One of the most popular categories on the TV show Jeopardy is Potpourri. Any question is fair game.
Chapter 22 of Proverbs is like that. There isn't a clear theme, but it does contain a wealth of wisdom of all kinds and one of the most widely quoted verses in all of scripture.
Which passages spoke to you in this chapter?
"Pay attention and listen to the sayings of the wise; apply your heart to what I teach, for it is pleasing when you keep them in your heart and have them ready on your lips." Verses 17-18.
ReplyDeleteThis verse speaks volumes to me because what is often in my heart are not "sayings of the wise" or scriptures from God but rather my own stinky thoughts.
We have worked hard at memorizing scripture in our house for this very reason. So when put to the test what comes out of our mouths will truly be what is in the heart and from God.
When I have days or weeks where what comes out of mouth and what is in my heart and thoughts are not Godly, then I know I need to go back to the scriptures, which is where God wants me anyway. If only I were a faster learner!!
1 A good name is more desirable than great riches;
ReplyDeleteto be esteemed is better than silver or gold.
2 Rich and poor have this in common:
The LORD is the Maker of them all.
4 Humility and the fear of the LORD
bring wealth and honor and life.
I feel like he is reminding us of where our true worth is found: not in WHO we are but in WHOSE we are. We are reminded in vs. 2 that he is the Maker of them all, rich and poor, and that is our identity.
Verse one catches my attention because we naturally assume he means we will be esteemed by other MEN, but we find in Isaiah, God speaks through His prophet that HE esteems us.
"This is the one I esteem:
he who is humble and contrite in spirit,
and trembles at my word."
Again I am reminded to humble myself in His eyes, and BE LIFTED by Him.
WHere's the Daily double in all of this? Did you phrase your response in the form of a question? Now, one to the verses: verse 1--reputation is critical. More than riches and wealth. VErse 2--kind of reminds me of the latter part of Matthew 25(whatever you do for the least of these, you do to Jesus), and Galations 3:28--we are all one in Jesus Christ. Christ tears down all racial, socio-economic, and any other types of barriers. God is the creator of the universe and deserves our worship, all of it! verse 4--keep me humble at all times Lord. verse 6--I'm glad my parents trained me up in the ways of the LORD. Verse 7--Dave Ramsey's Gospel message. verse 9--Lord help me become more generous. VErse 11--LORD, please bless me with a pure heart and gracious speech. Verse 12--I pray for God to continue to protect me and help me remain faithful to HIm. Verse 13--I struggle with this because I have a tendency to become a sluggard. Verse 15b--I need more discipline, even though I personally don't like it. Verse 22--I pray that God will keep my motives pure and genuine when it comes to ones socio-economic status and otherwise. This chapter gives me more insight to seek God for more wisdom.
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