Be Rewarded… – PROVERBS 3:33-35 [7 of 7]

January 28, 2015January 28, 2015buildafoundation Leave a comment

They see what I do, but they don’t perceive its meaning.  They hear my words, but they don’t understand.  So they will not turn from their sins and be forgiven.  –  Mark 4:12
————————————————————————————–
32         Such wicked people are detestable to the Lord,

         but He offers His friendship to the godly.

33 The Lord curses the house of the wicked,
but He blesses the home of the upright.

³⁴The Lord mocks the mockers
but shows favor to the humble and oppressed.

³⁵The wise inherit glory and honor,
but fools are put to shame!

Although this Proverb is only 35 verses long, Solomon packs in a ton of practical/applicable principles.

In the first few verses of Proverbs 3:1-10, Solomon talks about cause and effect relationships — (See posts referencing these verses — http://wp.me/p5nZpi-87, http://wp.me/p5nZpi-89, http://wp.me/p5nZpi-8z).
He then moves on to talk about God’s loving discipline, verses 11-12 — (See post — http://wp.me/p5nZpi-9v).
And then to showing the benefits of seeking and following Wisdom, verses 13-20 — (See post — http://wp.me/p5nZpi-av).
In verses 21-32, Solomon gives a number of warnings — (See post — http://wp.me/p5nZpi-b6).
And lastly, in verses 32-35, above, Solomon wraps up Proverbs 3 with BUT(s), (in bold print).

After all the don’t(s) that we saw in the previous verses, Solomon uses these last four verses to reassure God-followers that He does care about them. That He understands that those who follow His ways may be challenged and ridiculed. BUT, those who persevere, will be rewarded with…

God’s friendship – v. 32
blessing over their home (family, marriage, relationships, finances, health, etc.) – v. 33
favor (with others) – v. 34
glory and honor – v. 35

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Choose today to be among those who will one day say, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me–the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to His appearing”.- 2 Timothy 4:7-8

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Which Way to Turn? Which Way to Turn??? – PROVERBS 3:21-32 [6]

January 26, 2015January 27, 2015buildafoundation Leave a comment

With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bear with one another in love.
Ephesians 4:2

21 My child, DON’T lose sight of common sense (applying experience, knowledge) and       discernment ( good judgement based on experience and knowledge = wisdom)
Hang on to them,
22    For they will…
        1. Refresh your soul.
            They are like jewels on a necklace.
23    2. They keep you safe on your way,
        3. Your feet will not stumble.
24    4. You can go to bed without fear;
        5. you will lie down and sleep soundly.

25 You DON’T need be afraid of sudden disaster
      or the destruction that comes upon the wicked, for the
26   1. Lord is your security.
       2. He will keep your foot from being caught in a trap.

27 DON’T withhold good from those who deserve it
when it’s in your power to help them.

28 If you can help your neighbor now, DON’T say,
“Come back tomorrow, and then I’ll help you.”

29 DON’T plot harm against your neighbor,
for those who live nearby trust you.

30 DON’T pick a fight without reason,
when no one has done you harm.

31 DON’T envy the oppressor (someone who dominates or inflicts stress on someone)
or copy their ways.
32 Such wicked people are detestable to the Lord, but
1. He offers His friendship to the godly.

In the above verses you will see a series of DON’T(s), and the results of heeding those warnings. (See words in bold print for DON’T(s), and underlined numbers for the results).

Remember these principles when faced with making a decision that falls into the “gray” area. Recalling AND Applying God’s Word will clear the “debris”, and enable you to see the “wise” choice. (As you may notice, the “wise” choice is in the murky water. Look closely. It’s often hard to see until it’s been filtered out with God’s Truth, leaving the “wise” choice clearly visible.)

Now that we know all the positive results that come from following God’s guidance, hopefully the next time we find ourselves at a crossroads, we’ll have a good idea which path to choose.

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Wisdom – Pointing the Way —> PROVERBS 3:13-20 [5]

January 21, 2015January 27, 2015buildafoundation Leave a comment

It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. – Psalm 118:8

13   Joyful is the person who finds wisdom,
    the one who gains understanding.
14 For wisdom is more profitable than silver,
    and her wages are better than gold.
15 Wisdom is more precious than rubies;
    nothing you desire can compare with her.
16 She offers you long life in her right hand,
    and riches and honor in her left.
17 She will guide you down delightful paths;
    all her ways are satisfying.
18 Wisdom is a tree of life to those who embrace her;
    happy are those who hold her tightly.

19 By wisdom the Lord founded the earth;
by understanding he created the heavens.
20 By his knowledge the deep fountains of the earth burst forth,
and the dew settles beneath the night sky.

In verses 13-18 we see the value of wisdom emphasized and reemphasized. (See words in bold print). The benefits of wisdom are all fantastic!!! Seeking and following wisdom enables us to navigate life.

It is like having a personal tour guide, pointing the way.

Wisdom is so powerful, verses 19-20 says, it was By wisdom and understanding the Lord founded the earth, and created the heavens.

We could compare wisdom to binary code. To those who don’t know what it is or how to apply it, it simply looks like a bunch of ones and zeros. But for those who “get it”, and “apply it”, the possibilities are endless.

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To Punish, or Not to Punish, That is the Question: – PROVERBS 3:11-12 [4]

January 15, 2015January 27, 2015buildafoundation Leave a comment

The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him. – Psalm 28:7

11 My child, don’t reject the Lord’s discipline,
and don’t be upset when He corrects you.
12 For the Lord corrects those He loves,
just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights.

Reading about discipline in verses 11 and 12 can make some of us cringe. That’s because discipline tends to emit a negative vibe, and is often used interchangeably with punishment. Discipline, however, is quite different from punishment.

Punishment as defined by Merriam-Webster, is to impose a penalty on for a fault, offense, or violation. To make (someone) suffer for a crime or for bad behavior.

Discipline as defined by Dictionary.com, is training expected to produce a specific character or pattern of behavior, especially training that produces moral or mental improvement. An activity, exercise, or a regimen that develops or improves a skill.

Discipline’s purpose is to teach and train. And how it’s administered greatly affects the results.

We see in verse 12, the Lord corrects those He loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights. These two words, in bold print, are much different from words like – who he wants to control, wants to show who’s boss, wants to express his anger towards…

Discipline, is correction that comes from a position of love, with the purpose of instructing and training. If, however, correction comes from a negative, angry, or vengeful position, it’s not discipline, it’s punishment.

At this point, you might be thinking to yourself, “isn’t there a place for punishment?” Of course there is. It’s necessary for the police to punish people for crimes they commit, and the military to punish people who threaten the safety of its country’s citizens. But it also might surprise you to know that punishment can be used alongside discipline, and still come from a position of love.

I’ll use an example to illustrate: A child is playing with his football in the house, and breaks mom’s vase.

Punishment = Mom yells at the child, and sends her to her room without dinner (making child suffer for their disobedience behavior). Observe the child’s posture in each of these pictures.

Discipline = Mom reiterates, to the child, the fact that playing in the house with a football can cause damage, and is evidenced by the broken vase (teaching). Observe the child’s posture in this picture.

Discipline & Punishment = Mom reiterates, to the child, the fact that playing in the house with a football can cause damage, and is evidenced by the broken vase (teaching), therefore, the child is responsible to replace the vase (imposed penalty).

It is not unusual that we get upset when reprimanded. It’s a natural reaction. If it weren’t, Solomon would have had no need to mention it. Yet he said in verse 11, don’t be upset when corrected. The key to being open to correction is whether or not the one disciplining you is purposed to teach you, help and guide you, or is purposed to control, dominate, and “make you pay”. There is a big difference between these two approaches, and how the recipient will receive and respond.

No one likes being called on the carpet. But when discipline comes from a position of love, even if it irks you initially, accept and appreciate that someone cares about you, wants to keep you safe, and “on track”. So comply, humble yourself, and repentant (change direction) and recognize they have our best interest in mind.

I’ve mentioned in the above example, the response of the one being disciplined. However, put yourself in the position of the one disciplining/punishing. What is your goal? To control by force and feel “big and strong”, or to have the recipient learn from the experience, and next time make the “wise choice” ?

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Take a Step, Make a Choice, THEN… – PROVERBS 3:7-10 [3]

January 9, 2015January 27, 2015buildafoundation Leave a comment

The eyes of the LORD search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. – 2 Chronicles 16:9

7   DON’T be impressed with your own wisdom.
     Instead, (IF you) fear the Lord and turn away from evil.
8   (THEN) you will gain renewed health and vitality.
9   (IF you) Honor the Lord with your wealth
     and with the best part of everything you produce.
10 THEN He will fill your barns with grain,
       and your vats will overflow with good wine.

Solomon continues IF/THEN comparisons in verses 7-10.

Solomon begins verse 7 with a warning. Don’t be impressed with our own wisdom. I like how the New International Version (NIV) puts it – Don’t be wise in your own eyes. Or the New Living Translation (NLT) – Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom.

Instead, as we read on in verse 7, we’re encouraged to take an action step and make a choice to turn away from evil.

The result of making a conscious decision to follow God’s ways, (THEN) verse 8, is renewal. Renewal is defined as replacing or repairing something that is worn-out, run-down, or broken. The principle is that when we choose to turn away from evil, our lives will be renewed. Our health and vitality (energy) are restored and replenished – we get a new lease on life.

God has not left us alone to navigate life. God, in His grace, has made available wise counselors, friends, internet, churches, etc. to us. He’s also made available to us an instruction manual, a “treasure” map – the Bible.

God loves people so much, not only did He give his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. – John 3:16, but through His daily provisions, which often go unnoticed or taken for granted. He wants to remove the guess-work and the groping around in the dark from our daily living and interactions. Anyone who is willing to hear should listen and understand! – Mark 4:9 (We hear with our ears, but there is a deeper kind of listening with the mind and heart that is necessary in order to gain spiritual understanding. – Life Application Bible)

Verses 9 and 10 give us a way to take action and honor God. It is our way of saying thanks, and acknowledging that all we have has been given to us from God. Our finances, our talents, our intelligence, everything that makes us who we are. What’s the use of saying you have faith if you don’t prove it by your actions? So you see, it isn’t enough just to have faith. Faith that doesn’t show itself by good deeds is not faith at all — it is dead and useless. – James 2:14,17

When we share with others, when we offer a kind/comforting word, when we hear of a need and meet it, etc., all these actions honor God. For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me. – Matthew 25:35-36
And then, it is as though God says “thank you” right back to us for honoring Him. THEN He will fill your barns with grain, and your vats will overflow with good wine. – v.10

Thanksgiving and blessings, thanksgiving and blessings, on and on, and on.

⁶Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. ⁷You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” ⁸And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. – 2 Corinthians 9:6-8

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Keep Your Foot Out of Your Mouth…. – PROVERBS 3:5-6 [2]

January 7, 2015January 27, 2015buildafoundation 1 Comment

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. – Romans 8:28

Proverbs 3

5    (IF you) Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
(IF you) do not depend on your own understanding.
6    (IF you) Seek His will in all you do,
THEN He will show you which path to take.

Verses 5 and 6 have always brought me encouragement and comfort. In particular, the second “If” statement in verse 5, warning – DO NOT depend on our own understanding. Even now, as I write this verse down, I pause to consider the practical application of this principle. Let’s use an example to illustrate.

Have you ever found yourself judging someone? Sure, you may think that you are justified because you know this or that, or heard so-and-so say _______, and they act this way or that way, therefore, you can conclude _________. If you are anything like me, I’m sure there has been more than one time you’ve put your foot in your mouth. Awwwwww…. I doubt, however, anyone thought you were “cute”. Perhaps you’ve had this baby’s expression after thinking, “What did I just say? What did I just do? What was I thinking?” I bet you wish you could have a “do-over”. Unfortunately, once our words, attitudes, judgments, etc. are “out there”, there are no “do-overs”. What if we were to think of our life and other’s lives like jigsaw puzzles? Maybe then we could better understand and apply this principle.

Maybe you know someone as an acquaintance, as a co-worker, as a student we pass in the hall at school, etc. We know “surface” information about them. The color of their hair, the clothes they like to wear, the music they like to listen to, hobbies they enjoy, etc. Just the border of a puzzle.

Then there are the people who we know quite a bit better. We’d call them our close friends, our family, our kindred spirits, etc. These people have allowed us into the deeper parts of their lives. Into places few people will ever be welcomed. Their hopes and dreams, their frustrations, concerns, their values, their likes and dislikes, etc. The border of the puzzle plus many internal pieces.

No matter how close we are to another person, they will never completely know us, nor will we ever completely know them. In fact there are aspects we don’t even know about ourselves. Things that haven’t yet been revealed to us. All of our talents, characteristics, gifts, where we’ll be in the next 10 years, etc.

There will always be a missing piece(s) in “the puzzle”.

People’s lives are complicated. We see only what we see. But there is a lot more going on in people’s lives, more than we’ll ever know. We only know what they choose to share with us. Basically, as the saying goes, we don’t know what goes on behind closed doors.

Therefore, (IF you) Seek His will in all you do, THEN He will show you which path to take. – v.6

Only God knows every nook and cranny that makes me me. He has examined my heart and knows everything about me. – Psalm 139:1 – For more info about God’s love for you, check out – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+139%3A1-16&version=NLT

(IF you) Depend on God, seek Him, asking Him for direction, and the words to say. (THEN) you’ll keep your feet on the ground, and out of your mouth. 🙂

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IF , THEN __… – PROVERBS 3:1-4 [1]

January 5, 2015January 27, 2015buildafoundation Leave a comment

What you say flows from what is in your heart. – Luke 6:45

1   My child, never forget the things I have taught you.
    Store my commands in your heart.
2   IF you do this, (THEN) you will live many years,
    and your life will be satisfying.
3 (IF you) Never let loyalty and kindness leave you!                                                                                  (IF you) Wear them like a necklace, as a reminder.
(IF you) Write them deep within your heart.
4 THEN you will find favor with both God and people,
and you will earn a good reputation.

In the first few verses of Proverbs Chapter 3, Solomon utilizes cause and effect. If you do ____, then _____ will be the result. You’ll notice in bold type, and in ( ), if/then that I’ve added for emphasizing the cause/effect relationships in verse 1-4.

From the opening of chapter 3 we’re reminded – NEVER forget the things I’ve taught you, store them in your heart.

Verse 2 – IF you follow these principles (throughout the Book of Proverbs and the Bible)
THEN you’ll live long and have a satisfying life (you’ll be content, fulfilled)
Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need. – Matthew 6:33

Verse 3 – we see two particular character traits mentioned, loyalty and kindness. A character trait is a distinguishing factor(s) that is specific to an individual.
How do we recognize character traits in people? Their attitudes and beliefs are reflected in their actions.
A loyal person is someone another person/people can count on. They are faithful. As in the example of a husband and wife in marriage, or an employee to an employer, or a friend to a friend.
A kind person is someone who looks out for best interests in another. Like a big sister making sure her little brother crosses the street safely, helping a kid who dropped their books in the hall, or holding a door open for someone.

Verse 3 goes on to say that our attitudes/beliefs are demonstrated by the actions we take. Wear loyalty and kindness like a necklace. An outward sign. Write them deep within your heart. Internalize them. Let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think – Romans 12:2

We’ve all heard the saying, actions speak louder than words. Not only do actions speak louder than words, but actions actually speak/reflect our internal attitudes/beliefs. The words, feelings, and thoughts that no one sees or hears. Yet, as hard as we may try to suppress our innermost attitudes/beliefs, our actions are acting like a megaphone announcing the “hidden” internal world of our hearts.

But, IF we follow Solomon’s principle in verse 3, THEN, v.4, we’ll find favor with God, and favor with people, and earn a good reputation. A win-win!!

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Should I Follow Any People??? – PROVERBS 2:20-22 [5 of 5]

January 2, 2015January 27, 2015buildafoundation Leave a comment

You are a person of God; so run from all these evil things. Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance (continue doing something even though it may be difficult), and gentleness. – 1 Timothy 6:11

20 Follow the steps of good men instead,
    and stay on the paths of the righteous.
21 For only the godly will live in the land,
    and those with integrity will remain in it.
22 But the wicked will be removed from the land,
    and the treacherous will be uprooted. – Proverbs 2:20-22

The title for Proverbs Chapter 2, as seen in many Bible translations, is the Benefits of Wisdom.

Wisdom’s purpose is to guide and teach us. As mentioned in the introduction of Proverbs, http://wp.me/p5nZpi-1j, Proverbs are principles, not promises.

A principle is a statement telling someone of a likely/probable outcome. Example = “if you play with fire you’re going to get burned.”

A promise is a statement telling someone of a definite outcome. Example = “if you put your bare hand into the fire, your skin will be burned.”

Thankfully, God has given us the ultimate travel guide, The Bible. And additionally, He has given us godly/wise people to help us along our journey. Following their steps, verse 20 – Follow the steps of good men instead, and stay on the paths of the righteous, can help us avoid the bumps and “potholes” of life. They might offer wise advice saying, “when I was younger, I thought it was ok to tell my friend just what I felt about them. But then I realized I didn’t have all the pieces of the puzzle when I spouted off. I felt so dumb at that point, and wished I could have taken back the nasty words I said, but it was too late. I tried speaking my mind, and I should have remember the saying, we have one mouth and two ears, so listen twice as much as you talk.”

Advice given to us by a godly, trusted, life-experienced person –

Let wisdom enter your heart. Let knowledge fill you with joy. Allow wise choices to watch over you, and understanding to keep you safe. – Proverbs 2:10-1, http://wp.me/p5nZpi-6P

Looking For Love in All the Wrong Places…. PROVERBS 2:16-19 [4]

December 31, 2014January 27, 2015buildafoundation 1 Comment

The LORD stands beside me like a great warrior. Before him my persecutors will stumble. They cannot defeat me. – Jeremiah 20:11

16 Wisdom will save you from the immoral woman,
    from the seductive words of the promiscuous woman.
17 She has abandoned her husband
    and ignores the covenant she made before God.
18 Entering her house leads to death;
    it is the road to the grave.
19 The man who visits her is doomed.
    He will never reach the paths of life.

Verses 16-19 are talking about another temptation people often face. The media glorifies it, and people get entangled in its enticement. The temptation – sexual sin.

The song, ‘Looking for love in all the wrong places’, from the movie Urban Cowboy comes to mind when reading verses 16-19. The lyrics to the chorus are:

I was lookin’ for love in all the wrong places
Lookin’ for love in too many places
Searchin’ her eyes, lookin’ for traces
Of what I’m dreamin’ of
Hoping to find a friend and a lover
I’ll bless the day I discover,
You – lookin’ for love.

People tend to use sex in an attempt to fill “a hole”. That hole, being a desire to love and be loved, as the lyrics above mention.

There is nothing wrong with having a desire for love. In fact, it is God who gave us that desire. Unfortunately, many times in our search for love we end up side-stepping God’s teaching and guidance. We may find ourselves led astray by the ways and beliefs of our culture. Although we’ll find a ton of cultural support for our ungodly choices, the results may turn out to be anything but what we have hoped.

It is easy to get draw into sexual sin when led solely by feelings. Often times people think that “I “feel” so happy, maybe if I sleep with ____, they’ll “feel” that same way about me.” Or, “I have “needs”, and if God didn’t want me to fulfill them, He wouldn’t have given them to me.” We’re reminded, however, in verses 18 and 19, that those who give into sexually immoral “feelings” are being led to death, not life. They will be doomed, not blessed.

Remember God’s promise to us:

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need. – Matthew 6:33

Wisdom in Available to You, RIGHT NOW, TODAY!!! – PROVERBS 2:7-11 [2]

December 26, 2014January 27, 2015buildafoundation Leave a comment

For You, O LORD, will bless the righteous; with favor You will surround him as with a shield. – Psalm 5:12

7 He is a shield to those who walk with integrity.
8 He guards the paths of the just
and protects those who are faithful to him.
9 Then you will understand what is right, just, and fair,
and you will find the right way to go.
10 For wisdom will enter your heart,
and knowledge will fill you with joy.
11 Wise choices will watch over you.
Understanding will keep you safe.

Wisdom is unique. It not only gives everyone have the opportunity to receive it, but it’s benefits are far-reaching. With wisdom we get God’s protection, see words in bold print.

We get understanding, making the “wise” path clear to us. No more confusion.

We’ll have direction, and know which path to choose among the various options.

Here’s the key — Although we’ll know which path to take, it will be up to us, as we exercise our free will, to choose the “wise”/God directed path. Don’t just listen to God’s Word, DO what it says. – James 1:22

Verses 10-11, tell us that when wisdom enters our heart, the knowledge we’ll receive will —

Fill us with joy
Watch over us, and
Keep us safe.

Wisdom is not something I hope for sometime in the future. It is a gift that is available to me right now. A gift, should I choose to accept and open it, will yield abundant blessings.