I love the passage in Proverbs as it shows wisdom being with God in the beginning, before creation, during creation, and then after. Wisdom states, I was with God before he created the face of the earth; I was there when he founded the earth and it’s form; I delight in the creation and the creation of man. So, it was wise of God to make us. We are pictures of His wisdom. That’s a really amazing thought! And, again, I love the picture of wisdom as standing in obvious places for us to see—that wisdom is not far but is very near. I’m reminded of the words in Jer. 29:12 or 13 (I think) when God says, “If you seek me, you will find me when you seek me with your whole heart.” Wisdom gives the same promise. She will be found by those who set their hearts to seek her. That’s a comforting thought, especially when we meet times in our lives when we just don’t know what to do. We have a promise…wisdom will be given!
I really appreciated how the woman of wisdom in proverbs is stated to be with God throughout creation. That even when we were created God used wisdom to create us. How cool is that?!
For me, trying to focus on the big message is important, for example in Proverbs 7 & 8 the importance of wisdom and in Act 6, the strength of Spirit through Stephen and how that helped him to spread God’s word.
Acts 6:10 But they were unable to stand up against [Stephen’s] wisdom and the Spirit by whom he was speaking.
What is this wisdom Stephen had? Why was it offensive? Proverbs 8 elaborates…wisdom calls out to all, even the simple and foolish.
-Speaks what is true and just and right
-Instructs valuable & desirable & precious (treasured) insight
-Works alongside prudence, knowledge, discretion, counsel, sound judgment, understanding, power
-Guides kings, princes, rulers, nobles, governors
-Loves those who love wisdom
-Is found by those who seek it: finding life, receiving favor
-Brings wealth, prosperity, riches, honor, full treasuries
-Wisdom was intimately involved in creation
-Wisdom existed before the world began (8:24-31 is a beautiful description of intelligent design!)
-Wisdom was delighted in God’s presence, with the creation of the world, and the creation of mankind
Those who lack wisdom (are those Stephen was speaking to…):
-Didn’t seek it, so they failed to find it
-Harm themselves, love death
(From Prov 7 now…):
-lack judgement
-walk in the direction of wickedness
-befriend the crafty, loud, & defiant, lurking, seeming nothing to keep them busy
-sought out by wickedness (as opposed to us seeking wisdom)
-wickedness covers up with linens & perfumes (pretending to be what it is not, “dressing up” to deceive)
-wickedness is persuasive & seductive, easily followed, like a trap, “little knowing it will cost him his life…”
-wickedness is a highway to the grave & death
I know it’s a sign of the times, but i “eye roll” at times when the Bible mentions, “WATCH out for the woman! The prostitution will be your demise.” It puts no ownership on the man, like he is hypnotized after just one look. I know it’s a sign of the times, but this just reminds of when people send girls home from school because their shorts/skirt makes the male teacher uncomfortable. Okay. Getting off my soap box.
I loved the reminder that even in comparison with all the natural creations humans stand in awe of–mountains, animals, the ocean–we are still his favorite. I don’t think I understood this as well until I had my daughter who is 17 months. I love her when she’s kind and funny and when she’s stubborn and mischievous without batting an eye. And, He’s a much better parent than I am. I can’t imagine how much He loves me!
I agree, it’s hard to read passages where all the responsibility for “wickedness” is put on a female. It makes me frustrated when some Christians use these passages to justify sexist opinions and policies. But remaining focused on the lesson and the WISDOM is what we have to do with each reading to grow with God. That’s why I’m LOVING this app and this Walk with God!
I know the proverbs really were written from a father to a son- so he is cautioning his son not to be foolish with women. It is very specific valuable instruction to protect his family by loyally staying with one woman. .,and at the same time the prostitute is a symbol of temptation in general. She can symbolize any sin that looks inviting, appealing, that actively entices us. We have to stay loyal to our one true love- God.
I accidentally put my reply under Melanie’s comment. But i wanted to add that to balance the image of prostitute- wisdom is personified as a woman here, too. A young man will be seeking some kind of woman. In proverbs his father is showing him 2 choices and laying out the consequences or benefits of each.
I think it’s because it’s a letter from father to son, so it makes sense he would warn against seductive women. And also because that’s something the father struggled with. And his grandfather struggled with.
I do notice as I grow in my walk with Jesus that the more wisdom I gain from God’s word, the more at peace my life is and the more purposeful my direction is. Wisdom and understanding are the way of life.
When I have trouble concentrating, I use the Bible Gateway app. It has an audio option with several versions to choose from. Then I hear it and see it at the same time. Maybe that can help you too…
This is unrelated, but I really struggle to focus when reading directly from the Bible. Does anyone else have this problem? Does anyone else have tips to help me stay focused? Thank you!
What bible translation are you using? Maybe you can choose one such as the NLT or MSG?
Or some other options, 1) is listening to worship music. There are some lead worshippers who do music with the word, which is basically a singing of the scriptures. Hymns, taizé, I’m sure there’s many musical options that can help. 2) Are you able to focus with an audio bible? Maybe you’re more of an auditory learner 3) It may seem a bit silly, but maybe you could look for an illustrated bible
Lastly, if not being able to understand the stories, rather than focus, being the problem, then find a bible buddy! The bible is more fun to read if you try to read it together with other brothers and sisters :) Or jot your questions down, and find someone to discuss them with!
I agree it’s tough to concentrate at times that’s an awesome list R gave. I like to make note of my questions and look them up later. That’s my favorite method. I find that when I am distracted it’s because I am thinking about other things. Thoughts start coming. I try to say to myself, stop, then I go back and re-read the passage I missed bc I was thinking about other stuff.
Reading out loud helps me a lot. Also have a colored pencil or highlighter ready to keep track of passages that you like or have learned a lot from, then you can go back and try to look at the context of these highlighted verses.
Does anyone have any thoughts or insight on Solomon writing Proverbs and Song of Solomon etc, while seemingly living a life contradictory to them? I find it confusing and seemingly hypocritical that he was the wisest man to ever live and wrote the book about holy love (S of S) yet he had something like 700 hundred wives & 300 concubines. And I was just thinking about it again reading about the adulteress, that he was not faithful to one woman. I know this is all God speaking really, but I was just wondering if anyone else was wrestling with this, or had any insight. :)
I don’t know if this is the correct answer or the right way to look at things but the way I see it is that we may know right from wrong – and could even write about it- but that doesn’t mean we will always be able to live that way. I know stealing is wrong but I know I’ve stolen things as a child. I know that lying is wrong and I’ve lied. It doesn’t mean I didn’t ask for forgiveness, or repented or that I’m a bad person, and I can tell my children not to do those things and I don’t think that makes me a hypocrite. While Solomon did make some huge mistakes (and didn’t repent from them- like his wives), we don’t know the status of his heart. He may have had the knowledge but that doesn’t mean he always had the strength or courage to do the right things. Does that make sense? Sorry, I have three kids under five and my four month old is stealing my sleep ;)
I have had that same feeling. Why does he even have writings in the bible since he lived so far outside some of the commandments? But I think it is because he asked God for wisdom and that is what we are to see and learn from in his writings. His writings are God inspired for lessons to us. Ultimately his pride, selfishness, arrogance and lust caused his demise. I wonder what his struggles must have been to know that though he was using the gift of wisdom God gave him in his writing he was unable to apply them to his life? (Yikes! We read God’s word and have trouble applying it to our lives) Here is a link to some thoughts on Solomon: http://biblehub.com/topical/s/solomon.htm
The theme for Song of Solomon is Christ (Beloved) and us/Bride of Christ (Shulamite) relationship.
Our Spiritual gifts are irrevocable because they’re not for us and are utilized for God’s purposes to edify, encourage, comfort, etc to others. Though, we or Solomon didn’t always live what he preached, God still kept Solomon/us for His mission. We have the choice to either repent or be dealt with later.
Solomon was a king and preacher and most of Solomon’s writing is meant to serve as wisdom and warnings for us. Lots was written towards the end of his life so he’s basically saying after reminiscing that there isn’t anything in this world that will fill our voids…BUT ONLY GOD! He had every material thing & no peace because he tried to worship God & his idols (all he put before God).
Proverbs 8:12 “I, wisdom, dwell with prudence,
and I find knowledge and discretion.”
Wisdom-Father, please lead me to find the wisdom to speak and act with discretion.
“FOR WISDOM IS BETTER THAN JEWELS AND ALL THAT YOU MAY DESIRE CANNOT COMPARE WITH HER.” — Prov. 8:11 This is just fabulous. Seek Him and seek His Truth!!
7And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.
32 “And now, O sons, listen to me:
blessed are those who keep my ways.
33 Hear instruction and be wise,
and do not neglect it.
34 Blessed is the one who listens to me,
watching daily at my gates,
waiting beside my doors.
35 For whoever finds me finds life
and obtains favor from the Lord,
36 but he who fails to find me injures himself;
all who hate me love death.”
I’m really enjoying proverbs, these verses jump out at me.
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Prov 8:17
I love the passage in Proverbs as it shows wisdom being with God in the beginning, before creation, during creation, and then after. Wisdom states, I was with God before he created the face of the earth; I was there when he founded the earth and it’s form; I delight in the creation and the creation of man. So, it was wise of God to make us. We are pictures of His wisdom. That’s a really amazing thought! And, again, I love the picture of wisdom as standing in obvious places for us to see—that wisdom is not far but is very near. I’m reminded of the words in Jer. 29:12 or 13 (I think) when God says, “If you seek me, you will find me when you seek me with your whole heart.” Wisdom gives the same promise. She will be found by those who set their hearts to seek her. That’s a comforting thought, especially when we meet times in our lives when we just don’t know what to do. We have a promise…wisdom will be given!
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Wisdom is so precious
32“And now, O sons, listen to me:
blessed are those who keep my ways. 33Hear instruction and be wise,
and do not neglect it. -ellie
I really appreciated how the woman of wisdom in proverbs is stated to be with God throughout creation. That even when we were created God used wisdom to create us. How cool is that?!
31rejoicing in his inhabited world
and delighting in the children of man.
Amen!
Love this
These Proverbs just aren’t sticking for me. They seem to ramble and I can’t tell who they are talking about. Any tips?
For me, trying to focus on the big message is important, for example in Proverbs 7 & 8 the importance of wisdom and in Act 6, the strength of Spirit through Stephen and how that helped him to spread God’s word.
Acts 6:10 But they were unable to stand up against [Stephen’s] wisdom and the Spirit by whom he was speaking.
What is this wisdom Stephen had? Why was it offensive? Proverbs 8 elaborates…wisdom calls out to all, even the simple and foolish.
-Speaks what is true and just and right
-Instructs valuable & desirable & precious (treasured) insight
-Works alongside prudence, knowledge, discretion, counsel, sound judgment, understanding, power
-Guides kings, princes, rulers, nobles, governors
-Loves those who love wisdom
-Is found by those who seek it: finding life, receiving favor
-Brings wealth, prosperity, riches, honor, full treasuries
-Wisdom was intimately involved in creation
-Wisdom existed before the world began (8:24-31 is a beautiful description of intelligent design!)
-Wisdom was delighted in God’s presence, with the creation of the world, and the creation of mankind
Those who lack wisdom (are those Stephen was speaking to…):
-Didn’t seek it, so they failed to find it
-Harm themselves, love death
(From Prov 7 now…):
-lack judgement
-walk in the direction of wickedness
-befriend the crafty, loud, & defiant, lurking, seeming nothing to keep them busy
-sought out by wickedness (as opposed to us seeking wisdom)
-wickedness covers up with linens & perfumes (pretending to be what it is not, “dressing up” to deceive)
-wickedness is persuasive & seductive, easily followed, like a trap, “little knowing it will cost him his life…”
-wickedness is a highway to the grave & death
Thank you so much for doing these!
I know it’s a sign of the times, but i “eye roll” at times when the Bible mentions, “WATCH out for the woman! The prostitution will be your demise.” It puts no ownership on the man, like he is hypnotized after just one look. I know it’s a sign of the times, but this just reminds of when people send girls home from school because their shorts/skirt makes the male teacher uncomfortable. Okay. Getting off my soap box.
I loved the reminder that even in comparison with all the natural creations humans stand in awe of–mountains, animals, the ocean–we are still his favorite. I don’t think I understood this as well until I had my daughter who is 17 months. I love her when she’s kind and funny and when she’s stubborn and mischievous without batting an eye. And, He’s a much better parent than I am. I can’t imagine how much He loves me!
Amen!
I agree, it’s hard to read passages where all the responsibility for “wickedness” is put on a female. It makes me frustrated when some Christians use these passages to justify sexist opinions and policies. But remaining focused on the lesson and the WISDOM is what we have to do with each reading to grow with God. That’s why I’m LOVING this app and this Walk with God!
I know the proverbs really were written from a father to a son- so he is cautioning his son not to be foolish with women. It is very specific valuable instruction to protect his family by loyally staying with one woman. .,and at the same time the prostitute is a symbol of temptation in general. She can symbolize any sin that looks inviting, appealing, that actively entices us. We have to stay loyal to our one true love- God.
I accidentally put my reply under Melanie’s comment. But i wanted to add that to balance the image of prostitute- wisdom is personified as a woman here, too. A young man will be seeking some kind of woman. In proverbs his father is showing him 2 choices and laying out the consequences or benefits of each.
I think it’s because it’s a letter from father to son, so it makes sense he would warn against seductive women. And also because that’s something the father struggled with. And his grandfather struggled with.
Thank you all for your insight on this! I was definitely struggling with the same ideas as Darlisha and this helped me to think about it in new ways.
I do notice as I grow in my walk with Jesus that the more wisdom I gain from God’s word, the more at peace my life is and the more purposeful my direction is. Wisdom and understanding are the way of life.
When I have trouble concentrating, I use the Bible Gateway app. It has an audio option with several versions to choose from. Then I hear it and see it at the same time. Maybe that can help you too…
This is unrelated, but I really struggle to focus when reading directly from the Bible. Does anyone else have this problem? Does anyone else have tips to help me stay focused? Thank you!
What bible translation are you using? Maybe you can choose one such as the NLT or MSG?
Or some other options, 1) is listening to worship music. There are some lead worshippers who do music with the word, which is basically a singing of the scriptures. Hymns, taizé, I’m sure there’s many musical options that can help. 2) Are you able to focus with an audio bible? Maybe you’re more of an auditory learner 3) It may seem a bit silly, but maybe you could look for an illustrated bible
Lastly, if not being able to understand the stories, rather than focus, being the problem, then find a bible buddy! The bible is more fun to read if you try to read it together with other brothers and sisters :) Or jot your questions down, and find someone to discuss them with!
Hope that helps!
I agree it’s tough to concentrate at times that’s an awesome list R gave. I like to make note of my questions and look them up later. That’s my favorite method. I find that when I am distracted it’s because I am thinking about other things. Thoughts start coming. I try to say to myself, stop, then I go back and re-read the passage I missed bc I was thinking about other stuff.
I find it easier to read it aloud to my son as he goes to sleep. Granted, he’s not yet 2 but he falls asleep with a smile on his face each night.
Reading out loud helps me a lot. Also have a colored pencil or highlighter ready to keep track of passages that you like or have learned a lot from, then you can go back and try to look at the context of these highlighted verses.
Proverbs 8:8 All the words of my mouth are righteous;
there is nothing twisted or crooked in them.
Does anyone have any thoughts or insight on Solomon writing Proverbs and Song of Solomon etc, while seemingly living a life contradictory to them? I find it confusing and seemingly hypocritical that he was the wisest man to ever live and wrote the book about holy love (S of S) yet he had something like 700 hundred wives & 300 concubines. And I was just thinking about it again reading about the adulteress, that he was not faithful to one woman. I know this is all God speaking really, but I was just wondering if anyone else was wrestling with this, or had any insight. :)
I don’t know if this is the correct answer or the right way to look at things but the way I see it is that we may know right from wrong – and could even write about it- but that doesn’t mean we will always be able to live that way. I know stealing is wrong but I know I’ve stolen things as a child. I know that lying is wrong and I’ve lied. It doesn’t mean I didn’t ask for forgiveness, or repented or that I’m a bad person, and I can tell my children not to do those things and I don’t think that makes me a hypocrite. While Solomon did make some huge mistakes (and didn’t repent from them- like his wives), we don’t know the status of his heart. He may have had the knowledge but that doesn’t mean he always had the strength or courage to do the right things. Does that make sense? Sorry, I have three kids under five and my four month old is stealing my sleep ;)
I have had that same feeling. Why does he even have writings in the bible since he lived so far outside some of the commandments? But I think it is because he asked God for wisdom and that is what we are to see and learn from in his writings. His writings are God inspired for lessons to us. Ultimately his pride, selfishness, arrogance and lust caused his demise. I wonder what his struggles must have been to know that though he was using the gift of wisdom God gave him in his writing he was unable to apply them to his life? (Yikes! We read God’s word and have trouble applying it to our lives) Here is a link to some thoughts on Solomon: http://biblehub.com/topical/s/solomon.htm
My assumption was that he had written them before he strayed from God.
The theme for Song of Solomon is Christ (Beloved) and us/Bride of Christ (Shulamite) relationship.
Our Spiritual gifts are irrevocable because they’re not for us and are utilized for God’s purposes to edify, encourage, comfort, etc to others. Though, we or Solomon didn’t always live what he preached, God still kept Solomon/us for His mission. We have the choice to either repent or be dealt with later.
Solomon was a king and preacher and most of Solomon’s writing is meant to serve as wisdom and warnings for us. Lots was written towards the end of his life so he’s basically saying after reminiscing that there isn’t anything in this world that will fill our voids…BUT ONLY GOD! He had every material thing & no peace because he tried to worship God & his idols (all he put before God).
Proverbs 8:12 “I, wisdom, dwell with prudence,
and I find knowledge and discretion.”
Wisdom-Father, please lead me to find the wisdom to speak and act with discretion.
“FOR WISDOM IS BETTER THAN JEWELS AND ALL THAT YOU MAY DESIRE CANNOT COMPARE WITH HER.” — Prov. 8:11 This is just fabulous. Seek Him and seek His Truth!!
This reminds me of how the noble wife is described in Proverbs 31:10! What an cool connection!
22 “The Lord possessed me at the beginning of his work,
the first of his acts of old.
I love this.
7And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.
God is great!
Love chapter 8! Wisdom enables us to know the difference between what gives life and what leads to death (proverbs 8:35-36)
32 “And now, O sons, listen to me:
blessed are those who keep my ways.
33 Hear instruction and be wise,
and do not neglect it.
34 Blessed is the one who listens to me,
watching daily at my gates,
waiting beside my doors.
35 For whoever finds me finds life
and obtains favor from the Lord,
36 but he who fails to find me injures himself;
all who hate me love death.”
I’m really enjoying proverbs, these verses jump out at me.