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Bill Elliff
Proverbs 2
HOW TO RECEIVE TWO OF THE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS
May 11, 2020
Turn to my reproof. Behold, I will pour out my spirit on you; I will make my words known to you. (Proverbs 1:23)
It took my several years. I tried living on my own power and wisdom for most of my teenage years. It was a complete disaster. I was miserable. I made dumb mistakes and I had no power to overcome even the smallest sins.
Coming to the end of my resources didn’t take long and finally I told the Lord at age 17, “If anything is going to be made of my life, Lord, You’re going to need to do it. I’m making a mess of things.”
THE TWO THINGS I NEED
Within days, God began to teach me the irreplaceable value of two things: His Word and His Spirit. If I would read it, the Word of God would give me all the direction I needed regarding every step. If I would rely on Him, the Spirit of God would give me the power to take every right step. These are the essential components needed for true success.
Not long after that, I read this promise from God in Proverbs 2:23 and realized there was a condition for understanding the Word and being empowered by HIs Spirit (which I now desperately wanted).
I must turn when He speaks. I must be in a posture to hear His direction. The Spirit would speak through the Word and tell me when I was going the wrong way. But, upon hearing His reproof, I must be willing to turn. Turning is called “repentance.” It involves coming to a profound change of mind that results in a glad willingness to go the other direction.
I have, as do we all, a basic unwillingness to turn from most sins. I think I know better what is right for my life. What will help me. What is good for me. But I am almost completely wrong most of the time. This is why listening is so important. I must be in the Word which is a “lamp unto my path, and a light unto my feet.” As God gives loving reproof, it is my responsibility to choose His path. To turn.
He will give me the power to make this adjustment by His Spirit. But I must be willing to turn. This is why David prayed after his sin and repentance with Bathsheba, “sustain me (keep me going in the right direction) with a willing spirit” (Psalm 51:12, parenthesis added).
THE REASON FOR THIS CONDITION
This condition for continued illumination is understandable. Why would God give you more light if you’re resisting the light He’s already given? Why would He give you more power if you are not utilizing what He has provided? But, if you will turn at His instruction, He will give you the two most needed things.
“I will pour out my spirit on you
I will make my words known to you.”
What could be more simple today? And what could be better? When God speaks, turn. You will understand more and more of God’s Word and His Spirit will give you all the help you need.
Father, thank You for making this promise. Thank You that Your Spirit’s power and Your word’s illumination are easily accessible for me. Give me the wisdom to trust You today. To realize that Your way is always better; Your will is always good. Make my heart pliable and sensitive. Help me to turn at Your slightest touch and fill me with Your Holy Spirit so that Your life will flow from me to others today for Your glory.
Storing Up Truths
Scripture Reading — Proverbs 2:1-11
My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you . . . then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. — Proverbs 2:1-5
A subtle, amusing cartoon shows a group of church elders, tired from a lengthy discussion. One of them suggests, “I don’t care who broke the wall of Jericho. I move we have it repaired and take the funds from the facilities budget.”
Most Sunday school students know who “broke the wall of Jericho” and what God said about it (see Joshua 6). Yet, considering its subtle point, the cartoon reminds us that biblical knowledge is declining today even where church attendance may be booming.
Storing up God’s commands and turning our ears to his wisdom doesn’t come naturally. It takes regular Bible reading and reflection. Living as disciples of Jesus Christ, we must make the effort to learn God’s Word—his words and commands.
Wise living calls for serious reading of Scripture. It requires learning details about the life of Jesus as told in the gospels. Learning what Jesus said and did will make us appreciate his ultimate sacrifice. It will encourage us to imitate his life, devoted to obeying his Father’s will.
A wise heart and a knowledgeable walk are pleasant to the soul and yield eternal blessings. Can a true disciple desire anything less? Do you?
Prayer
Life-giving God, grant us the desire to learn the truths and teachings in your Word so that our lives will have a compass to steer us in the right direction as your children. In Christ, Amen.vi
Devotion topics: Wisdom, Bible, Books of the Bible, Proverbs
Proverbs 3New Living Translation
Trusting in the Lord
3 My child,[a] never forget the things I have taught you.
Store my commands in your heart.
2 If you do this, you will live many years,
and your life will be satisfying.
3 Never let loyalty and kindness leave you!
Tie them around your neck as a reminder.
Write them deep within your heart.
4 Then you will find favor with both God and people,
and you will earn a good reputation.
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
do not depend on your own understanding.
6 Seek his will in all you do,
and he will show you which path to take.
7 Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom.
Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil.
8 Then you will have healing for your body
and strength for your bones.
9 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.
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.[b]
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.
21 My child, don’t lose sight of common sense and discernment.
Hang on to them,
22 for they will refresh your soul.
They are like jewels on a necklace.
23 They keep you safe on your way,
and your feet will not stumble.
24 You can go to bed without fear;
you will lie down and sleep soundly.
25 You need not be afraid of sudden disaster
or the destruction that comes upon the wicked,
26 for the Lord is your security.
He will keep your foot from being caught in a trap.
27 Do not 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 violent people
or copy their ways.
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.
34 The Lord mocks the mockers
but is gracious to the humble.[c]
35 The wise inherit honor,
but fools are put to shame!
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