Proverbs – Page 13 – Be Still…

Proverbs 6:1-19 – Lessons for Life

None of us came with an instruction manual at birth. Many first-time parents are overcome with the newness. Others just take it in stride. I remember being fearful throughout my pregnancy, but when the time came, instinct kicked in. It was a beautiful thing. God is so good. Today’s reading is full of some great lessons for life.

One bit of advice, in particular, I wish I had known in my younger days. I co-signed a car loan for a friend, actually a co-worker. I wanted them to be able to get to work, after all. But if I had read this nugget of wisdom, I would have graciously declined. I would have saved thousands of dollars when he defaulted on the loan and they sold the car at auction for pennies on the dollar. Have you had life lessons like that you wish you could have avoided?

Proverbs 5:1-23 – Beware of Immoral Women

Read Proverbs 5:1-23

I can still hear my mother telling me as a young girl to be careful not to tarnish my reputation. I never really understood what the big deal was. If I was comfortable in my own skin, making the choices that I did, why should I worry about what others thought? Parents have a way of sharing their wisdom in a way that isn’t always helpful. When we are told “don’t do that” aren’t we all the more inclined to want to do it?

Perhaps I was just a disobedient child. Perhaps when your parents told you to do something, you did it. You didn’t question them or try to push the envelope. I wonder about Solomon’s children. He spends a lot of time in this chapter telling his sons to stay away from immoral women.

Proverbs 4:20-27 – Guard Your Heart

Read Proverbs 4:20-27

Chapter 4 has been beautiful guidance from a wise parent. We, as children of God, would be smart to recognize these words as for our own good. I can still hear my mother saying, “this is for your own good” or “I’m only doing this because I love you.” Likewise, this chapter has been full of examples we should take to heart and not question.

When our hearts and minds are full of good things, we can’t help but be good. Solomon tells us these words are “life” to those who find them and “health” to a man’s body. When we guard our hearts with wisdom, we are protecting our whole being.

Proverbs 4:10-19 – The Key to Life

Read Proverbs 4:10-19

Do you remember hearing about the “birds and the bees” from one of your parents? It was an awkward moment as I remember, but it was information that I needed to know. My body was changing and knowing why made a big difference. Did I like that my childhood seemed like it was ending too soon? No, but I was anxious to be an adult because it looked like such fun.

Fast forward a number of years, and in adulthood I look back and long for the simpler days of being a child. I don’t think I’m alone here. In fact, there is a new verb I’ve heard young adults using, “adulting.” They say something like this – “Boy, I didn’t know adulting was going to be so hard” or “I’m not sure I’m a fan of adulting.” Each stage of life brings a new challenge to be sure.

Proverbs 4:1-9 – Got Wisdom?

Read Proverbs 4:1-9

Why is it parents get wiser as the years go by? As a young child, those parents can do no wrong. And then, something happens in the teen years. A bit of rebellion perhaps as we seek our independence and realize we have a voice, too. Our parents don’t seem to be as wise, and we often turn to other sources (friends and the world) for our advice and counsel. At some point, we return to our senses realizing our parents, though flawed in their own ways, were always wise.

In today’s reading we see a father remembering his own instruction and giving the same to his children. Wisdom is something we can and should encourage our children to seek, too. Wisdom is a gift that keeps on giving. It’s not like you have it once and then lose it. But it is something to be sought after and nurtured.