Proverbs 7-12 / June 4 & 5 (Day 156 & 157)

Proverbs 7:2 says, “Keep my commands and live, And my law as the apple of your eye;” the “apple” of the eye is the pupil. We need to protect His truth in our hearts with the same care we would protect our eyes.

Chapter 8 has a lot to say about the attitude we must have toward God’s wisdom and His truth. Proverbs 8:17 says. “I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently will find me.” We can’t be casual about it; we will reap the benefits God has for us when we love his truth, esteeming it above all else. We must seek it diligently, putting time and our heart into finding it. 

What is wisdom’s seven pillars mentioned in Proverbs 9:1? I can’t say for sure, but I believe it is the seven Spirit’s of God stated in Isaiah 11:2 and mentioned in Revelations chapters 1,3, and 5.

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Proverbs 10:22 says, “The blessing of the LORD makes one rich, And He adds no sorrow with it.” One of the effects of God’s blessing on someone’s life is added riches without the sorrow that comes with much of the riches in the world. Yes, there are many benefits of the blessing of the LORD, but let’s not forget that riches is one of them. The first time this Hebrew word for “rich” is used in the Bible is in Genesis 14:23; Abraham say in this verse, “I will take nothing, from a thread to a sandal strap, and that I will not take anything that is yours, lest you should say, 'I have made Abram rich.” Abraham was rich because of the blessing of the LORD.

The book of Proverbs has a lot to say about our mouth and the words we speak. Proverbs 10:19 lets us know that there is often times we must refrain from saying things; it says, “In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, But he who restrains his lips is wise.” Proverbs 11:13 gives us wisdom concerning gossip; it says, “A talebearer reveals secrets, But he who is of a faithful spirit conceals a matter.” Proverbs 12:18 teaches us to have a right motivation in what we say. We can speak truth but speak it for our gain instead of in love and cause harm. It says, “There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, But the tongue of the wise promotes health.” Our motivation should always be to help and bless others in what we say.

Jesus said His people are the light and salt of the world. We have the power to change society if we follow His example, but if we don’t, evil men will. This is seen in Proverbs 11:10-11: “When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices; And when the wicked perish, there is jubilation.  11)  By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted, But it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.”