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Dear Heavenly Father, Praise Not many children had parents who instilled in them a passion for the path of righteousness. Fewer still experienced a father’s love that proved itself in patient and consistent discipline. That’s why I rejoice that you are my Father! As your child, I have the privilege of listening to your counsel and hearing your wisdom! You warn me to avoid the wicked way, and you love me enough to rebuke me when I sin. I worship you today and honor your name! Praise the Lord! Today in Your Word Today you told me more of the wise sayings and proverbs of Solomon. As Solomon counseled his own son, he remembered the teaching of his father David: “He taught me and said to me, ‘Let your heart hold fast my words; keep my commandments and live’” (Prov 4:4). This teaches me that a love of wisdom is passed on to the next generation mainly through the personal attention that a parent gives their child. I need to take time each day to impress on my children that there are two paths before them: the way of wisdom and the way of wickedness. I must channel their God-given desire for happiness and success into a pursuit of that which brings true satisfaction and fulfillment—wisdom. As I read, I noticed that Solomon pictured his son in action: ‘incline your ear,’ ‘when you walk,’ ‘let your eyes look forward,’ ‘keep hold,’ etc. He did this to underscore the fact that wisdom is all about action. It is putting into practice the principles of purity. It is not enough to simply know what is right; I must do what is right if I would be wise! Much of what Solomon taught his son had to do with the “strange woman” (cf. Prov 5:1–23; 6:20–35), that is, the woman who is not your own (she belongs to someone else). Solomon knew, of course, that his son would be attracted to beautiful women, and he did not condemn the sexual urge itself. Instead, he encouraged his son: “Rejoice in the wife of your youth, a lovely deer, a graceful doe. Let her breasts fill you at all times with delight; be intoxicated always in her love” (Prov 5:18–19). This teaches me that being wise is more than merely denying myself forbidden pleasure. Rather, it is actively finding joy in the many good things that you have given me. The question before me is this: will I feast on what you have provided or will I chase after what you have forbidden? Reflection Solomon said, “A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and want like an armed man” (Prov 6:10–11). Before I think to myself, ‘Well, that’s not me!’ I need to understand Solomon’s point. He’s saying that I’m more likely to be snared by many small indulgences than by some large extravagance. Am I allowing small excesses in my life that will add up over time to equal heartache and disaster? Request Father, guard my heart and life from those things which are an abomination to you: “Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers” (Prov 6:17–19). Let none of these things rule over me! Thanksgiving Thank you for the gift of your commandments and the favor of your teachings. If I bind them on my heart and tie them around my neck, they will lead me and watch over me and talk with me! In Jesus’ name, Amen. Suggested Hymn: “God's Way Is Always Best” — Eliza E. Hewitt. Meditation Verse: Proverbs 6:32. |