31 Days of Wisdom Archive
31 Days of Wisdom (2005) - Day 31 (03/31/05 - 0 Comments)
This is the thirty first and final part in this study through the book of Proverbs. The purpose of this study has been to learn wisdom and discernment from God's Word. Yesterday I learned that limited human wisdom can never compare with God's unlimited perfect wisdom. I also saw that though nature proclaims that God exists, it is only through His Word that I can really come to know Him. Finally I saw through several examples from nature, that God is able to overcome any weakness through His strength.
31 Days of Wisdom (2005) - Day 30 (03/30/05 - 0 Comments)
This is part thirty in my 31-day study through the book of Proverbs. The purpose of this study is to learn wisdom and discernment from God's Word. Yesterday I learned that I need to keep my mouth and emotions under control lest I be proven foolish by my words or actions. I also saw the importance of maintaining moral purity when in a position of leadership, where political, church or family leadership.
Chapter 30 is one of just two chapters in this book that records the wisdom of someone other than Solomon. The proverbs in this chapter were written by Agur, a man we know nothing about, except that he was probably a foreigner (and the son of Jakeh, as mentioned in the first verse).
31 Days of Wisdom (2005) - Day 29 (03/29/05 - 0 Comments)
This is part twenty nine in my 31-day study through the book of Proverbs. The purpose of this study is to learn wisdom and discernment from God's Word. Yesterday I learned that confession is a critical aspect of having a deep, intimate relationship with God. Failing to confess sin to Him will build barriers in our fellowship. I also saw the value of trusting God to guide me through life rather than depending on myself.
Chapter twenty nine is the final chapter containing Solomon’s proverbs, for chapter thirty was written by Agur and the final chapter by Lemuel. Today’s passage repeats many of the themes we have seen in previous days, so I will try to focus on a couple of other key messages.
31 Days of Wisdom (2005) - Day 28 (03/28/05 - 0 Comments)
This is part twenty eight in my 31-day study through the book of Proverbs. The purpose of this study is to learn wisdom and discernment from God's Word. Yesterday I learned that since God is in full control of the future I need to ensure I am not presumptuous about what is to come. I also read powerful words that described the heart as being like a mirror that reflects who I really am.
"Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, but such as keep the law contend with them." Several days ago a similar proverb made me think about the people of Hollywood and this verse did the same.
31 Days of Wisdom (2005) - Day 27 (03/27/05 - 0 Comments)
This is part twenty seven in my 31-day study through the book of Proverbs. The purpose of this study is to learn wisdom and discernment from God’s Word. Yesterday I learned that no proverb will apply to each and every situation, so I need to be careful in their application. I also saw that I need to be wary around foolish men for they are, because of their foolishness, untrustworthy. Finally I saw examples of how folly breeds delusion so that foolish men are unable to see or understand their own folly.
31 Days of Wisdom (2005) - Day 26 (03/26/05 - 0 Comments)
This is part twenty six in my 31-day study through the book of Proverbs. The purpose of this study is to learn what God has to say in this book about wisdom and discernment. Yesterday I learned the value of being humble. It is far better to begin humble and be exalted than to begin proud and be brought to shame. I also saw that wisdom will teach moderation.
There is so much wisdom in today's chapter that I hardly know where to begin! This is no doubt the funniest chapter in the whole Bible (which admittedly, does not contain a whole lot of humor) as it contains some striking statements about lazy and foolish men.
31 Days of Wisdom (2005) - Day 25 (03/25/05 - 0 Comments)
This is part twenty five in my 31-day study through the book of Proverbs. The purpose of this study is to learn wisdom and discernment from God’s Word. Yesterday I learned that wise people surround themselves with trusted, godly counselors and then heed the counsel of these people during tough times. I also saw that I am to show equal love to both friends and enemies and never rejoice in anyone’s trouble.
Chapter twenty five is prefaced with the words "These also are proverbs of Solomon which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied." Hezekiah was a godly king who lived long after Solomon. During his reign there was a return to the Law of Moses and it seems that there was also a return to emphasis on wisdom. The proverbs were copied, either from existing documents or from oral tradition, so they could be widely distributed.
31 Days of Wisdom (2005) - Day 24 (03/24/05 - 0 Comments)
This is part twenty four in my 31-day study through the book of Proverbs. The purpose of this study is to learn wisdom and discernment from God's Word. Yesterday I learned that riches are fleeting, so to work myself to exhaustion in order to acquire them is foolish. I also learned that sin is addictive and though initially it provides joy, it always ends up bringing sorrowful consequences. I should avoid sin, trusting that with God's power I can overcome it.
Verses 5 and 6 raise a theme that we have seen before in Proverbs. "A wise man is strong, Yes, a man of knowledge increases strength; For by wise counsel you will wage your own war, And in a multitude of counselors there is safety."
31 Days of Wisdom (2005) - Day 23 (03/23/05 - 0 Comments)
This is part twenty three in my 31-day study through the book of Proverbs. The purpose of this study is to learn wisdom and discernment from God’s Word. Yesterday I learned that God makes no partiality based on wealth – all men are equal in His eyes and will be judged by the same standards, regardless of their riches in this world. I also saw that if I train my children in the way of wisdom, they will learn to love it and not turn from it when they grow older.
31 Days of Wisdom (2005) - Day 22 (03/22/05 - 0 Comments)
This is part twenty two in my 31-day study through the book of Proverbs. The purpose of this study is to learn wisdom and discernment from God’s Word. Yesterday I learned that God is in complete control - Every person, whether great or small, believing or unbelieving, must do God’s will, whether he realizes he is doing it or not. I also saw that the path to destruction begins with greedily desiring things but not having the motivation to acquire them. I need to set my sites on godly goals and do all I can to reach them.
31 Days of Wisdom (2005) - Day 21 (03/21/05 - 0 Comments)
This is part twenty one in my 31-day study through the book of Proverbs. The purpose of this study is to learn wisdom and discernment from God's Word. Yesterday I learned that though any fool can begin an argument it takes a wise man to know when and how to apologize and cease fighting. I also learned that discipline, though it may be painful, should serve to force me to examine my life and see where I am not following God's will. Today we turn to the twenty first chapter of Proverbs.
The chapter begins with an expression of the Lord's omnipotence. "The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, Like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes." Everyone is under God's control, even kings and rulers who may not acknowledge Him. God's sovereignty extends to all people of all times and they must do his bidding whether they realize it or not. At the same time we know that God will not force anyone into doing wrong since we are wholly responsible for our own sin. So though God may use our evil for His purposes, it does not excuse our sin. We are still responsible for carefully discerning right from wrong.
31 Days of Wisdom (2005) - Day 20 (03/20/05 - 0 Comments)
This is part twenty in my 31-day study through the book of Proverbs. The purpose of this study is to learn what God has to say in this book about wisdom and discernment. Yesterday I learned that family relationships offer not only the greatest opportunities for blessing, but also the greatest opportunities for pain. I have to be a wise father to ensure that my children are raised in wisdom so they do not prove shameful later in life. I also learned about the natural inclination to blame God for our own sins.
"It is honorable for a man to stop striving, Since any fool can start a quarrel." Any old fool can start a fight but it takes a real man to apologize. A mark of wisdom is having the humility and good sense to admit blame and be the one to apologize first. When I read this proverb I thought of my relationship with my wife.
31 Days of Wisdom - Day 19 (03/19/05 - 0 Comments)
This is part nineteen in my 31-day study through the book of Proverbs. The purpose of this study is to learn what God has to say in this book about wisdom and discernment. Yesterday I continued to learn one of the predominant themes of this book – I need to guard my lips and choose my words carefully, whether I am in a position of judgment or simply listening in order to give advice. Also, I am to put my trust in the Lord and find my refuge in Him rather than in material possessions.
One emphasis in chapter nineteen is family relationships. Verse 13 reads "A foolish son is the ruin of his father, And the contentions of a wife are a continual dripping." A son who despises wisdom will bring grief to his family.
31 Days of Wisdom - Day 18 (03/18/05 - 0 Comments)
This is part eighteen in my 31-day study through the book of Proverbs. The purpose of this study is to learn what God has to say in this book about wisdom and discernment. Yesterday I learned that God uses difficult times in my life to shape and mould my character and that during these times I need to have a peaceful soul and restrain my tongue. I also learned the value of avoiding strife at all costs.
The predominant theme of chapter eighteen is the dangerous nature of words. Verses 6 through 8 read "A fool's lips enter into contention, And his mouth calls for blows. A fool's mouth is his destruction, And his lips are the snare of his soul...
31 Days of Wisdom (2005) - Day 17 (03/17/05 - 0 Comments)
This is part seventeen in my 31-day study through the book of Proverbs. The purpose of this study is to learn what God has to say in this book about wisdom and discernment. Today we are looking at the seventeenth chapter of Proverbs.
"The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, But the LORD tests the hearts."
Silver and gold are of little value or beauty before they go through the process of refining. During this time they are heated to great temperatures so the valuable metals can melt away from the worthless rock. The metaphor of refining fire is used many times in the Bible to show to us that God uses tough times in life to refine our character.
31 Days of Wisdom - Day 16 (03/16/05 - 0 Comments)
This is part sixteen in my 31-day study through the book of Proverbs. The purpose of the study is to learn wisdom and discernment from this portion of God's Word. Today our passage is the sixteenth chapter of Proverbs.
A predominant theme in this chapter is God's omnipotence. Where in the previous chapter the author stressed the fact that God sees and knows everything, in this chapter he stresses the fact that God also controls everything. The first verse says "The preparations of the heart belong to man, But the answer of the tongue is from the LORD." Though I may make preparations for the future and even diligently pray about it, ultimately it is God who is going to control what happens. Whatever He speaks is going to come to pass. This is reinforced in the ninth verse which reads "A man's heart plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps." The obvious application of this knowledge is to submit my life to God, giving Him control over it. I need to seek His will so I can prepare my way for His purposes.
31 Days of Wisdom (2005) - Day 15 (03/15/05 - 0 Comments)
This is part fifteen in my 31-day study through the book of Proverbs. The purpose of the study is to learn wisdom and discernment from this portion of God’s Word. Today we turn to chapter 15 of this book of Wisdom.
"The eyes of the LORD are in every place, Keeping watch on the evil and the good."
There is so much truth contained in this one small verse! This verse speaks of a doctrine we know as God's omniscience which says that God sees and knows everything.
31 Days of Wisdom (2005) - Day 14 (03/14/05 - 0 Comments)
This is the fourteenth of thirty-one articles examining the book of Proverbs. Today we come to chapter fourteen as we near the half-way mark of this study.
"A scoffer seeks wisdom in vain, but knowledge is easy for a man of understanding. Leave the presence of a fool, for there you do not meet words of knowledge. The wisdom of the prudent is to discern his way, but the folly of fools is deceiving."
This passage reinforces what I have already learned through earlier chapters. Each of us is faced with the decision to choose wisdom over foolishness. However, if we continually reject wisdom it seems that there is a point of no return after which wisdom will forsake us permanently.
31 Days of Wisdom (2005) - Day 13 (03/13/05 - 0 Comments)
This is part thirteen in my 31-day study through the book of Proverbs. The purpose of this study is to learn what God has to say in this book about wisdom and discernment. Yesterday I learned that I need to be willing to face correction and be willing to correct others. I also learned that I prove my character by how I treat God’s creation, including animals. Finally, I need to choose my friends carefully, choosing people who are wise, for I will inevitably be influenced by people I spent time with.
“The soul of a lazy man desires, and has nothing; But the soul of the diligent shall be made rich.”
31 Days of Wisdom - Day 12 (03/12/05 - 0 Comments)
This is part twelve in my 31-day study through the book of Proverbs. The purpose of this study is to learn what God has to say in this book about wisdom and discernment. Yesterday I learned that God is the source of wisdom and justice and in order to please Him I need to exhibit those traits. I also learned that acquiring wisdom should not lead to arrogance but to humility. Finally, I have to take responsibility for my own sin. Even if I pursue a life of wisdom I need to expect God’s rebuke and correction for those times I do choose foolishness.
“Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge, But he who hates correction is stupid.”
31 Days of Wisdom (2005) - Day 11 (03/11/05 - 0 Comments)
This is the eleventh of thirty-one articles covering the book of Proverbs. Chapter eleven of Proverbs continues the theme of contrasting the righteous and the wicked. Though not every proverb uses these words, most of them adhere to this theme.
God is the source of all that is good, just and wise. Because he perfectly embodies all of these traits, it stands to reason that he would find delight when we seek to honor him through attempting to follow his goodness, justice and wisdom. Conversely we would expect Him to hate anything that contradicts these traits.
31 Days of Wisdom (2005) - Day 10 (03/10/05 - 0 Comments)
This is day ten in our thirty-one day study of Proverbs, and today we reach the heart of the book. Chapters 10 through 22 of Proverbs contain mostly single-sentence proverbs and form almost half of the book. There are occasionally longer constructs, but generally verses are not interconnected. They may build on a common theme, but this appears to be an aid to memorization more than the exposition of a theme. The bulk of the proverbs in this chapter, and those that follow, contrast two ideas using the conjunction "but." The usual contrasts are righteousness and wickedness or wisdom and folly. Because each chapter contains many proverbs, often 25 or 30 of them, I will not be writing about each and every one. I will focus, rather, on only a few. I will look for recurring themes and for proverbs that really "jump out" at me.
31 Days of Wisdom (2005) - Day 9 (03/09/05 - 0 Comments)
This is day nine in this thirty-one day journey through Proverbs. This chapter provides one final call for wisdom, contrasted with the call of folly, before the book turns to the Proverbs of Solomon which will extend nearly to the end of the book. Chapter ten begins to provide the short, contrasting statements for which this book is best known.
"Wisdom has built her house; she has hewn her seven pillars. She has slaughtered her beasts; she has mixed her wine; she has also set her table. She has sent out her young women to call from the highest places in the town, "Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!" To him who lacks sense she says, "Come, eat of my bread and drink of the wine I have mixed. Leave your simple ways, and live, and walk in the way of insight"" (1-7).
31 Days of Wisdom (2005) - Day 8 (03/08/05 - 0 Comments)
This is day eight in this thirty-one day study of the book of Proverbs. Proverbs 8 is an incredible poem that personifies wisdom as a teacher. Where in previous chapters the teacher has usually been a father instructing his children, we now see wisdom as the supreme teacher.
In the first eleven verses wisdom cries out at the top of the hills, the crossroads and the gates of the city, crying for simple people to learn prudence and fools to learn sense. She will share what is noble and right and true. She has no choice but to speak truth for foolishness is incompatible with wisdom and would be an abomination to her lips. She tells me to seek her more than gold and more than jewels, for nothing I can obtain in this world can compare to her value.
31 Days of Wisdom (2005) - Day 7 (03/07/05 - 0 Comments)
This is the seventh day of this thirty-one day journey through the book of Proverbs. Due to extenuating circumstances (primarily a long night filled with sick children and hospital visits) I have not had opportunity to do as much study and writing as I would have liked. Thus I will be relying somewhat on last year's study of this passage.
Chapter seven of Proverbs is divided into three sections. The first and last of them are instructions to avoid adultery while the middle section is a narrative used to illustrate this teaching.
31 Days of Wisdom (2005) - Day 6 (03/06/05 - 0 Comments)
Today is the sixth day in this thirty-one day study of Proverbs and our topic today is, as you might expect, chapter six. Because today is the Lord's Day I will write only very briefly. This chapter contains a metaphor that is one of my favorite parts of Proverbs. "Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. Without having any chief, officer, or ruler, she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest. How long will you lie there, O sluggard? When will you arise from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and want like an armed man."
31 Days of Wisdom (2005) - Day 5 (03/05/05 - 0 Comments)
This morning brings us to day five of this thirty-one day study of Proverbs, and that means that we are studying the fifth chapter. This chapter bears much resemblance to the second, for it is primarily concerned with submission to the law, and avoidance of sins of a sexual nature.
As we have seen many times already, this chapter begins as a word from a father to a son. "My son, be attentive to my wisdom; incline your ear to my understanding, that you may keep discretion, and your lips may guard knowledge." While Solomon does not begin with a "thus saith the Lord" statement, he still demands the listener’s attention, for he commands that he be attentive to his wisdom and diligently seek to understand. What the author will say in this chapter is worthy of meditation and will be valuable in living to the glory of God. To ignore these teachings is to ignore God-given wisdom.
31 Days of Wisdom (2005) - Day 4 (03/04/05 - 0 Comments)
Today, in this thirty-one day journey through the book of Proverbs, we move to chapter four. This chapter is nicely divided into three sections, each of which takes the form of instruction from father to son. This is an often-used construct within Proverbs, and one we have already seen several times. Each of the sections today begins with "hear, O sons," "hear, my son," or simply "my son." Interestingly, this chapter contains no mention of God or any other facet of religion. This shows that wisdom is not merely spiritual, but is practical as well. As we have seen in previous chapters, there is no distinction made between head knowledge and heart knowledge. Hence all pursuit of wisdom, whether it contains the name of God or not, is equally spiritual and practical.
31 Days of Wisdom (2005) - Day 3 (03/03/05 - 0 Comments)
This is the third article in this thirty-one day series in which we will examine the book of Proverbs. Today our text is the third chapter and it opens with an exhortation which continues through the first twelve verses. As with many passages in this book, they are framed in the context of a father providing instruction to his son. “My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you” (1,2). The word given here as “teaching” is otherwise translated “law” and while it is not to be confused with the Mosaic Law, yet we see that wisdom’s instruction holds the same authority. When God provides His wisdom to us, we are not to shrug it off or to regard it as optional. Rather we are to keep His commands with our hearts, meaning we are to store them in our hearts, to treasure them, and to let that wisdom show itself in our actions. As we learned previously, Proverbs acknowledges no difference between head knowledge and heart knowledge.
31 Days of Wisdom (2005) - Day 2 (03/02/05 - 0 Comments)
This is the second article in a 31-day study of Proverbs and our chapter today is Proverbs 2. This chapter is a gold mine of information regarding why we must seek wisdom, how we can do so, and what benefits it will bring. First, let’s look at how we can seek and find God’s wisdom.
We must read God's Word. "My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you, making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding..." (1,2). To gain wisdom, we must first and primarily turn to the source of all wisdom, which is the God as He has revealed Himself in the Bible. To begin anywhere else is to ignore the most obvious means God has given us to learn about Him and, hence, to grow in wisdom. Notice here also that the author does not distinguish between head knowledge and heart knowledge. Rather, he assumes that what we learn intellectually will necessarily become heart knowledge as well, impacting not just the mind, but the life.
31 Days of Wisdom (2005) - Day 1 (03/01/05 - 0 Comments)
In March of 2004 I began a 31-day study in Proverbs I entitled "31 Days of Wisdom." I thoroughly enjoyed this study and benefited from it tremendously. Having been challenged recently to do more writing of an expository nature, I have decided to begin this study anew, and will perhaps even make it a March tradition. Thus I present to you, "31 Days of Wisdom 2005." I trust that we will be edified together as we wade through this book of wisdom. If you are not currently engaged in other Bible study in your personal study time, I would invite you to join in.
In terms of "ground rules," there are few. I will be reading one chapter per day from the English Standard Version for the next thirty-one days and will be posting some reflections right here. You are more than welcome to join in on the forums and to share what the Holy Spirit has been teaching you through His Word. I will be posting a separate "introduction to Proverbs" which will introduce the author and major themes of the book.
31 Days of Wisdom - Reflections (04/03/04 - 2 Comments)
I recently completed an in-depth study of the book of Proverbs. Reading one chapter for each day of March, I completed this study in 31 days. As I sought to learn wisdom and discernment from God, I found this to be one of the most rewarding Bible studies I have ever completed. Every day I was challenged by the Divine wisdom so prominently displayed in each chapter and verse of Proverbs. Reflecting on that study,...
31 Days of Wisdom - Day Thirty One (03/31/04 - 1 Comments)
This is the thirty first and final part in this study through the book of Proverbs. The purpose of this study has been to learn wisdom and discernment from God’s Word. Yesterday I learned that limited human wisdom can never compare with God’s unlimited perfect wisdom. I also saw that though nature proclaims that God exists, it is only through His Word that I can really come to know Him. Finally I saw through several...
31 Days of Wisdom - Day Thirty (03/30/04 - 0 Comments)
This is part thirty in my 31-day study through the book of Proverbs. The purpose of this study is to learn wisdom and discernment from God’s Word. Yesterday I learned that I need to keep my mouth and emotions under control lest I be proven foolish by my words or actions. I also saw the importance of maintaining moral purity when in a position of leadership, where political, church or family leadership. Chapter 30 is...
31 Days of Wisdom - Day Twenty Nine (03/29/04 - 0 Comments)
This is part twenty nine in my 31-day study through the book of Proverbs. The purpose of this study is to learn wisdom and discernment from God’s Word. Yesterday I learned that confession is a critical aspect of having a deep, intimate relationship with God. Failing to confess sin to Him will build barriers in our fellowship. I also saw the value of trusting God to guide me through life rather than depending on myself....
31 Days of Wisdom - Day Twenty Eight (03/28/04 - 0 Comments)
This is part twenty eight in my 31-day study through the book of Proverbs. The purpose of this study is to learn wisdom and discernment from God’s Word. Because today is Sunday this will be an abbreviated look at the chapter. Yesterday I learned that since God is in full control of the future I need to ensure I am not presumptuous about what is to come. I also read powerful words that described the...
31 Days of Wisdom - Day Twenty Seven (03/27/04 - 0 Comments)
This is part twenty seven in my 31-day study through the book of Proverbs. The purpose of this study is to learn wisdom and discernment from God’s Word. Yesterday I learned that no proverb will apply to each and every situation, so I need to be careful in their application. I also saw that I need to be wary around foolish men for they are, because of their foolishness, untrustworthy. Finally I saw examples of...
31 Days of Wisdom - Day Twenty Six (03/26/04 - 2 Comments)
This is part twenty six in my 31-day study through the book of Proverbs. The purpose of this study is to learn what God has to say in this book about wisdom and discernment. Yesterday I learned the value of being humble. It is far better to begin humble and be exalted than to begin proud and be brought to shame. I also saw that wisdom will teach moderation. There is so much wisdom in...
31 Days of Wisdom - Day Twenty Five (03/25/04 - 0 Comments)
This is part twenty five in my 31-day study through the book of Proverbs. The purpose of this study is to learn wisdom and discernment from God’s Word. Yesterday I learned that wise people surround themselves with trusted, godly counselors and then heed the counsel of these people during tough times. I also saw that I am to show equal love to both friends and enemies and never rejoice in anyone’s trouble. Chapter twenty five...
31 Days of Wisdom - Day Twenty Four (03/24/04 - 1 Comments)
This is part twenty four in my 31-day study through the book of Proverbs. The purpose of this study is to learn wisdom and discernment from God’s Word. Yesterday I learned that riches are fleeting, so to work myself to exhaustion in order to acquire them is foolish. I also learned that sin is addictive and though initially it provides joy, it always ends up bringing sorrowful consequences. I should avoid sin, trusting that with...
