Today’s Tasting: Proverbs 1–3: Today we begin looking at the book of Proverbs, which was written mostly by Solomon as a way of imparting Godly wisdom.
Proverbs chapter 1 begins by explaining this and then gives us specific instructions for maintaining behaviors that are honorable and wise. Verse 7 tells us that “the reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord is the beginning and the principal and choice part of the knowledge,” and verses 8 and 9 remind us of the importance of the commandment to honor our mothers and fathers.
Proverbs chapter 2 tells us that if we are attentive to the ways of God and seek Him with great intent, he answers our prayers and provides for and protects us, and we grow in knowledge, wisdom, and understanding.
Proverbs chapter 3 is a reminder to follow the commandments that God handed down to Moses not only in the strict sense of the law, but also with the intent of the heart. Solomon provides examples to teach us how to apply the commandments to our daily lives with the love God intends us to show to our neighbors.
Today’s Nourishment: These first three chapters of the book of Proverbs set the stage for the remaining chapters by explaining why we should choose to live a righteous life that is in alignment with God. The teachings of the Proverbs remind me of Jesus’ habit of teaching his followers using parables. Parts of chapter 2 of Proverbs even remind me of the Beatitudes from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount that is recounted in the book of Matthew. We are reminded of God’s love for us and the rewards he has promised to those who are faithful to Him.
In 3:5 we are told to “Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding.” This teaching is repeated not only throughout the Old Testament, but it is—according to the Gospels—what Jesus taught was the “great and first commandment” (Matthew 22:38).
I never cease to be amazed by the consistency of the message throughout the Bible. It’s easy for us to look at the Bible today—in its entirety—and see the consistency of God’s message and teachings. But if we stop to think about it piece by piece as it was being told and written over thousands and thousands of years, it is truly an amazing piece of work that could only have been completed with God’s vision and inspiration.
For example, Solomon had no concept of Jesus. Because he was a Jew, he knew there would be a messiah one day but he did not have the knowledge of Jesus’ teachings like we have today. Yet his teachings are very much in line with what Christians follow today as the teachings of Jesus.
When you think about the planning that had to take place and the execution of that plan—which required the cooperation of fallible humans, over thousands and thousands of years—how can you not see God at work?
Tomorrow’s Delight: Proverbs 4–6
Hugs & Blessings,
Monica
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