TODAY IN THE WORD

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Proverbs 4:20-27
Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. - Proverbs 4:23
TODAY IN THE WORD
It has become commonplace in the last several years to acknowledge that proper diet and adequate exercise are crucial elements of preventing heart disease. In fact, a University of Pennsylvania study found that exercise worked like certain prescription drugs in preventing heart disease.

In our culture, however, this welcome emphasis on physically healthy hearts isn’t combined with concern for spiritually healthy hearts. So consider today’s passage an ad for Spiritual Heart Check America!

We begin with the oft-repeated exhortation to pay attention to the father’s words, to listen and focus on them. In short, if we’re looking at God’s words, we won’t be focusing on others’ words. We see once again the importance of treasuring up God’s Word, because His words bring forth life and health. It’s been noticed that people who are angry or unforgiving often experience increased physical ailments. Verse 23 emphasizes this: the condition of our heart is to be protected at all costs.

Jesus taught the same thing. When the Pharisees accused His disciples of being unclean, Jesus replied, “What goes into a man’s mouth does not make him 'unclean,’ but what comes out of his mouth, that is what makes him 'unclean’ ” (Matt. 15:11). Thus today’s passages encourages us to monitor what we take in, not allowing an unfiltered stream to enter our hearts through TV, movies, magazines, and other media.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Speech often indicates the true condition of our heart. It’s embarrassing to “slip” and to say something hurtful unintentionally, but this often reveals our true feelings. That’s why it’s good to be reminded that the condition of our hearts determines our words and actions. If we’re embittered toward others, we will find it nearly impossible to serve them and to look for their best. But if we have been cultivating edifying thoughts about others, we’re much more predisposed to love them through service and prayer.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Proverbs 5:1-23
I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. - Matthew 5:28
TODAY IN THE WORD
Boris Pasternak’s powerful novel, Doctor Zhivago, traces the Russian Revolution through the life of a young doctor, Yuri Zhivago, who is torn between love for his wife and family and overwhelming passion for a beautiful nurse, Lara. Zhivago loses everyone in the end and dies a tragic, lonely death. Among other things, this novel shows the painful consequences of adultery.

Yesterday we looked at the command to guard one’s heart; today this exhortation is applied to marriage. The son is told to listen to his father’s wise words so that his own lips might preserve knowledge. In stark contrast are the lips of the adulteress. With smooth words, she promises much, but the one who samples this fruit will find a bitter end instead of a sweet reward.

Proverbs never lets us forget that there’s a future beyond the here and now, and so once again, we are challenged to ask, “Where does this particular path lead?” And the answer is clear: to death. Even the adulteress appears to have deceived herself on this point (v. 6).

The only course of action is to avoid her at all costs. Verses 8-14 graphically portray the perils of adultery. They show a wasted life filled with regret. What was relished in secret becomes publicly exposed ruin (v. 14).

Avoiding adultery is only half the command given here. The young man is also to delight in his marriage. Water is a metaphor for sexual relations, also used in Song of Songs 4:12-15. In both passages, these streams of water are to be enjoyed only within the context of marriage. We shouldn’t be surprised by the straightforward language here. We are physical, emotional, and spiritual creatures, and God’s Word addresses all aspects of who we are created to be as human beings.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Some people try to interpret Proverbs 5 only spiritually, but that denies that we are created with physical bodies–and what we do with them is very important to God.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Proverbs 6:1-5
Simply let your 'Yes’ be 'Yes,’ and your 'No,’ 'No.’ - Matthew 5:37
TODAY IN THE WORD
According to a 2002 national survey, the average American household carries $9,000 per month in credit card debt. One credit counseling service said that many of its clients have over $75,000 worth of credit card debt spread over a dozen credit cards. It’s no wonder that other polls indicate that one of the leading causes of anxiety for many Americans is concern over their finances.

The specific situation in view in today’s passage isn’t clear, but it seems to involve one person pledging a security, or guarantee, to a creditor on behalf of another person. Striking hands (v. 1) probably means that the deal was sealed with a handshake or something similar. Pity for another person might have lead to this sort of arrangement (Prov. 17:18). In this case the son seems to be acting unwisely by taking on another person’s financial obligations in such a way that his own financial security is jeopardized.

It’s important to keep in mind that Proverbs encourages us to give to the poor when we can, so this verse isn’t discouraging generosity. But this passage warns us against becoming vulnerable to unlimited liability.

The words trapped and ensnared found in verse 2 cue the reader that this describes a bad situation. Also verse 3 exhorts quick action to get out of this ill-advised business agreement or venture. In fact, we could translate the word go as “hurry” or “exert yourself.” In other words, the required action must occur immediately–there’s urgency here (v. 4). What’s more, we’re told not to allow pride over our poor choice to hinder us from taking action at once. This is saying, “Don’t even sleep until this debt is paid.”

The message here encourages freedom from unwise business agreements or financial obligations. Regardless of the specific situation represented here, it’s imperative to get out of the traps that such indebtedness brings.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Our culture often encourages us to push or even extend limits, especially when it comes to spending. But Proverbs exhorts us to live within our limits. When it comes to finances, this means distinguishing between what you need and what you can’t afford. Make a budget, and keep it! People who live within their budget often have more joy, if only because they aren’t worrying about their finances. If you need sound financial counsel from biblical perspective, check out resources on the Internet (for example, www.crown.org).

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Proverbs 6:6-19
Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus. - Colossians 3:17
TODAY IN THE WORD
There’s a funny cartoon about a “typical” workday: 8:00 - arrive and greet coworkers; 8:30 - sit at desk; 9:00 - make a photocopy and visit coworkers along the way; 9:30 - coffee break; 10:00 - return to desk; 10:30 - bathroom break; 11:00 - return to desk; 11:30 - call coworkers to confirm lunch plans; 11:45 - get ready for lunch; noon - leave for lunch. The afternoon schedule looks pretty much the same. Every office seems to have someone well-practiced in this routine.

Such a work ethic would be incomprehensible to an ant. An ant doesn’t need an office manager or supervisor to prod it along; it simply does whatever it takes to get the job done. An ant is internally motivated, unconcerned by its annual bonus or who might be watching it. What’s more, an ant is a long-range planner. With outside temperatures soaring, it prepares for the upcoming winter months. No wonder then, that the ant is described as the ideal worker.

Not so the sluggard, whose lack of planning leads to sudden poverty. Instead of setting aside money for unexpected needs and expenses, he’s spent it all!

From laziness, the focus shifts to corruption (v. 12). The reference to many parts of the body stresses the extent of this corruption. First, the scoundrel has a corrupt mouth, described elsewhere as deceptive or crooked speech (see Prov. 2). Next, this person somehow uses his eyes, feet, and fingers for wickedness. This could reference some type of magic or secret signals to an accomplice, indicating that this corrupt man is a cheater. In fact, we see that this man’s actions spring, unprovoked, from his corrupt heart, which is intent upon creating discord between people. His downward spiral finally leads to death (v. 15).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Today’s teaching applies whether you are currently employed or not, for all of us “work,” whether at home, at school, or at a job. Take a minute to identify your own work situation. Now ask yourself if laziness or a tendency to cut corners has crept into your attitude toward work. Then review the list given in Proverbs 6:6-19. If you find room for improvement in any of these areas, thank the Lord that His Word prompts correction before it’s too late.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Proverbs 6:20-35
Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral. - Hebrews 13:4
TODAY IN THE WORD
It’s not uncommon for women to receive jewelry on Valentine’s Day. In past generations, women frequently received heart-shaped lockets that contained a small photograph of the beloved. These lockets would be passed along to the next generation.

Like a precious locket, wisdom is a beautiful adornment for anyone–male or female. Unlike jewelry, wisdom guides and watches over its wearer. Once again, this passage begins with the familiar exhortation to heed the parents’ teaching. The constant repetition of “keep,” “listen,” “obey,” “pay attention,” and the like underscores the necessity of continually reminding oneself of God’s words. These instructions aren’t to be read once and then forgotten. These words of life are to be read and reread again.

A very important aspect of wisdom is revealed in this passage. We often think of wisdom in terms of what we should do when we are stuck and uncertain how to proceed. Indeed James 1:5 encourages us, “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God . . . and it will be given to him.” But notice that verse 22 of our passage today says we’ll be guided and guarded by wisdom as we walk into various situations and even when we sleep.

This is another way of saying that when we treasure God’s wisdom in our hearts, it will impact every aspect of our lives. In fact, wisdom will be like someone speaking to us (v. 22).

This image of guiding wisdom is compared to a lamp, or more specifically a light that illumines the right path when it comes to sexual propriety. Verses 24-29 echo many of the truths presented in Proverbs 5. Once again we see the power of words to entrap and the dire consequences for those who dishonor their marriage vows. Even today, we hear this same idea: “If you play with fire, you’ll get burned.” Unlike a hungry person who steals food (yet still must repay), the person who is hungry for another’s spouse has no defense. Indeed, this individual will receive shame and wrath.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
The clear teaching of today’s passage is to avoid adultery. As noted earlier, the Bible is clear about this, and it vividly portrays the dangers of marital unfaithfulness.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Proverbs 7:1-27
All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body. - 1 Corinthians 6:18
TODAY IN THE WORD
Joanie never thought she would have an affair. She was raised in a Christian home and sought to instill a moral foundation in her children. At first, she understood when her husband Ralph worked late; after all, money was tight. But after years of postponed dinners and little adult interaction, she felt lonely. She never thought much about her chats with an unemployed neighbor, but as time went on, she looked forward to talking with him more and more. Before long, their friendship had become an adulterous affair.

Like several previous sections, Proverbs 7 concerns the perils of adultery, but today’s passage also includes a vivid story. Like Joanie, this young man in our passage ventured into a very dangerous situation.

The young man displays his lack of judgment by visiting a place where trouble abounds, especially at night. The woman’s lack of honorable intentions is clear from her dress and the fact that we only find out later that she’s married. What’s more, she’s coarse and defiant, and has a reputation for playing around. Her comment about peace offerings (v. 14) was likely meant to lure the young man into thinking that she was properly religious. In any event, she flatters him into thinking that he’s special (v. 15), and her real motives soon become clear (v. 18). As if to allay his fears, she assures him that her husband is safely gone. Here we find the content of the smooth words alluded to elsewhere in Proverbs.

The dramatic conclusion shows that, far from a tantalizing evening, this young man is like a senseless animal led to slaughter. He doesn’t realize that his actions will cost him his life.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
This is the fourth extended teaching in Proverbs concerning adultery. Marital fidelity is very important because of God’s purposes for marriage and what it teaches about His relationship with us.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Proverbs 8:1-21
Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. - Colossians 2:2-3
TODAY IN THE WORD
Pike Place Market in Seattle is the oldest continuously operating public market in the United States. For nearly a century, patrons have walked its crowded aisles between hundreds of vendors who hawk their products, crying out for passersby to purchase freshly caught fish or beautiful Washington State tulips. Spreading out over nineteen acres, it’s one of Seattle’s busiest and most popular locations.

If you substitute wisdom for vendors, you get the image in today’s passage. Wisdom is like one calling out in a crowded marketplace, only she doesn’t limit herself to just one location. She is found at crossroads and other places where people congregate (v. 3). Her invitation goes to both the simple and foolish. The first group is open to instruction, but also open to destruction. They are inexperienced and uninformed and could head either way. The second group willfully chooses to be ignorant by rejecting wisdom. The phrasing of verse 1 suggests that although Wisdom calls out, few people are listening.

Although Wisdom can be found in the most down-to-earth places, her character is completely godly. Notice how her words are described: worthy, right, true, just, and faultless (vv. 6-9). What a contrast to the smooth, dripping deception that we have seen on the lips of the seductress! No wonder Wisdom is more valuable than precious metals and gems (cf. Prov. 3:13-15).

The second part of today’s passage begins another praise song for Wisdom. As we read along, we’re meant to be inspired by Wisdom. She dwells with prudence, meaning that she is shrewd and resourceful. Wisdom not only knows what to do, she knows the best way to do it. Her knowledge and discretion show that fearing the Lord also means hating all that He opposes, every form of evil.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
The marketplace image here emphasizes a key point: wisdom reveals itself in everyday circumstances. We don’t need to remove ourselves from the pressures and complexities of life to try to find God’s wisdom. Instead, we find that as we encounter various stretching situations and seek the Lord in the midst of them, the truth in His Word becomes more real and applicable to us. The question, “Does not wisdom call out?” (v. 1) confirms this idea–wisdom is continually available to us, if we will only pay attention to it.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Proverbs 8:22-36
For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible. - Colossians 1:16
TODAY IN THE WORD
Someone once said that the only way to make ourselves big is to minimize God. The minute that we focus on God’s splendor and magnificence, however, we realize just how tiny we really are. The second half of Proverbs 8 helps us regain this proper perspective.

Recall that yesterday we saw Wisdom as a woman calling out in crowded city places to those passing by. Rising up from this clatter is a beautiful song in praise of Wisdom that began in Proverbs 8:12 and concludes in today’s passage.

As we read this passage, it becomes clear that it differs greatly from other passages that we’ve read. This beautiful poetry describes the unique relationship that Wisdom has with the Lord. We see that Wisdom has always been with God, from “before the world began” (v. 23). To use another term, we could say that Wisdom is pre-existent, which helps to explain the vast extent and depth of her knowledge and counsel. Next, we trace Wisdom’s presence at creation, beginning with heaven (v. 27) down to the very foundations of the earth (v. 29). But we also see that Wisdom was not just working alongside God, she was brimming with delight in all that God was doing in “his whole world” and in humanity (v. 31). Although the text doesn’t say this directly, we can sense God’s equal delight in Wisdom.

At the end of this poem, Wisdom herself addresses the “sons” for the first time, just as the father had done previously. She reminds us that those who eagerly anticipate her arrival will be blessed–they will experience great happiness. Indeed, they will receive life.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
In the Old Testament, especially in wisdom literature, earthly life is often emphasized and the Lord is sometimes concealed. But in the New Testament, heavenly life is frequently emphasized and our Lord is revealed.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Proverbs 9:1-18
Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb! - Revelation 19:9
TODAY IN THE WORD
Imagine finding a beautiful, gold-embossed envelope in your mail. Upon opening it, you learn that you’ve been invited to a prestigious dinner at the White House along with leaders from around the world. You begin to imagine the beautifully set tables with fine linen and fresh flowers and wonder what culinary specialties you’ll be enjoying. It’s an honor of a lifetime!

Proverbs 9 concludes the introduction to the book of Proverbs. We see again the emphasis that wisdom leads to life and foolishness leads to death. This chapter urges a decision–it presents two banquet invitations and asks us to consider which one we’ll accept.

We begin with something like an invitation to the Ritz (vv. 1-6). Not surprisingly, the gracious hostess is Wisdom, who has built a house for this banquet. Nothing is overlooked, from expensive meat to carefully prepared wine. She sends her own servants personally to deliver her invitations. Her honored guests are those who lack judgment, the very ones who need wisdom. The only condition for accepting this invitation is to leave foolish ways behind.

Next we receive an invitation for dinner at the equivalent of a garbage dump (vv. 13-18). Our deceptive hostess has a loud mouth and knows no shame. Nothing is said about Folly building her house. Folly hangs out in her doorway, calling out. This reminds us of a prostitute who seeks to lure passersby from the straight path. In verse 16 she utters the exact same invitation as Wisdom in verse 4. This cautions us that lies can initially sound like the truth. Notice also that Folly has even stolen the meal that she offers! Wisdom works hard to prepare for her guests, but Folly is lazy. What’s worse, Folly’s place isn’t really a house–it’s a morgue. Her guests end up dead.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Today’s passage shows us that both wisdom and foolishness call out to us. As we compare what each offers, we might wonder who would ever reject wisdom’s invitation.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Proverbs 10:1-32
The tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. What a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. - James 3:5
TODAY IN THE WORD
“A man who will trim the facts for you will trim them as easily against you; and a career or a life may hang on a word,” wrote Bible scholar Derek Kidner. This insight could have come straight from Proverbs, which has much to say about the power of speech.

Unlike Proverbs 1-9, the large middle section of the book from Proverbs 10:1-22:16, “The Proverbs of Solomon,” has no obvious structure. Instead, short sayings jump quickly between various topics. Proverbs 1-9 helps us detect larger themes that run through this part of Proverbs.

Recall that Proverbs 1-9 contrasts the path of wisdom that leads to life and the path of foolishness that leads to death. Vivid metaphors and stories taught us how to recognize these two ways, those who travel on them, and where they ultimately lead. In Proverbs 10:1-22:16, we again find the wise and the foolish starkly contrasted. For example, we see that the Lord rewards the wise, but the foolish are punished; the wise receive abundance from God, but the foolish are poor; the wise receive honor, but the foolish receive shame; and the wise are diligent, but the foolish are lazy. Keep in mind that Proverbs often presents issues from a this-side-of-heaven perspective, whereas the New Testament complements this with an eternal perspective. This helps us understand that some rewards and vindication won’t be seen until we’re with the Lord.

One of the most important themes running through this section of Proverbs concerns the power of language. Speech reveals what’s truly going on in a person’s heart. For example, verse 13 says that wisdom is on the lips of the discerning. In others words, if a person has been seeking knowledge and discernment, then the words he or she utters will reflect this.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
The impact of speech is powerful: the wise person’s words promote well-being and order, but a fool’s words sow discord and chaos.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Proverbs 14:1-15:33
For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks. - Luke 6:45
TODAY IN THE WORD
The life and death of Todd Beamer has been an inspiration to millions. When terrorists hijacked American Airlines flight 93 and planned to crash it in Washington, D.C., Todd and several other hostages forced the plane to crash in a deserted field before its mission could be completed. Who knows how many lives were spared because of their courage?

Sometimes we look at acts of heroism such as this and somehow think that they are extreme or isolated events. But as people who knew Todd reflected on his life, it became apparent that his actions were entirely consistent with his overall character–he died the way that he had lived his life. The choice that Todd Beamer made on September 11, 2001, flowed naturally from thousands, perhaps tens of thousands, of choices that he had made previously in his life.

One of the themes through Proverbs is this idea that our character is reflected and shaped by the choices that we make. Yesterday we looked at choices regarding speech, and today’s passage continues this theme. Let’s take a step back and try to form a composite sketch of the wise person’s character and contrast it with the fool’s character. As we’ll see, nearly every verse in today’s passage shows the profound difference between the wise person and the fool.

The wise fear God, and thus they flourish and enjoy health and joy. They are careful, thoughtful, and even-tempered. Their actions build up others and they are kind toward the needy. They work hard and prosper, and are a delight to their family.

Now consider the foolish. They despise God and experience His reproof. They are impulsive, impatient, and quick-tempered. Their actions tear down others and they oppress the poor. They are lazy and bring shame upon their families. What a difference!
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
One’s true character is revealed in actions and speech. Yesterday we focused on the impact of our words, but today’s passage pushes us to consider how both our speech and actions reveal our character.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Proverbs 16:1-33
Fear the Lord your God . . . walk in all his ways . . . love him . . . serve the Lord your God. - Deuteronomy 10:12
TODAY IN THE WORD
In their book, Metaphors We Live By, authors George Lakoff and Mark Johnson write, “The essence of metaphors is understanding . . . one thing in terms of another.” For instance, we use “up” to talk about positive things, as in “Things are looking up!,” and “down” to refer to negative things, as in “They’re down on their luck.”

Proverbs is rich in metaphors. The picture of a path to describe one’s life is a metaphor that occurs repeatedly. The path metaphor refers to the entire conduct of a person’s life, all the choices that make up a person’s character. We’ve already seen this in the description of wisdom as the path to life and foolishness as the path to death.

At one level, this path is determined by choices that are either right or wrong. In Proverbs, the right path always begins with the fear of the Lord, which enables a person to avoid evil (v. 6). Those who reject the Lord not only walk the path leading to destruction, but they also take others down with them (v. 29).

But the path of wisdom goes beyond “right” or “wrong.” Consider the following scenario. You’ve been asked to coordinate a new outreach ministry. You love evangelism and want to see your church grow, so how could saying “yes” ever be wrong? Well, perhaps you have several small children, or you have elderly parents who need daily care . . . and you’re already in the choir. Given this, the wisest choice might be to decline the offer at this time. It wouldn’t have been “wrong” in a sinful sense to have accepted it, but you probably wouldn’t have flourished in it in addition to your other responsibilities during this season of your life. The way of wisdom considers all of life in such a way that brings abundant life. The end of this way is a life that pleases God and benefits people–it is a life that brings life to others.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
As today’s verse shows, the path metaphor is found throughout Scripture. Jesus Himself applies this metaphor when He says, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). The key is to commit everything to the Lord (Prov. 16:3). Are there decisions that you are facing that require the kind of wisdom that leads to fullness of life? Then ask the Lord to reveal clearly all the factors involved, pray, and seek out the counsel of wise individuals.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Proverbs 19:1-20:30
Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good that we may share in his holiness. - Hebrews 12:10
TODAY IN THE WORD
The traditional family has come under attack in recent history. Some Communist regimes even separated young children from their families, claiming that the state was better able to raise them. Even today some argue that the family is obsolete.

Instructions about the family run throughout Proverbs, but we’re focusing on Proverbs 19-20 today. We’ve already seen the importance of the family in Proverbs 1-9, even though the topic wasn’t addressed as directly as it is in later chapters. In the introductory chapters we saw the example of children receiving instruction from their parents about the nature of life and how to succeed in it. Proverbs 19:27 reminds us how important this is. Proverbs also shows that discipline is essential for the formation of a child’s character. Parents who discipline their children actually give them hope (v. 18).

Proverbs doesn’t present a picture of discipline that’s harsh, but rather it is redemptive and instructive. In fact, Hebrews 12:8 says that if we didn’t receive God’s discipline, we wouldn’t really be God’s children. The author of Hebrews links discipline with God’s love and quotes Proverbs 3:11-12.

The impact of parents on their children goes beyond their words. In Proverbs 20:7 we see that the blameless character of a parent is a lifelong blessing to a child. Obviously how we live is just as important as what we say. Later, in verse 11, we see that a child’s developing character is revealed by actions.

We’ve also seen the importance of family in the repeated warnings about adultery throughout Proverbs 1-9. Not only does adultery adversely affect marriage partners, but it also brings grief upon an entire family. Because the family is so important, it must be protected and nurtured.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Most parents want to give the very best to their children. Proverbs suggests that the best legacy that we can give to our children is the kind of life we live (Prov. 20:7). Our godly character is the most precious gift that we can give.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read:  Proverbs 20:22-21:3
It is I who made the earth and created mankind upon it. - Isaiah 45:12
TODAY IN THE WORD
The story is told about a revengeful man who was recently arrested. This man had been rejected by a graduate school several years earlier. He blamed a professor, and for the next few years, he called him about ten times a night–always during the middle of the night.

This account shows how we often take revenge for ourselves rather than trust God to bring about justice. One of the major themes in Proverbs is the Lord’s sovereignty. And letting the Lord avenge is where many people have a hard time trusting God. Whether through human courts or His own final courtroom, the final say belongs to God, for He hates injustice and dishonesty (v. 23).

Even though we make choices for which we’re responsible, our steps are ultimately directed by the Lord. Perhaps that’s why this section contains proverbs about the king–reminding us that even powerful people are under the Lord’s sovereign control.

The depth of the human heart (including our own) is hard to know. That’s the point of verse 24. Only the Lord truly knows hearts (v. 27). We can conceal things from others, but we can’t conceal them from God. The lamp of the Lord may refer to God’s Word and His Spirit working to show us who we really are and who God is. Some reject this idea of the Lord’s sovereign leading because they feel it limits individual freedom. Proverbs indicates that both our choices and God’s direction are at work in our lives. We can be grateful for God’s gracious intervention that protects us from wrong, such as rash promises (v. 25).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Some things in God’s Word are beyond comprehension. That doesn’t mean that we don’t wrestle with the reality of human freedom and the complete sovereignty of the Lord. But it does mean that, at a certain level, we just have to accept that these two truths hold together.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Proverbs 22:17-24:22
Know also that wisdom is sweet to your soul; if you find it, there is a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off. - Proverbs 24:14
TODAY IN THE WORD
One of the first things that a newly elected president does is to choose a cabinet. Political pundits pay close attention to these choices because they know that the president’s “inner circle” can have a profound impact on policy decisions. In fact, when important presidential decisions are analyzed, often the focus is as much on the advisers as it is upon the president.

Today we begin looking at a new section in Proverbs, “Sayings of the Wise.” In the previous section, topics were often mixed together with no apparent order, although we observed several repeated themes. In today’s section we see instruction from one individual.

In the ancient world, words of wisdom were highly prized. In 1 Kings 4:29-34 we read that Solomon’s wisdom was world-famous. But the Israelites who carefully preserved Solomon’s words also appreciated foreign wisdom writings. Many scholars believe that today’s passage reflects an Egyptian wisdom tradition that was adapted for life in Israel and belief in the one Lord God. This shows us that wisdom, because it reflects God’s truth, transcends cultures. This may be why some missionaries have found Proverbs to be a helpful bridge for the gospel.

Today’s passage opens with a familiar exhortation, the necessity of applying wisdom to one’s life (22:17). As we have noted before, this repeated command to pay attention shows us that cultivating a wise life takes effort–it won’t “just happen.” In this section, in addition to familiar themes, some important new ideas are introduced.

Proverbs 23:1-8 warns us about the dangers of aspiring after the rich and famous by revealing the true nature of those preoccupied with wealth. The one who lusts after this lifestyle ends up in a very precarious place! This section also has much to say about the poor. Although they are vulnerable, they must not be exploited or crushed, for the Lord Himself defends their case (22:22-23; 23:10-11).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Our culture puts a great deal of emphasis on material wealth. Houses and cars get bigger and bigger!