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PROVERBS 9 FOLLY’S INVITATION TO SIN

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October 4

PROVERBS 9

13 The woman Folly is loud;
    she is seductiveand knows nothing.
14 She sits at the door of her house;
    she takes a seat on the highest places of the town,
15 calling to those who pass by,
    who are going straight on their way,
16 “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!”
    And to him who lacks sense she says,
17 “Stolen water is sweet,
    and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.”
18 But he does not know that the deadare there,
    that her guests are in the depths of Sheol.

                                                  – Proverbs 9:13-18

PROVERBS 9 FOLLY’S INVITATION TO SIN

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

Folly is always at the door of her house looking for victims

She is loud to ensure that attention is focused on her effectively

She even sits on a chair so she could be noticed by passers by

She calls the simple to further drag them into the pit of darkness

If you get lured by Folly, you are entering the abode of the dead

Be watchful of her tactics, she wants you to get down the depths of hell.

Solomon speaks of Wisdom earlier than these following verses. Here, he describes the tactics of Folly in order to seduce and lure those who are simple and have no sense. It is the same people that Wisdom calls so that they can have a better life. On the other hand, Folly operates differently. She entices them to sin and do what is immoral but pleasurable, leading them to further darkness. It is easy to follow the way of Folly because we already are sinful by nature. But what are the rewards of following her way? It leads one to the depths of hell. Momentary pleasure does not last long because God didn’t design us to live for our pleasures. He made us so we can give him glory and have life.

REFLECTION

  • How can we avoid the invitation of folly in our lives?

PROVERBS 9 ON TEACHING OR CORRECTING FOOLS

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October 3

PROVERBS 9

7 Whoever corrects a scoffer gets himself abuse,
    and he who reproves a wicked man incurs injury.
8 Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you;
    reprove a wise man, and he will love you.
9 Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser;
    teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning.
10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
    and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.
11 For by me your days will be multiplied,
    and years will be added to your life.
12 If you are wise, you are wise for yourself;
    if you scoff, you alone will bear it. – Proverbs 9:7-12

PROVERBS 9 ON TEACHING OR CORRECTING FOOLS

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

Do not waste your time on teaching or correcting fools

When you correct scoffers, be prepared to be abused

They do not like to be told that what they are doing wrong

They will fight back if you instruct or tell them what to do

When you teach a scoffer something, they will oppose you

Their pride will be hurt and they don’t want to appear dumb.

Solomon warns us on dealing with the wicked, the fools and the scoffers. It is wise for us to be aware of all these people who do not know the Lord. Those who are puffed up with so much pride won’t listen to anyone because they think they know it all. They think highly of themselves which do not give any accommodation to other’s opinion or wisdom.

Solomon tells us that the beginning of wisdom is fear of the Lord.  So, how can an unbeliever even have insight or wisdom if he does not know the Lord? When you see the signs of haughtiness, pride and self-centeredness, run away from these people and do not waste your precious time teaching them or giving them advice. They will just trample on or twist anything you say. No need to give pearls to the pigs.

REFLECTION

  • Share an experience trying to put some sense in foolish or wicked people.

PROVERBS 8 WISDOM IS LIFE

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October 1

PROVERBS 8

32 “And now, O sons, listen to me:
    blessed are those who keep my ways.
33 Hear instruction and be wise,
    and do not neglect it.
34 Blessed is the one who listens to me,
    watching daily at my gates,
    waiting beside my doors.
35 For whoever finds me finds life
    and obtains favor from the Lord,
36 but he who fails to find me injures himself;
    all who hate me love death.”

                                                  – Proverbs 8:32-36

PROVERBS 8 WISDOM IS LIFE

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

If you hear wisdom calling you, do not run

Instead, listen to it and you will find life

When she calls you, follow her advice

If you don’t, you will experience darkness.

So many people fail to listen to the truth that only comes from the word of God. Even in the midst of believers, we still hear of those people who do not follow wise words. Solomon gives us the benefits and also the detrimental effects of not following wisdom.

When we hear it, there is still a response that is expected from all those who heard it. They ought to do it and follow what it says. That is the only way it could bring them life. Just like the book of James says in 1:22 to be doers of the word and not hearers only because when we just hear and not do it, we become deceived. Deception then leads to more lies, confusion and sin. Habitual sins draw us away from the light that only comes from Scripture, thereby leaving us groping in the dark. So, now that Solomon gives us a clear picture of the benefits of heeding wisdom against the disadvantages of not following it, why are there still many of us who do not listen and follow her?

REFLECTION

  • What could be some reasons why people do not heed wisdom?

PROVERBS 8 WISDOM’S HISTORY

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September 30

PROVERBS 8

22 “The Lord possessed me at the beginning of his work, the first of his acts of old.
23 Ages ago I was set up, at the first, before the beginning of the earth.
24 When there were no depths I was brought forth,
    when there were no springs abounding with water.
25 Before the mountains had been shaped, before the hills, I was brought forth,
26 before he had made the earth with its fields, or the first of the dust of the world.
27 When he established the heavens, I was there;

    when he drew a circle on the face of the deep,
28 when he made firm the skies above, when he established the fountains of the deep,
29 when he assigned to the sea its limit,

   so that the waters might not transgress his command,
   when he marked out the foundations of the earth,
30 then I was beside him, like a master workman,

   and I was daily hisdelight, rejoicing before him always,
31 rejoicing in his inhabited world and delighting in the children of man.

                                                                – Proverbs 8:22-31

PROVERBS 8 WISDOM’S HISTORY

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

Wisdom began even before God made the earth and the heaven

She was with God when he designed every detail of his creation

She was responsible for the shaping of the earth, its mountains and hills

Even when He established the heavens, wisdom was with him.

In these following verses, Solomon continues to describe wisdom but in relation to her history. He describes wisdom’s existence that goes far back before creation. She was with God when he created the heavens and the earth and everything else in creation. She was a master workman in all that he did. All the nature we see around us, wisdom had some contribution in the making of everything that God did.

What an important aspect of life wisdom is! God even shared with us such wisdom through his word. Why wouldn’t we want to pursue it if it has so many benefits to it?

REFLECTION

  • How important is wisdom in the life of a believer?

PROVERBS 8 WISDOM DESCRIBES HERSELF

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September 29

PROVERBS 8

12 “I, wisdom, dwell with prudence, and I find knowledge and discretion.
13 The fear of the Lord is hatred of evil.

Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate.
14 I have counsel and sound wisdom; I have insight; I have strength.
15 By me kings reign, and rulers decree what is just;
16 by me princes rule, and nobles, all who govern justly.
17 I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently find me.
18 Riches and honor are with me, enduring wealth and righteousness.
19 My fruit is better than gold, even fine gold, and my yield than choice silver.
20 I walk in the way of righteousness, in the paths of justice,
21 granting an inheritance to those who love me, and filling their treasuries.

                                                                – Proverbs 8:12-21

PROVERBS 8 WISDOM DESCRIBES HERSELF

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

I am wisdom and I possess foresight and understanding

You will know me because I hate the proud and the arrogant

I fear the Lord and hate all things evil and wicked

If you seek me persistently, you will find me

Because of me, rulers and kings lead reasonably

If you love me, you will have riches and righteousness

If you seek me, you will overflow with wealth and inheritance

The fruits of being with me are better than gold or silver.

Solomon describes wisdom in a very unusual way by letting her describe herself in the first person. If you look closely, wisdom is almost synonymous with God himself. In the book of James, he describes in 3:17 that the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. Isn’t this exactly what Solomon described in these following verses?

Seeking wisdom that comes only from above brings many benefits in our lives. It gives us fear of the Lord, impartiality, good fruits better than treasures, discernment and justice.

REFLECTION

  • Share an experience you had when you pursued wisdom.

PROVERBS 8 WISDOM CALLS

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September 28

PROVERBS 8

Does not wisdom call? Does not understanding raise her voice?
2 On the heights beside the way, at the crossroads she takes her stand;
3 beside the gates in front of the town, at the entrance of the portals she cries aloud:
4 “To you, O men, I call, and my cry is to the children of man.
5 O simple ones, learn prudence; O fools, learn sense.
6 Hear, for I will speak noble things, and from my lips will come what is right,
7 for my mouth will utter truth; wickedness is an abomination to my lips.
8 All the words of my mouth are righteous; there is nothing twisted or crooked in them.
9 They are all straight to him who understands, and right to those who find knowledge.
10 Take my instruction instead of silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold,
11 for wisdom is better than jewels, all that you may desire cannot compare with her.

                                                                – Proverbs 8:1-11

PROVERBS 8 WISDOM CALLS

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

Wisdom calls everyone especially the simple one the fools

Wisdom pleads you to follow him in order to tread the right path

From His wisdom, we only hear the utter truth

There are no lies or wickedness coming from his mouth

His words bring edification and blessing to those who accept his call

Follow his instruction and treasure it for it is better than gold.

It is interesting how Solomon personified wisdom in this book. He treats her like a person who lovingly calls everyone to make use of her so that their lives will be beneficial. She cries out loud so that she can be heard. It almost gives us a picture of people not listening to her enough so she had to speak louder. Wisdom sees the folly of those who do not want to heed her call. It reminds me of parents who constantly warn and give guidance to their children so that they do not endanger themselves or fall into the deadly traps of the enemy. Wisdom gives counsel especially to those who are ignorant and uninformed of the truth and those who are foolish. She tells them how important it is to know her so that they won’t fall prey to those who would want to devour them.

REFLECTION

  • Why do you think Solomon used the female gender for wisdom in this book?

PROVERBS 7 LISTEN AND BE FOCUSED ON GOD’S WORD

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September 27

PROVERBS 7

24 And now, O sons, listen to me,
    and be attentive to the words of my mouth.
25 Let not your heart turn aside to her ways;
    do not stray into her paths,
26 for many a victim has she laid low,
    and all her slain are a mighty throng.
27 Her house is the way to Sheol,
    going down to the chambers of death.

                                                              – Proverbs 7:24=27

PROVERBS 7 LISTEN AND BE FOCUSED ON GOD’S WORD

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

When you serve the Lord Jesus Christ, you’ll follow the truth

You will listen to his word and all the laws he commanded you

Constantly guard your heart so that you won’t fall into sin

Put a rend on your mouth so that you will not hurt anyone

Do not be yoked to anyone who does not believe in God

If you do, you can be seduced to do what is wrong

Feed on the word of the Lord and you will be strong

It is your shield against all wickedness and it is your sword.

In Ephesians 6:10-20, we are asked to wear the whole armor of God. It gives us the formula to be strong. The strength comes from God, not from us. Unlike the world system, strength comes from human understanding, power and knowledge. It doesn’t stand long. Unlike the strength that comes from God, it will quickly fade away.

Solomon ends this book with advice to listen and be focused on God’s truth. It shields us from the path towards darkness and death. Just as Paul reminds the Ephesians to wear the whole armor of God, Solomon also warns his sons that they need to be mindful to wear all that will protect them from the evil around them. Paul speaks about fastening the belt of truth which is synonymous to Solomon’s advice to be attentive to the word of God.

REFLECTION

  • Share your thoughts on the result of listening and being focused on God’s word.

PROVERBS 7 WARNING TO THOSE WHO LACK SENSE

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September 25

PROVERBS 7

6 For at the window of my house, I have looked out through my lattice,
7 and I have seen among the simple, I have perceived among the youths,
a young man lacking sense,8 passing along the street near her corner,

     taking the road to her house 9 in the twilight, in the evening,
    at the time of night and darkness.1

0 And behold, the woman meets him, dressed as a prostitute, wily of heart.
11 She is loud and wayward; her feet do not stay at home;
12 now in the street, now in the market, and at every corner she lies in wait.
13 She seizes him and kisses him, and with bold face she says to him,
14 “I had to offer sacrifices, and today I have paid my vows;
15 so now I have come out to meet you, to seek you eagerly, and I have found you.

                                                                – Proverbs 7:6-15

PROVERBS 7 WARNING TO THOSE WHO LACK SENSE

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

When one does not heed the word of God and follow his way

You will be an easy prey for the enemy to deceive in his guiles

The world will trap you and tempt you towards doing wrong

The youth and simple are being lured and consumed by their lusts

Watch out that you do not forget the teachings of the Lord

They will guard you against temptations and the ways of the world.

In this book, Solomon describes in detail what he has observed among the youth and the simple. Bible reference.com explains that the word “simple” does not mean stupid but it refers more to the ignorant and the uninformed. So, the following advice is not only for the youth who still lack sense, but for those who are oblivious to the truth. He clearly gives us a picture of the plight of these people who do not know God or follow his laws.

They become easy prey to be devoured by those tactics of the temptress.

Solomon also illustrates and depicts the woman who was dressed as a prostitute, lying in wait for the young man. She is loud and restless and cannot keep her feet at home. She seizes the young man and does not give him any chance of saying no to her.

REFLECTION

·       Why is it important for God’s people to be aware of the ways of the world?

PROVERBS 7 KEEP GOD’S TEACHING AS THE APPLE OF YOUR EYE

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September 24

PROVERBS 7

My son, keep my words and treasure up my commandments with you;
2 keep my commandments and live; keep my teaching as the apple of your eye;
3 bind them on your fingers; write them on the tablet of your heart.
4 Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,” and call insight your intimate friend,
5 to keep you from the forbiddenwoman, from the adulteress with her smooth words.

                                                                – Proverbs 7:1-5

PROVERBS 7 KEEP GOD’S TEACHING AS THE APPLE OF YOUR EYE

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

When God’s people listen and heed to his truth

God’s words will fill up their hearts and will take root

Treasure what the word of God says and pursue wisdom

When you seek wisdom, insight will not be far from you

Follow the commandments so you may have a blessed life

Remember it and consume it so it will be stored inside your heart

Then you will be delivered from all those who plot evil

You will have insight and discern how to deal with them.

Solomon counsels us to treasure the commandments of the Lord and keep God’s teaching as the apple of our eyes According to Merriam Webster The idiom “apple of one’s eye” actually refers to the pupil of the eye. In ancient times, the pupil was believed to be a round, solid object comparable to an apple. Since the pupil is essential to vision, it was held to be something very precious. Thus, when you call someone the “apple of your eye,” you are telling them that they are cherished.

Deuteronomy 32:10, reads “He found him in a desert land, and in the howling waste of the wilderness; he encircled him, he cared for him, he kept him as the apple of his eye.” Deseret.com says that a more literal translation of the Hebrew is actually “little man of his eye,” which probably refers to the reflection of oneself that one sees in the eye of another person. Thus, the phrase developed into “apple of one’s eye” and retained the meaning of something treasured.

REFLECTION

  • Why do you have to keep God’s teaching as the apple of your eye?

PROVERBS 6 AFTERMATH OF ADULTERY    

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September 23

PROVERBS 6

27 Can a man carry fire next to his chest and his clothes not be burned?
28 Or can one walk on hot coals and his feet not be scorched?
29 So is he who goes in to his neighbor’s wife; none who touches her will go unpunished.
30 People do not despise a thief if he steals to satisfy his appetite when he is hungry,
31 but if he is caught, he will pay seven fold; he will give all the goods of his house.
32 He who commits adultery lacks sense; he who does it destroys himself.
33 He will get wounds and dishonor, and his disgrace will not be wiped away.
34 For jealousy makes a man furious, and he will not spare when he takes revenge.
35 He will accept no compensation; he will refuse though you multiply gifts.

                                                                – Proverbs 6:27-35

PROVERBS 6 AFTERMATH OF ADULTERY      

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

The Lord loathes the unfaithful; they will not go unpunished

Do you really think a moment of pleasure doesn’t result in a consequence?

When you take another man’s wife or another woman’s husband

You are an abomination to the Lord for he wants total loyalty

When you stir jealousy from another man’s spouse, you will suffer

To get a lover out of marriage is like plunging into the pit of darkness.

In this book, Solomon stresses the aftermath of adultery. He challenges those who are contemplating dabbling into someone else’s spouse to think again if they ever fall into the prey of the devil to take someone that does not belong to them. They may have the thrill of the secrecy and the lies and hiding at the moment they are enjoying the affair, but in the end, it brings so much destruction and conflicts.

He mentions the effect of this sin in verse 32 where the adulterer is actually really hurting himself more than anyone else. Lust is a sin against our own bodies. Since we are the temples of the Holy Spirit, we ought to treat our bodies holy and sanctified only for what it was created for. If you have no spouse yet, you are supposed to stay pure and not defile your own body for the sake of staying pure for Christ.

REFLECTION

  • What are the results of adultery in the adulterers and those around them?
  • Why do we need to take this commandment very seriously?