Daniel • Daniel 1

This begins my study of the Book of Daniel. 

As I read Daniel chapter 1, the first thing that stood out to me was in verse 2, "the Lord GAVE Jehoiakim". This shows that God is in control. We may not understand why God does what He does, but He is a just and holy God, therefore, He does require obedience and there are consequences to disobedience. 

The next thing that stood out was in verse 4, "young men in whom there was no blemish, but good-looking, gifted in all wisdom, possessing knowledge and quick to understand, who had ability to serve".  Out of the list of characteristics, the one that stood out the most was, "had ability to serve". 

As I focus this year on "Create/Renew" (Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalm 51:10), that would definitely encompass the ability to serve. Just as important as the action of serving, the attitude of serving is equally as important. 

Action and attitude of serving are the results of a clean heart and steadfast spirit. 

1 Thessalonians: Active Decision

1 Thessalonians 1:3

remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father, 

Verse 3 is a continuation of the thoughts in verse 2. This verse describes the people for whom thanks were given in verse 2. 

Remembering: to be mindful of, to call to mind: to think of and feel for a person
Without ceasing: uninterruptedly
Work of faith: an act, deed, thing done; the course of conduct which springs from faith; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of God or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon Christ for salvation
Labor of love: the labor to which love prompts, and which voluntarily assumes and endures trouble and pains for the salvation of others; intense labor united with trouble; love which centers in moral preference; "to prefer" 
Patience: remaining under, endurance; steadfastness, especially as God enables the believer to "remain (endure) under" the challenges He allots in life
Hope: joyful and confident expectation of eternal salvation
In the sight of: in the presence of

The one aspect of this verse that I want to focus on, is "labor of love". In an instant gratification society, we have lost the real meaning of longlasting, work through the troubles and turmoils kind of love. 

Look at the definition of love — moral preference, "to prefer". It's a choice! It's an active decision. 

Labor of Love. It's a commitment no matter how hard it gets. You do the work, because of love. And you love through the work. 

But the labor of love is based on the "work of faith". The reliance upon Christ enables one to then perform the labor of love. Faith is what provides the stamina to endure when the troubles arise. 

Remember, it's a choice. A labor of love is an active decision. 

1 Thessalonians: Activity Express Gratitude

1 Thessalonians 1:2

We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers,

Give thanks: to be grateful, i.e. (actively) to express gratitude (towards)
Always: evermore
All: means "all" in the sense of "each (every) part that applies. The emphasis of the total picture then is on "one piece at a time. Then focuses on the part(s) making up the whole – viewing the whole in terms of the individual parts.
Mention:  recollection; by implication, recital -- mention, remembrance; a bringing to mind, a mention (recollection); a personal remembrance recalling a particular aspect of a person
Prayers: earnest prayer; addressed to God
https://biblehub.com/interlinear/1_thessalonians/1-2.htm

"Please" and "Thank You". Words that as a child I was reminded to say often. Sadly, in our society today, those words have disappeared. Expressing gratitude is only in fashion in November as we celebrate "Thanksgiving. But that's shortlived as the sales start on Thanksgiving day. We can't even be grateful for what we have for a single day? We have to begin to "get" after a few hours?! 

In 1 Thessalonians 1:2, the focus is not on being grateful for things, but rather people, in particular, the Church in the City of Thessalonica. And as we see from the meaning of the word, "all", but only as an entire group, but EACH individual in that Church. 

Give thanks to God always for you all. 
Stop and think of the people in your life. First, those who live in the same home as you. Next, those with whom you work. Then friends and acquaintances. When was the last time you stopped and thanked God for those whom He has brought into your life? 

Activity express gratitude to God for the people in your life. That's action. And I think a very good challenge! 

Will you accept the challenge of activity expressing gratitude to God for the people in your life? 

Do justly — the Required Routine

He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8

Do.
Accomplish, be busy.

Do.
It is an action.

Do.
It requires effort.

Do.
To bring an action to a conclusion.

Do justly.
Accomplish honesty.

Do justly.
The effort to live truthfully.

Requirement involves action. And not just random action, but action that is honest and truthful. And how do I know what is true?

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. John 14:6

Do justly — the Required Routine. 

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. 

Why would I doubt? (James)

For let not that man think that he shall receive anything of the Lord. James 1:7

For: indeed (a conjunc. used to express cause, explanation, or continuation); take note of what came before (James 1:6)

Not: where one is bidden to cease from something already begun, or repeated, or continued

Think: suppose, imagine

Receive: to gain, get, obtain, to get hold of

Anything: some or any object

From: the side or the vicinity of one, or from one's sphere of power, or from one's wealth or store

Lord: a person exercising absolute ownership rights; denotes an owner (master) exercising full rights 

Why would I ask something of God, knowing that He has FULL OWNERSHIP of everything, only to doubt that He could supply? (James 1:6- Seasick). Asking in faith, doesn't mean that God will automatically give me everything I ask for— rather it means that I will trust God to supply what's BEST for me. 

And remember what James is discussing here, it's not our "wants" in general. Rather, the emphasis is on WISDOM! We are asking God for wisdom, "the art of USING wisdom", so that we can live a godly life that honors and brings glory to Him. 

God is the only source of true wisdom. And if we want wisdom, all we need to do is ask God believing that we will receive wisdom. But often we become "seasick" as we don't trust God to give us what we asked. 

👉👉👉 Perhaps we don't care for the answer wisdom offers. We'd rather go it on our own—since we know better — (we may think that, but NO, we don't). 

👉👉👉 Perhaps we don't really want wisdom, as we know that we would have to change our attitude, actions, and thoughts. 

👉👉👉 Perhaps we don't really want wisdom, for if we USE wisdom, we may have to make lifestyle changes. 

So, if I want to put into practice the art of using wisdom, I need to ask God believing that He will give it to me — knowing that He is fully capable of doing so, as God is the source of wisdom. 

Why would I doubt knowing that I'd receive nothing? Ask in full confidence knowing that God is the source and will give wisdom—and be ready to put that wisdom to good use!

The art of USING wisdom (James)

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. James 1:5

If: a condition, thought of as real, i.e. viewed as factual
Any: a certain one, someone, anyone
Of you: where the person is to be emphasized
Lack: to be destitute of, be absent of
Wisdom: literally "the art of using wisdom";  the knowledge and practice of the requisites for godly and upright living

As I was studying this verse, I had to stop at that word, "wisdom". It literally means the "art of USING wisdom". How many times do I KNOW the right thing, but sadly, I refuse to DO the right thing. 

The art of USING wisdom. What good is it to know something, and not put it to use? 

It's sad to be in the destitute state of not using wisdom. But thankfully, there is ONE who can supply us with wisdom and the knowledge of how to put into action. 

The art of USING wisdom. 

I'll finish the study of this verse on another day. For right now, I want to mediate on the art of USING wisdom. 

Ultimate and Highest Example of Kindness

As I was studying Galatians 5;22, 23, I decided to see what other verses used the same words.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23 (NKJV)

But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared . . . Titus 3:4

Kindness: favorable attitude — that is serviceable

But—there is a contrast from Titus 3:1-3 to verse 4. 

The apostle takes the advantage of the above character of himself, and others in their former state, to set off and magnify the grace of God in their conversion; so contraries, as black and white, illustrate each other. John Gill's Exposition

The act of redeeming us was one of great kindness, or goodness. The plan of salvation was founded on love to man, and was the highest expression of that love. Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible

This is a very practical Epistle. See how closely Paul keeps to the doctrines of grace. He never teaches that we are to be saved by works; but, being saved by the grace of God alone, and being made heirs according to the hope of eternal life, we are then, out of gratitude to God, to abound in everything that is good, and holy, and kind, and after the mind of Christ. Spurgeon's Verse Expositions of the Bible

We have the ultimate and highest example of kindness in God Himself. For there is no way for us to earn or deserve salvation. It is only by His kindness and mercy that salvation is provided. We are to show that same kindness to others, and the only way to do that is through allowing the Holy Spirit to work through us. 

The fruit of the Spirit is  . . . kindness. 

Favorable attitude — that is serviceable. Kindness is action. 

Attitude Translates Into Action

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23 (NKJV)

Kindness: favorable attitude, usefulness, i.e. morally, excellence (in character or demeanor); kindness that is also serviceable

Favorable attitude — that is serviceable! 

When I looked up "serviceable" the thesaurus, I found the following words: dependable, beneficial, invaluable, practical, usable.

Kindness isn't about just being polite. Rather it has the idea of having an attitude that translates into action. 

How often do we DO "kindness"? Kindness is to be beneficial, invaluable, PRACTICAL, and usable. But first must begin with an attitude — morally excellent attitude. 

Attitude: manner, disposition, feeling, position, etc., with regard to a person or thing; tendency or orientation, especially of the mind. (http://www.dictionary.com/browse/attitude)

If I want to produce kindness, I must work on my attitude for that will determine my actions. A good place to begin with an attitude adjustment is right in Galatians 5:22. 

Is my attitude what God prefers (love)? Does my attitude reflect grace recognized (joy)?  Is my attitude based on God's gift of wholeness (peace). Is my attitude one of uncomplaining (longsuffering)?

Kindness — attitude translates into action! 

Thanks Living: Actively grateful!

For all things are for your sakes, that grace, having spread through the many, may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God.  2 Corinthians 4:15

Grace:  "the merciful kindness by which God, exerting his holy influence upon souls, turns them to Christ, keeps, strengthens, increases them in Christian faith, knowledge, affection, and kindles them to the exercise of the Christian virtues"

Thanksgiving: gratitude; actively, grateful language (to God, as an act of worship)

Abound: to make abundant or excellent, to cause one to excel

Glory: good opinion concerning one, and as resulting from that, praise, honor

Actively grateful language to God! Thanksgiving isn't just a simple word, it's to become an ACTION!   And what produces the true action of thanksgiving? Realizing the grace of God and sharing His grace to others. The more God's grace is made known and the more people accept God's grace then the ultimate reaction is thanksgiving and worship to God giving God the honor and glory! 

Actively grateful! Thanks Living is not something that is hidden or just saying "thanks" now and then. It's to be an ongoing ACTION of worship and praise to God!

Proverbs 8:4, 5: Am I willing to listen and learn?

“To you, O men, I call, and my voice is to the sons of men. O you simple ones, understand prudence, and you fools, be of an understanding heart." Proverbs 8:4, 5

Simple: needing, "open minded", deceive, flatter

Understand: consider, diligent, discern

Fools: confidence in bad sense, silly, 

Heart: mind

Wisdom is directing her attention to those who disregard wisdom and sound advice. She wants the foolish to hear and quit ignoring the advice given. 

I bought a bread mix and decided to try my parent's bread machine. I hooked it up and carefully read the instructions. I put in the ingredients and turned the machine on and waited. And waited. And waited. However, when I went to check the machine.... NOTHING had happened. Frustrating. 

I am not an expert on Bread Machines. This is the first time I've used one. But I THOUGHT I had read the directions carefully. Yet, the machine didn't work. 

Wisdom tells me two things. 1. I didn't hook the machine up right. 2. The machine is broken. 

Wisdom also tells me that before I throw the machine out, I need to check to see if I assembled the machine wrong. That is the first place to check, since I this is a new endeavor for me. I can't blame the machine, if I did something wrong. 

The same is true in other aspects of my life. Before making decisions I need to check with Wisdom. I need to know the instructions of how to proceed. And if things don't go how I think they should, I need to check back with Wisdom to see if I did something wrong. If not, then I need to continue learning from Wisdom so that I can respond appropriately and learn from the situation. 

Wisdom is wanting to teach me. Wisdom is available and ready to teach. The key is, "Am I willing to listen and learn?" The foolish one says, "No thanks, I'll do this without instruction and see where it leads me." 

There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death. Proverbs 14:12 

A deep sense of reverence for God will open my heart and ears to what Wisdom has to say. And it will also create a desire to put that Wisdom into practice.  Am I willing to listen and learn? Or will be foolish and ignore sound advice?

Proverbs 7: 1, 2: In My Mind

My son, keep my words, and treasure my commands within you. Keep my commands and live, and my law as the apple of your eye. Proverbs 7:1, 2

Keep: observe = follow dictates of prudence, justice, kindness, wisdom

Treasure: hide, hoard, "Treasure Up"

Commands: of code of wisdom

Law: instruction

Apple of your eye: the pupil (of the eye), center

I enjoy music. Usually have music playing no matter what I'm doing. And I find that words, smells, events can easily trigger song lyrics to run through my mind. Often I am amazed that I can recall the words. "I didn't know I knew the lyrics to that song." Yet, because I had been listening to the songs many numerous times, I had "treasured up" the lyrics in my mind.

This is what I am SUPPOSED to be doing with God's wisdom and instruction. If I hear it and read it enough, it will be "Treasured Up" in my mind, so that when I find myself in a situation, I can recall God's wisdom. 

On Sept 13, 2015 I wrote about #TreasureUp (You can read it here: http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/2015/09/proverbs-27-treasureup.html) 

God has "treasured up" wisdom—it's available for me, whenever I want it. And one keys to put His wisdom to good use is to "treasure up" wisdom in my heart and mind. If I want to but something into action, I must KNOW it. And in order to KNOW it, I must learn it and retain that knowledge. 

In order to accept and want to learn God's wisdom, I must have a heart that is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God. For when I respect God, I'll want to learn and accept His wisdom and put that wisdom into action. 

What is in my mind for me to remember?

Proverbs 6:20-22: Abiding Place

My son, keep your father’s command, and do not forsake the law of your mother. Bind them continually upon your heart; tie them around your neck. When you roam, they will lead you; when you sleep, they will keep you; and when you awake, they will speak with you. Proverbs 6:20-22

Keep: Guard with fidelity, observe

Command: precept, code of wisdom/law

Forsake: abandon

Law: instruction

Bind: knit together, join

Continually: of going on without interruption

Heart: memory

Tie: to lace fast, bind

Roam: walk about

Lead: guide, instruct

Keep: guard

Speak: to ponder

Proverbs 6:21

Bind them continually upon thine heart,.... Not upon the head or arm, as the words of the law were to be bound, Deuteronomy 6:3; to which there seems to be an allusion; and which may confirm the sense of the words given, that this respects the law of God itself, and the precepts of it, instructed in by parents; but they should be bound upon the heart, and have an abiding place in the understanding, affections, memory, and will; 

and tie them about thy neck; as an ornament, instead of a necklace of pearl, or chains of gold; they should be so far from being thought burdensome and troublesome, that they should be reckoned comely and graceful

John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible

"Have an abiding place in the understanding, affections, memory, and will." What do I store away in my memory? What do I allow to effect my affections and will? Something will effect your memory, your actions, your thoughts, your motives. What will it be? 

If wisdom and instruction are abiding in my mind, my memory, than all I do, say, and think will be impacted by that is right. If I ignore wisdom and fill my mind with sinful thoughts and selfish ideas, then that will also be reflected in my life. 

Abiding place. Something will take up residence—either wisdom or foolishness. If my heart is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG), then wisdom and and instruction will have an abiding place. 

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 2:16-20: 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 2:8, 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 2:1-5: 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 1:23: Wisdom shouts—TURN!

Turn at my rebuke; surely I will pour out my spirit on you; I will make my words known to you. Proverbs 1:23 (NKJV)

Turn: turn back, return

Rebuke: reproof, chiding, scolding

Surely: certainly

Pour out: as a well or issue forth

Spirit: as endowing men with various gifts—wisdom, understanding

Words: as the sum of that which is spoken

known: be instructed

Proverbs 1:20-22, Wisdom is SHOUTING to get our attention. This is one more plea, to listen and follow after Wisdom. 

VERB: TURN. Take action and not only hear what is being said, but take further action and turn around! 

We all have seen it when a toddler is about do to something wrong. He looks at the parent with a sheepish grin and slowly begins to do the act. The Parent says, very strongly, "NO". But the toddler continues with the action in defiance of the greater wisdom. Then the toddler has to deal with the consequences of disobedience. 

Sadly, this toddler response is too often true of adults. We fully know that the action, attitude, we are about to do is in direct opposition to God. We may hesitate for a moment, then we go right ahead and sin. 

Wisdom tells us "NO", and is willing to instruct us and teach us. But, too often we show a sheepish grin and in defiance — ignore the sound advice. 

Why do we ignore Wisdom? Why do we, knowing that there are consequences to sinful actions, continue to choose sin? Why do we turn a deaf hear to instruction and not accept the gift of wisdom and understanding? 

The answer to each of those questions is the same. We do not have a reverence for God. We do not fear God. We do not respect God. For when there is a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG), one will choose to obey God—simply out of respect and love for Him. 

As Wisdom shouts and asks for my response to TURN—will I listen or will I ignore Wisdom and continue on the path of destruction? That is a daily, and sometimes multiple times in a day, question to ask one's self. 

Proverbs 1:8, 9: Did you hear me?

My son, hear the instruction of your father, and do not forsake the law of your mother; For they will be a graceful ornament on your head, and chains about your neck. Proverbs 1:8, 9 (NKJV)

My son: as term of kindliness or endearment

Hear: to heed, pay attention to, take to heart

Instruction: discipline in the school of wisdom, correction

Father: father of individual instructing

Do not forsake: abandon

Law: instruction 

Mother: as rightfully claiming honour, authority,

Graceful: favor, grace, of form and appearance

Ornament: something attached, a wreath, 

Chains: necklace, neck-pendant

"Did you hear me?" 

How often growing up did we hear that phrase? Often because we didn't do something we were told to do! Hearing and hearing and paying attention, are really two different things! 

There are sometimes that we act quickly when we hear something—"Dinner is ready!" lol Yet, often when we hear instruction or correction, or something we do not care to hear, we ignore it, or try to rationalize our lack of action. 

On simple terms, remember when as a kid, you were told to clean your room, but you were busy watching TV? In your mind, you figured that you'd wait until AFTER the TV program was over. But your parents meant.. right now, not later. 

When that same "delay" concept is applied to godly instruction, the consequences can be greater than just delaying cleaning your room. When we hear and learn godly instruction, discipline and take it to heart—action is to begin immediately. 

When one hears the correction and instruction given and then makes it their own, their inward and outward appearance is that of grace and beauty. And to be ready to receive instruction and act in accordance with the instruction, one must have a heart that is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG). 

Proverbs 1:7: Knowing with Action

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:7 (NKJV)

Fear: fear of God, reverence, piety

Beginning: first phase, step, or element in course of events

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

Fools: (always morally bad), who despises wisdom & discipline

Despise: despise, show despite toward (Wisdom Literature & poetry) 

Wisdom: ethical and religious

Instruction:  discipline (of the moral nature), chastening, correction

If wisdom is the goal, the only way to achieve it, is to START at the BEGINNING—the very first step is to FEAR GOD. Having a reverence for who God is, what He can do, and what He does do—is the foundation on which to build wisdom. 

Why is it so important to begin with the "fear of God"? Because God is the source of all wisdom. He is all-knowing, omniscient. God is the standard by which everything is judged. Morally, Spiritually, and Ethically. 

Notice that this knowledge is not just "head knowledge", but INCLUDES obedience! That is key. Just because you KNOW may make you seem smart, but unless there is obedience that follows you are actually a fool. For knowing and knowing with action are two different things. Knowing that the stove it hot is smart. NOT touching the stove, because you KNOW the stove is hot, is wisdom. 

Can one have wisdom and still be a fool? I think, the answer is "yes". One day I may have a reverence for God and act in obedience to His will and wisdom, but the next day, sadly, I may decide to do it "Rhonda's way". And each time I do, I am acting as a fool. 

But thankfully, God is gracious and merciful and allows forgives me of my foolishness and begins to teach me again so that I can grow in wisdom. 

Having a heart permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG) is NOT done by just saying that I fear God. Fearing God must translate into obedience.  Wisdom is knowing with action—and the first action is Fearing God!