Proverbs 12:1, 2 Longing to Learn

Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid. A good man obtains favor from the Lord, but a man of wicked intentions He will condemn. Proverbs 12:1, 2

Loves: an appetite 

Instruction: discipline, chastening, correction

Knowledge: discernment, understanding, wisdom

Hates: enemy, detest

Correction: reproof, chiding, chastisement

Stupid: brutish person, foolish, dull-hearted, unreceptive

Good: agreeable; makes the heart glad

Obtains: to secure

Favor: delight, desire, good pleasure

Wicked: lewdness, mischievous device, thought

Condemn: declare wrong, as guilty, in ethical and religious relations

This word, "appetite" is back! (See the post for Proverbs 11:23, Dec 3, 2015.) 

Appetite. I really could go for a good brownie with nuts right now! That sounds so good. However, this verse isn't talking about an appetite for food. Rather, it's talking about instruction and wisdom. 

An appetite for instruction, correction, discernment and understanding? Yes. An appetite, a longing, a desire for learning wisdom. 

We our appetite is strong enough, we will go out of our way to get that meal or treat we are craving. Our appetite for wisdom should be that strong. We should crave wisdom and instruction. We should wake up each day with a longing to learn! 

That longing to learn then will translate into our conduct — and our lives will radiate goodness. And that secures delight with God. Now, doing good and learning wisdom, DO NOT erase sin, nor is that how we get into Heaven. Doing good is not enough to forgive our sins. God is Holy and our sin must be paid for—in full. And doing good is not enough. Jesus Christ died on the cross to pay for our sins—in full. When you place your trust in Christ and accept Him as Lord an Savior, then and only then will you be able to enter Heaven. (Romans 3:23, Romans 5:8, Romans 6:23, Romans 10:9-10, Romans 10:13)

Doing good and learning wisdom, simply is our way of honoring and respecting God. When God is recognized as LORD—than a longing to learn and live a life agreeable to His will and wisdom is the result. 

Longing to learn begins when a heart is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG). 

Am I longing to learn wisdom? Is my conduct a reflection of that appetite? 

Proverbs 11:23 What is my appetite?

The desire of the righteous is only good, but the expectation of the wicked is wrath. Proverbs 11:23

Desire: appetite, longing for, wish, longing

Righteous: just in conduct and character

Only: with a restrictive force, emphasizing what follows (good)

Good: pleasant, delightful, delicious, sweet or savory, be pure and clean, cheerful

Expectation: things hoped for, outcome

Wicked: guilty of hostility to God or his people

Wrath: overflowing rage, fury, an outburst of passion—anger

It's Christmas time and we all start making our Wish Lists. What do we really want for Christmas? As we get older, our wishes often change. Instead of wishing for things, we know the importance of being together with family and friends. 

When we have a wish or longing, we try to do whatever we can to make that wish come true. We strive to attain. Desire: an appetite that we want to be satisfied. 

If my heart is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG), then my conduct and character will be righteous restricting my desires and appetites to those that are delightful and cheerful. 

Satisfying good desires and appetites brings about peace, contentment, and joy. 

BUT

The outcome of those hostile to God and His wisdom is an outburst of anger. We see it daily on the news—the actions of those who act out on their evil desires not caring if they kill or are killed in the process. Trying to satisfy the wicked desires creates destruction and chaos. 

What is my desire? What is my appetite? How will I satisfy it? 

If I want true peace, contentment and joy than my appetite must be restricted by God's wisdom.