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. 

Trust: A Trustworthy Man

While he was still speaking, behold, Jonathan son of Abiathar the priest came. And Adonijah said, Come in, for you are a trustworthy man and bring good news. 1 Kings 1:42 (AMP)

King David was aging and many were wondering who he'd name as his successor to the Throne. 

Adonijah, a son of King David, thought for sure he'd be king. In fact, he was so assured, that he called all his friends together, had a big party and declared himself king! 

So picture this. Adonijah is surrounded by all his friends as they celebrate that he is now king. And then enters Jonathan with some news. 

At parties, we all expect great and good news. It's a happy occasion! Time to celebrate! So, when Adonijah hears Jonathan has come with news, he invited Jonathan in to share in the excitement. Notice what Adonijah says about Jonathan.... "you are a trustworthy man". That is key here. 

Jonathan didn't have to tell Adonijah the news. Jonathan could have made up something else to tell Adonijah. Yet, Jonathan was a trustworthy man. Jonathan knew that Adonijah needed to hear the news—no matter what it was. 

Adonijah is waiting to hear great news ... Jonathan replied, Adonijah, truly our lord King David has made Solomon king! (1 Kings 1:43)

Upon hearing the news the mood at the party changes. The party goers disperse very quickly and Adonijah, fears for his life. 

"You are a trustworthy man." Adonijah, didn't like what he heard, but he knew it came from a reliable source. 

A trustworthy man. One who speaks the truth even when it's difficult. One who has a reputation for honesty. A trustworthy man. 

That's a great testimony of Jonathan—a trustworthy man. Even in a difficult situation, Jonathan remained trustworthy. Being trustworthy does not change based on any given situation. Nor does it change because it's "hard". Remaining trustworthy is the right thing—24/7. 

Being trustworthy is easier when my heart is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG). A true reverence and respect for God is where trustworthiness begins. 

Trust: Fact. Question.

As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is tried. He is a Shield to all those who trust and take refuge in Him. 2 Samuel 22:31 (AMP)

When looking to put your trust in someone what are the qualifications? 

1. Who are they? 

2. What is their track record? 

Looking at 2 Samuel 22, we learn first of all that God is GOD! That alone makes Him trustworthy. Secondly, we learn that God's word has been tested, and proven true. That makes Him trustworthy. And because He is trustworthy—He can be trusted! And when trust is placed in God, there is safety and assurance that God is in control and working things out for His glory and honor. 

Fact: God is trustworthy. 

Question: I'm I willing to trust God that His way is REALLY perfect? 

It's easy to say "I trust You, God." It's another thing to actually put my agenda aside and trust that God, indeed knows what is best. 

Looking back over the past 6 months, I had some great lessons in trusting God, as I looked for a home. If I had given up on God's direction and chose a home on my own, I would not have ended up at the Castle. Each home we looked at, seemed at that moment in time to be the BEST. However, as God worked in my heart and continued to teach me and lead me, and I was willing to TRUST Him, God then led me to the VERY BEST—HIS BEST. Each day, I continue to thank God for the King of king's Castle. He has supplied a home that is perfect for my needs. I'm very grateful. 

So, does that mean that since I'm now living in the Castle, that I stop trusting God? I can now "do it on my own"? The answer of course is, "no". However, I have to continue to learn to trust God, and not try to do it on my own. 

God is trustworthy simply because He is GOD! And He has proven Himself trustworthy. I only have to trust Him. And trusting God is easier when my heart is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG). 

To learn about the journey to the Castle start here:

http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/2015/05/announcement-part-1-im-moving.html