Proverbs 13:1 Absurd and Inadequate

A wise son heeds his father’s instruction, but a scoffer does not listen to rebuke. Proverbs 13:1

Wise: ethically and religiously

Instruction: discipline, correction

Scoffer: have in derision; mockery, something absurdly or offensively inadequate or unfitting

Listen: to hear intelligently; often with implication of attention, obedience

rebuke: to chide, reprimand,  stern disapproval of

None of us like to be told that was are doing wrong. It's partly pride, but mostly we simply don't want to have to change what we are doing. We are content doing as we went. 

Yet, a wise person will accept discipline and correction for a wise person wants to grow and change for the better. When one chooses to ignore wisdom—they are in all intents and purposes telling God that His ways are absurd and inadequate. Um, ok. Not sure I'd want to say that to Almighty God—and I don't "directly", yet I do when I choose ignore wisdom. 

Absurd and inadequate. Those are two words I would not associate with Wisdom. However, when I choose to ignore Wisdom my actions are saying just that—"Wisdom is absurd!" 

Absurd and inadequate. Wisdom is neither of those things. Wisdom provides the knowledge, know-how, and ability to put wisdom into practice. 

Yet, how often so I hear wisdom and decide that in this particular situation wisdom is absurd and inadequate? 

Wisdom will only sound absurd and inadequate, when I change my focus from God to me. For when my heart is permitted with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG), then I'll realize that wisdom is anything but absurd and inadequate. 

Proverbs 11:24-31 The Generous Soul

There is one who scatters, yet increases more; and there is one who withholds more than is right, but it leads to poverty. The generous soul will be made rich, and he who waters will also be watered himself. The people will curse him who withholds grain, but blessing will be on the head of him who sells it. He who earnestly seeks good finds favor, but trouble will come to him who seeks evil. He who trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will flourish like foliage. He who troubles his own house will inherit the wind, and the fool will be servant to the wise of heart. The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise. If the righteous will be recompensed on the earth, how much more the ungodly and the sinner. Proverbs 11:24-31

Getting vs Giving

All too often we focus on getting rather then giving. Our culture has created a mindset of "I need. I want. I deserve." Rather than "How can I help and bless someone else." When we stop and really think for a moment, we don't REALLY NEED the latest and newest item. Our old one works just fine.  Yet, we all too often become self-centered and convince ourselves that we NEED more. 

How do we truly learn how to bless others? 

First we have to realize that blessing others isn't always about "things". Going into debt to buy lots of stuff, it not wise. Blessing others is about sharing what you have and helping others as you are able. 

The generous soul. The one who abundantly blesses. 

In what ways can I bless others?

• Attitude

By having a pleasant and kind attitude, I create an atmosphere of joy and happiness. 

• Abilities

By sharing my abilities and talents with other, I help ease their burdens by supporting them in accomplishing their tasks. 

• Appearance 

Sometimes, just by "showing up", we can encourage someone. It can be just to listen, laugh, pray, or supporting them in a performance. 

• Attentiveness

Paying attention to the needs, emotions, hurts, joy of others and being attentive to how I can help during those times. 

• All about ME—NOT! 

It's not all about ME—or at least it's not supposed to be! First, comes GOD! He is the One who should be directing my daily agenda. Secondly, it's about encouraging those around me—having a generous soul. I have found that when the first and second are in their proper order, I am well taken care of! 

Getting vs Giving

To keep those two in their proper order, my heart must be permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG). And when I find myself with that 2-year-old mentality of "MINE, I WANT",  I need to stop and give myself a timeout! 

The generous soul. A goal for which to strive, not just at Christmas time, but year-round.

Proverbs 10:14: What am I hoarding?

Wise people store up knowledge, but the mouth of the foolish is near destruction. Proverbs 10:14

Wise: ethically and religiously

Store up: "treasure up" a thing, hoard

Mouth: according to the measure of, in accordance with

Foolish: to be perverse

Knowledge: perception, skill

Near: imminent

Destruction: dismaying, ruin, terror.

Treasure up. Hoard. 

Stuff. We all accumulate stuff. The Castle has a car and a half garage. Which gives us room to store stuff. Some of it is worthy of keeping, some of it really is not. But since we "have the room", it stays on the shelf. 

The other day, we had to move a few boxes around, and as I was reading the content labels, I thought to myself, "Why are we keeping this?" Sometimes I thought of a good answer, "Sentimental value." Other times, I had no reason, except that we have the room, so why not keep it? 

Treasure up. I've discussed the concept of "treasure up" a few times as it relates to wisdom. #TreasureUp

You can read them here: 

http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/search/label/%23TreasureUp

Wise people store up knowledge. Wise people. That is a description that I'd like applied to me. I want to be known as a "wise person". But before others can see wisdom in my attitudes and actions, I must hoard up wisdom. For if it's not stored up, then it cannot be used. 

Wise people. Treasure up. Hoard. The store house must be prepared for the wisdom, and that begins with a heart permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG). For a heart that fears God is one ready to receive wisdom from God. 

Wise people. Treasure up. Hoard. What am I hoarding? 

Proverbs 10:1: A Screaming Child

A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish son is the grief of his mother. Proverbs 10:1

Wise: ethically and religiously; of the mind

Glad: cause to rejoice

Foolish: stupid, he hates knowledge, it is his sport to do mischief

Grief: afflict, cause grief, grieve, sorrowful, vex

Attitudes and actions have an effect on others. 

Often we think that we that our attitudes and actions will only effect us personally. Yet, that is not the case. Each action causes a reaction in others. Whether is be parents, friends, neighbors, co-workers, or any others that are in the vicinity—they are either blessed or grieved. 

Really? What I do effects others? 

Yes, really.

Don't believe me? Just think of the last time you were shopping and a little kid started screaming. You immediately bristled. You looked around to see where the parent was and if anyone was taking care of the situation. You began to make judgements as to why the kid was screaming, and what you would do if that was your child. Your posture changed. You became upset and uncomfortable. You started to become angry. You became agitated and grumpy. Am I right? 

The same is true for adults. Our attitudes and actions do effect others. We may not find ourselves in the middle of a store screaming, but we may find ourselves acting foolishly and ignoring God's wisdom. And when we act foolishly, we become that screaming child—and those around us are effected. 

How do we make sure that our attitudes and actions are wise? Start at the beginning—the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. A heart that is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG), will translate into wise attitudes and actions. 

So, are you a screaming child? Or are you acting wisely? 

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 3:31-35: There is a choice to be made.

Do not envy the oppressor, and choose none of his ways; For the perverse person is an abomination to the Lord, but His secret counsel is with the upright. The curse of the Lord is on the house of the wicked, but He blesses the home of the just. Surely He scorns the scornful, but gives grace to the humble. The wise shall inherit glory, but shame shall be the legacy of fools. Proverbs 3:31-35

Envy: a feeling of discontent or covetousness withregard to another's advantages, success, possessions, etc.

Oppressor: one who is or promotes violence and wrong

Choose: man's choice

None: all, the whole

Ways: of moral action and character

Perverse: to turn aside, depart, devious, crooked

Abomination: something disgusting; ethical sense to God and His people

Counsel: circle of familiar friends

Upright: straightforward, just, well-pleased, righteous

Wicked: one guilty of crime, deserving punishment

Just: just, righteous, in conduct and character

Scorns: open or unqualified contempt; disdain

Grace: favor, acceptance

Humble: lowly

Wise: ethically and religiously

Inherit: have or get as a possession

Glory: honor, dignity of position

Shame: personal dishonor, disgrace

Legacy: lift up, exalt, promotion

Fools: stupid fellow

There is a choice to be made.

Choose one who is and/or promoted violence. Choose be in the company of the devious and those who are disgusting (to God). Choose to dwell with those who are guilty crime and deserve punishment. Choose those who are contempt. Choose to leave a legacy be known for being a fool. 

There is a choice to be made.

Choose to be among the circle of the just and well-pleased before God. Choose to live in a home filled with righteous conduct and character. Choose to live in humility before God. Choose to be wise ethically and religiously and enjoy the possession of honor. 

There is a choice to be made. And to make the right choice, my heart must be permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG). 

What choice will you make today? 

Proverbs 3:6: Practice Being Wise

In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:6

In all: the direction of the whole, every

Your ways: course of life, or action, undertakings, including moral character, good sense.

Acknowledge: learn to know, perceive with added idea of observing, taking note of, know by experience, recognize, be wise

Direct: make smooth, straight, in ethical sense

Paths: of course & fortunes of life, mode of living, or of character

Acknowledge. Take note of.  

When asked why I blog.. it's so that I can "remember" all that God has taught me. I often take time to go back and re-read blog posts. And sadly, as I read them... I realize that I have forgotten lessons God taught me, and blessings He's supplied. 

Throughout Scripture, God tells people to build monuments, or do certain things to remember things God has done. It's important to remember. Take note of what God has done and is doing. Take note of what God says in the Bible. Take note of what God is teaching. Take note of. 

Acknowledge. Take not of. Know by experience. 

Do. Experience helps cement the "knowing". Book knowledge is good, but actual hands-on experience cements that knowledge into our hearts and mind. Think about it for a minute. Which surgeon would you rather have: 1. Who has read all the books on the subject, but has NEVR performed any surgeries. 2. One who has read the books, and has gone through resident training, spent time practicing surgeries (usually on cadavers), and has performed the surgery on live people. Book knowledge vs Experience.

Acknowledge. Take not of. Know by experience. Be wise. 

Sadly, so often we take note of, learned by experience..... only to act foolishly. The key is to learn, know, experience and put all that into use—be wise. Just because you KNOW something doesn't mean that you'll make wise choices or act wisely. For there has to be follow-through. Practice being wise. 

Acknowledge. Take note of. Know by experience. Be wise. Then God can easily direct you on the path of life He has chosen for you. 

The very first aspect of Acknowledging God is to fear Him (Proverbs 1:7). When a heart is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG), then it is ready to accept God's Wisdom and then one can take note of and practice being wise. 

Proverbs 1:6: Understand the Words of the Wise

To understand a proverb and an enigma, the words of the wise and their riddles. Proverbs 1:6

The verb "to Understand" means be intelligent, discreet, discerning, perceive, have understanding.

Proverb: sentences of ethical wisdom

Enigma: satire, a mocking poem

Words: saying, utterance, sentence, as a section of a discourse

Wise: principles and collections of wisdom

Riddles: allegorical and figurative sayings, perplexing saying or question

Know. Receive. Give. Hear. Increase Learning. Attain. All results in Understanding. 

Proverbs 1:2-6 (NKJV)

2 To know wisdom and instruction, to perceive the words of understanding,

3 To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, judgment, and equity;

4 To give prudence to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion—

5 A wise man will hear and increase learning, and a man of understanding will attain wise counsel,

6 To understand a proverb and an enigma, the words of the wise and their riddles.

In Proverbs 1:6, notice whose words you are to understand—The WISE. That is key. For if one listens to the unwise or fools, that will lead to—destruction (Proverbs 1:32). 

How does one differentiate from wise and fools; for often the fools speak with "flowering words" or words that sound wonderful. First of all, one must develop a heart with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG). That opens the heart to knowing, receiving, hearing, increasing in learning, and attaining. And that leads to fearing the Lord (Proverbs 1:7), but that verse will study next time.

Proverbs 1:5: Hear, Increase and Attain.

A wise man will hear and increase learning, and a man of understanding will attain wise counsel. Proverbs 1:5 (NKJV)

The VERBS in Proverbs 1:5 are Hear, Increase and Attain. 

Hear: hear with attention, interest, listen to

Increase: add strength = grow stronger; be joined, added to

Attain: acquire, procure, get

A WISE man (wise, ethically and religiously) — as a wise learner in school of wisdom hears and increases in learning.

So in order to be WISE, I must hear with attention and interest. Not let the information go in one ear and out the other. PAY ATTENTION to what is being taught. 

I must increase, add and grow, in learning (as personal acquirement; concrete, what is received). PERSONAL acquirement. I have to receive it and make it mine. Concrete it becomes solid, and that provides a good foundation to build upon. 

Man of understanding — be intelligent, discreet, discerning (Proverbs 1:2). In order to be intelligent I must ATTAIN—get, acquire wise counsel. Wise Counsel: "Originally of rope-pulling, i.e. steering, directing a ship." With wise counsel direction is given and you are steered in the right path. 

Hear. Increase. Attain. Each of these verbs are specific to growing in wisdom. I must first be willing to HEAR—with interest—and then INCREASE learning—receive it make it mine to build a strong foundation—and then I'll be willing to  ATTAIN wise counsel—following the direction of godly advice. 

Yet none of those actions will be possible if my heart is not permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG). For unless my heart is soft and pliable I will not be willing to hear, increase, or attain. 

Behave Wisely

If you are looking for the posts about

God's Amazing Blessing

Announcement—I'm moving!

here's the link to the first Part: 

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

Then follow the arrows at the bottom of each post to the next Part.

There are 10 parts in all.

I recommend that you read each part, there are amazing details—

and God took care of each and every one! 

______________________________________________

This post is the continuation of my Study of Colossians.    

Behave yourselves wisely [living prudently and with discretion] in your relations with those of the outside world (the non-Christians), making the very most of the time and seizing (buying up) the opportunity. Colossians 4:5 (AMP)

Walk in wisdom: That is, conduct uprightly and honestly. Deal with them on the strictest principles of integrity, so that they may not have occasion to reproach the religion which you profess. 

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible

Buying up each (literally, the) opportunity: The opportunity is the fit time for each step of a well-conducted walk, the precise juncture of circumstances which must be seized at once or it is gone. 

The Pulpit Commentaries

As Christians we are to act differently than those who do not believe in God. For our standard of conduct is based on a holy God. We are to be "different". People of integrity. People of honesty. People who show respect. Our actions, words, attitudes should reflect our relationship with God. 

Colossians 3 begins with the "putting on" of characteristics, then discusses relationships with those in our families and work. Being a "Christian" is not to be in "name only". The truth of God's Word is to impact each and every area of our life. We are not to be "Sunday Christians", where we dress up nicely to attend church, and then the rest of the week "live like the devil". 

God's Word is to have an impact in each aspect of our life. Our relationships, our work, and our dealings with others with whom we come in contact. 

People are watching. What do they see? Do they see someone who is behaving wisely because of a personal relationship with God Almighty? 

The solid basis for behaving wisely is a heart permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG). For only when I have a deep sense of reverence for Holy God, will I behave wisely.

Hitting the Bullseye

This year, I'm sharing my "Treasures" of my study of my "Ponder the Morsels" book. I've picked 31 Psalms to study throughout 2013. Today I studied Psalm 19. Here is what I learned.

The law of the Lord is perfect; it gives new strength. The commands of the Lord are trustworthy, giving wisdom to those who lack it. Psalm 19:7 (GNT)

The ·teachings [laws; instructions] of the Lord are perfect; they ·give new strength [revive the soul].

The ·rules [testimonies] of the Lord ·can be trusted [are faithful/sure]; they make ·plain [simpleminded; immature] people wise. Psalm 19:7 (EXB)

Law: from the word for “archer”; teaching one to aim at the bullseye; teach, instructions, guidance.

Lord: of deity Yahweh.

Perfect: entire (literally, figuratively or morally), complete, full, sound.

Restoring (gives): to turn back, return.

Soul: living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion.

Testimony (commands): specifically a recorder/a witness, the code of law—as a testimony of God.

Is sure: to build up or support, to be permanent or quiet, establish, faithful, be stout, strong, bold, alert.

Making wise (giving wisdom): to be wise (in mind, word or act), teach wisdom, deal wisely, make wiser. 

The simple: deceive, flatter, silly one, foolish, lack of wisdom.

In man’s search for wisdom and knowledge, often the last place he looks is to God. Sadly, I find this true in my own life. I “think I know it all”. “I can make decisions on my own.” Yet, the reality is, that I cannot. For without God, my decisions lack true wisdom. For often, I want what I think is best for the immediate, not taking in consideration to long-term consequences for my actions, thoughts, or decisions—I’ll miss the bulls-eye every time. 

However, when I look to God, accept His instructions and guidance, my desires, passions and aim will be centered, and as I follow God’s testimony I’ll be alert and much wiser knowing exactly how to hit the bullseye. 

To create a positive day, it’s best that I NOT rely on my own knowledge, but rather listen to and follow God’s guidance. After all, hitting the bullseye ensures a positive day!  

A few years ago, I attended a Bible study. I was to study, Psalm 25:8, 9 and write the meaning to me. It fits perfectly with Psalm 19:7. 

Because God is good.

God will provide intelligent instruction,

teaching me the exact information & direction

(so I hit a bullseye!),

so that on my journey, I’ll know continually

how to behave no matter where I go.

God gives guidance with a specific purpose

knowing what is the very best.

Ps. 25:8, 9 (Rhonda)