faithful. I think of being set in cement. Firm in moral action and character. Faithful to following God's standards in all I do and say. Faithful to obedience. Do I execute being established? 

Practice Pondering. Execute being Established. Both begin with a heart that is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG). For God and His wisdom are what I'm to be pondering and what is used to establish my standards for living. 

Proverbs 4:10—19: It's very plain and simple.

Hear, my son, and receive my sayings, and the years of your life will be many. I have taught you in the way of wisdom; I have led you in right paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hindered, and when you run, you will not stumble. Take firm hold of instruction, do not let go; keep her, for she is your life. Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of evil. Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn away from it and pass on. For they do not sleep unless they have done evil; and their sleep is taken away unless they make someone fall. For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence. But the path of the just is like the shining sun, that shines ever brighter unto the perfect day. The way of the wicked is like darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble. Proverbs 4:10—19

It's all about the VERBS, adverbs and adjectives. 

At the beginning of my study, I mentioned that Proverbs is all about the VERBS! It's action. Here we have a clear example of the action that we are to take. And we also are given warnings of which actions we are not to take! No question as to what we are to do. It's very plain and simple. 

DO: Hear. Receive. Taught. Led. Walk. Run. Take firm hold. Keep. Avoid. Turn away. Shines.

Do NOT: Let go. Enter. Walk. Travel. Eat. Drink. Know. 

But it's not JUST about the Verbs, as we need to pay close attention the adverbs and adjectives used to explain exactly what the action is. And thankfully, God in His wisdom, makes it all very plain and simple! 

DO: Hear. Receive. Taught. Led. Walk. Run. Take firm hold. Keep. Avoid. Turn away. Shines.

Do NOT: Let go. Enter. Walk. Travel. Eat. Drink. Know. 

It all begins with hearing and receiving the instruction of Wisdom! Hear with attention, interest, listen to and receive, take possession of the wisdom given. And when one hears and receives wisdom, then the other "do" actions will follow! 

It's very plain and simple. Do. Do not. And the first "do" is to have a heart that is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG). For the fear of the Lord is the beginning of Wisdom! It's very plain and simple—now just DO it. 

Proverbs 2:21-22: Opposites

For the upright will dwell in the land, and the blameless will remain in it;

But the wicked will be cut off from the earth, and the unfaithful will be uprooted from it. Proverbs 2:21-22

These two verses are about contrast. Upright vs Wicked and Blameless vs Unfaithful. 

Upright: that which is right, pleasing in the eyes of, agreeable to God

Wicked: one guilty of crime, deserving punishment; guilty of hostility to God

Blameless: wholesome, unimpaired, innocent, having integrity: of God's way

Unfaithful: act or deal treacherously, faithlessly, deceitfully

Agreeable to God vs Hostile to God. Integrity vs Deceit. Opposites. And each is a choice as to the Verbs and modifiers you choose. 

My son, if you receive my words, and treasure my commands within you... Proverbs 2:1. Receive and Treasure God's words of wisdom....

Who rejoice in doing evil, and delight in the perversity of the wicked; Whose ways are crooked, and who are devious in their paths. Proverbs 2:14, 15 Rejoice in doing evil, delight in perversion.....

Contrast. Opposites. Choices. Actions and Results. Cause and Effect. 

Which group to you fall under? Upright or wicked? Blameless or Unfaithful. Remember you are to using your own personal standard to decide. The standard is set by God. 

When one fears God and has a heart permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31) then the choice will be to listen to Wisdom and act in accordance with God's Word. 

Proverbs 2:16-20: Verbs, Adverbs, Adjectives

To deliver you from the immoral woman, from the seductress who flatters with her words,

Who forsakes the companion of her youth, and forgets the covenant of her God.

For her house leads down to death, and her paths to the dead;

None who go to her return, nor do they regain the paths of life—

So you may walk in the way of goodness, and keep to the paths of righteousness. Proverbs 2:16-20

Wisdom continues to DELIVER us from those who would lead us astray. 

Deliver: rescue, recover

Immoral: strange woman, harlot

Seductress: outlandish, stranger

Flatters: be smooth, slippery, lie, forge, fabricate

Forsakes: be remote, absent, depart

Companion: friend, intimate

Youth: early life

Forgets: omits

Covenant: alliance of marriage

God: Yahweh is God in truth

House: abode

Leads: cause to dwindle, to sink

Death: state of death or place of death

Paths: entrenchment

Dead:  powerless ones

Go to: of taking part in; associating

Return: of revival from death

Regain: reach, attain to

Paths: path of life, in righteousness & enjoyment of God

Righteousness: as welfare and happiness; spiritual blessedness

So: purpose, intentWalk: go, come, accompany

Way: of moral action and character

Goodness: pleasant to the higher nature, giving pleasure, happiness, prosperity

Keep: observe, celebrate obligations

Paths: of mode of living, or of character

Righteousness: in conduct and character, ethically

As Wisdom continues to deliver us from the wrong paths and decisions, I love that Wisdom doesn't just send us on our way to figure it out for ourselves. Rather, there is a purpose and intent given so that we know our goal—to accompany Wisdom and enjoy happiness as we celebrate our obligations, our promises to God. There is a strong contrast between the one who forsakes Wisdom and the one who chooses Wisdom. And that contrast is evident in their character and their conduct. 

Verbs are actions leading to an end result.

Adverbs express manner, place, frequency, level of certainty. Answering: how, in what way, when, where, and to what extent.

Adjective: a describing word, qualifying a noun, providing more information about the object signified.

Proverbs is providing not only the VERBS (action to be done) but also gives Adverbs and Adjectives, so that there is a clear distinction and understanding of the consequences of the action. 

The decision is which adverbs and adjectives will you choose? "Wisdom" or "Other"

When a heart is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG), the the choice is easier to recognize and carry out. Verbs require action. Adverbs and Adjectives modify and clarify. 

Proverbs 2:12: Deliver

To deliver you from the way of evil, from the man who speaks perverse things, Proverbs 2:12

Deliver: rescue, recover, take away

Way of: course of life, moral action and character bad

Evil: unpleasant, giving pain, unhappiness, misery, displeasing

Speaks: says, boasts, speak one with another

Perverse things: a perversity or fraud, fraudulent

Proverbs 2:12 is a continuation of what Wisdom will do—Deliver, rescue, take away. 

From what will Wisdom recuse me? 

1. A course of life that includes unpleasantness and misery, and most importantly—displeasing to God. 

2. The man who speaks fraudulently. 

Most of us can agree that #1 is important. We do need direction and wisdom to stay moral and true. But what is wrong with hearing fraudulent or perverse speech? 

Ever hear the old saying, "What goes in, comes out?" What we allow to enter our minds, will change the course of our thoughts. And our thoughts will rule our hearts and actions. 

There is also a danger to hearing fraudulent speech, for the more we listen to it, the less sensitized we become. I remember the TV shows I watched back in the early 1970's. They were "good clean shows". Meaning that was no sex, no profanity, no gruesome realistic murder scenes. Yet, over the years, all of those things have been added. Making them passé. We've become desensitized to the horrors of sin. 

I now have a TV in my bedroom. I'm not much of a TV watcher. And I did not want the blank screen tempting me to watch, just for the sake of watching. So, I wanted to cover the screen. As I thought about WHY I didn't like watching TV, my answer was simple—I did not like the sin portrayed on most of the shows. 

So, to help me evaluate what I would watch, I printed a verse and taped it on the TV. 

[Finally; In conclusion; or Now then] Brothers and sisters, ·think about [focus your thoughts on; fill your minds with] things that are true and honorable and ·right [just] and pure and ·beautiful [lovely] and ·respected [commendable]. If there is anything that is ·good [morally excellent] and worthy of praise, ·think about [focus your thoughts on; fill your minds with] these things. Philippians 4:8 (EXB)

If my heart is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG), then Wisdom will deliver, direct me away from a life of sinful morality and fraudulent speech. And if I really respect and fear God, I'll not enjoy the sinful and perverse speech. 

Deliver. Wisdom is ready to do just that. But am I willing to "be delivered"? Or will I choose to stay in the company of those whose character and speech is perverse and ungodly? 

Proverbs 2:8, 9: The Supreme Body Guard!

He guards the paths of justice, and preserves the way of His saints. Then you will understand righteousness and justice, equity and every good path. Proverbs 2:8, 9

Guards: Guard from dangers, preserve, with accusative, subject God or his attributes

Paths: of mode of living, or of character

Justice: judgment

Preserves: observe = follow dictates of (prudence, justice, kindness, wisdom); be kept, guarded

Way: course of life, or action, undertakings

Saints: a pious man, the godly

Then: it points back with emphasis

Understand: perceive, know (with mind), give heed to, distinguish, consider (with attention)

Righteousness: as ethically right

Justice: judgment

Equity: in ethical sense, uprightness, equity, as taught in the school of wisdom; rightly

Good: pursue good; moral good

Path: course of action, or life

In Proverbs 2:7, we learned that God is our Supreme Body Guard as we enjoy the Treasure of wisdom. Proverbs 2:8 continues to explain exactly what God guards. God is preserving the mode of living, the character of putting Wisdom into action. God not only observes, but observes with a "keeping hand" to direct us in our course of life. 

THEN—if one accepts God's wisdom and puts that wisdom into action—one will continue to put into acton and grasp what is ethically right, what is just, and right based on wisdom and will then pursue a morally course of action! 

There is a cause and effect. Receive God's Wisdom (Proverbs 2:1) and God will supply the treasure of wisdom and guard us as we put it into action. 

Remember that it's all about the VERBS—BUT, the great thing about Wisdom and our great God, is that He supplies all we need, and encourages us and protects us along the way! It is not a "I gave you Wisdom, now you are on your own."

Rather, God says, "Here is wisdom, and as you gain understanding and live in accordance to my Wisdom, I'm right here along side, guarding you and continuing to provide the Wisdom that you'll need." 

If we have wisdom, why do we need a Body Guard? Simply put, because we don't know it all, and we are still sinners, and will daily face enticements of sin. God knows that as we go throughout our lives, we need Him to guide and direct us and continue to instruct us as put wisdom into practice. 

As my heart is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG), I'll give more attention to putting wisdom into action—especially as I enjoy the company of God, the Supreme Body Guard! 

Proverbs 2:6: Go to the Source

For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding; Proverbs 2:6

Gives: give personally, deliver, bestow upon, grant a request

Wisdom: ethical and religious, of God, as a divine attribute or energy

Knowledge: knowledge possessed by God

Understanding: discernment, the faculty

The source of wisdom is the Lord—Yahweh, God Almighty. He GIVES—wow, think about that for a moment. God Almighty, the Creator of all, who is omniscient—gives us personally, grants us, Wisdom! There is no better source! 

FROM God come knowledge and understanding. God not only gives wisdom, but also gives knowledge and the understanding (discernment) for applying it to life. 

As I read this verse, I get stuck on the verb, GIVES. God personally will give me wisdom. He wants to give it to me. He wants me to know Him and His will. He wants me to know what's best for me. GIVES. No bartering. No pay-back. No loaning. God GIVES. 

Once I accept God's wisdom, then I'll want the knowledge and discernment that God also provides. God gives the complete package! 

If I truly want wisdom, than I must begin at the true source of wisdom—God. For the best place to get wisdom is from the source! And if I am going to accept God's wisdom, my heart must be permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG), in order to accept it and apply it. 

Do you want wisdom? Then go to the Source! He will give it to you! 

Proverbs 2:1-5: It's all about the Verbs!

My son, if you receive my words, and treasure my commands within you, So that you incline your ear to wisdom, and apply your heart to understanding; Yes, if you cry out for discernment, and lift up your voice for understanding, If you seek her as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures; Then you will understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. Proverbs 2:1-5

Receive: accept

Treasure: hide with thyself, in thine own keeping

Commands: code of wisdom

Incline your ear: cause to attend, give attention

Wisdom: ethical and religious

Apply: incline one's own heart unto God and his commands

Heart: intelligent mind

Understanding: the object of knowledge

Cry out: call unto some one

Discernment: knowledge, meaning, perfectly, understanding, wisdom

Lift up: utter a sound, lift up the voice

Understanding: the object of knowledge

Seek: seek to find

Search: make diligent search

Understand: know with the mind

Fear of the Lord: fear of God, reverence, piety

Find: thing sought

Knowledge: in highest sense, knowledge of God (including obedience)

God: the (TRUE) God; Yahweh is God in truth

IF you do these things — THEN, you will understand and have wisdom. Wisdom does not come by wishing. To get wisdom you must DO. It's all about the VERBS! Action is required. 

But not just any action—specific, directed action. 

RECEIVE. HEAR. APPLY. CRY OUT, SEEK. Verbs that are specific and are directed toward a goal of wisdom. 

Verbs, specific actions whose end result is wisdom and fearing God. But to begin with the first verb, RECEIVE, my heart must be permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG). For that is only way, I'll be willing to accept Wisdom's advice. It's all about the VERBS!

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! 

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.