relationships (Proverbs 12:1-13) We Can Only Give What We Have

(Proverbs 12:1-13)

1   One who loves discipline loves knowledge,
     But one who hates rebuke is stupid.
2   A good person will obtain favor from the Lord,
     But He will condemn a person who devises evil.
3   A person will not be established by wickedness,
     But the root of the righteous will not be moved.
4   An excellent wife is the crown of her husband,
     But she who shames him is like rottenness in his bones.
5   The thoughts of the righteous are just,
     But the counsels of the wicked are deceitful.
6   The words of the wicked wait in ambush for blood,
     But the mouth of the upright will rescue them.
7   The wicked are overthrown and are no more,
     But the house of the righteous will stand.
8   A person will be praised according to his insight,
     But one of perverse mind will be despised.
9   Better is one who is lightly esteemed and has a servant,
     Than one who honors himself and lacks bread.
10 A righteous person has regard for the life of his animal,
     But even the compassion of the wicked is cruel.
11 One who works his land will have plenty of bread,
     But one who pursues worthless things lacks sense.
12 The wicked person desires the plunder of evil people,
     But the root of the righteous yields fruit.
13 An evil person is ensnared by the offense of his lips,
     But the righteous will escape from trouble.

TODAY'S THOUGHTS AND MEDITATION:

Healthy lifestyles will develop healthy relationships.  We cannot give others what we do not have.  Anyone with a poor character, cannot offer anything of value to anyone else.  If the foundation of a selfish person's life is greed, even when they are being nice, they will have ulterior motives.  And in order to gain the trust of others, they will do things like boast and honor themselves.  As well, this person will fabricate lies to cover up their indiscretions.  So, we can see how these people would be unreasonable and their paths would be twisted with hypocrisy.  Who can really trust this kind of person, whether in business or in a relationship?  

As Christians who continuously grow closer to the Lord in a personal relationship, we will be rooted in Him, trusting in Him and relying on Him.  Because He is love, we will love others unconditionally, sacrificially and unselfishly.  Because He is wisdom and truth, we will love knowledge in truth and will know how to apply it.  Because the Lord is holy, just and righteous, our thoughts and the intentions of our heart will be just, right and good.  And because He is faithful, all-powerful and eternal, we will stand and not be moved.  

It is the Lord who keeps us firmly planted, giving us courage and strength.  Because we are rooted in the Lord, and He is the one nourishing us and growing us, we will produce fruit of righteousness.  Because we have the Lord's indwelling Holy Spirit, we should always be allowing Him to guide us through life, through every aspect.

Whatever is in our hearts will help steer our words and actions.  Therefore, a person's character will be demonstrated by what they pursue, what they desire, how they speak, how they work with responsibility, how they treat an animal, and how they treat others - especially - how they treat their own spouse.

Here is just one good reason why a believer should date and marry another believer... because the two become one flesh.  Therefore, if one spouse is being rude to the other, they are actually being rude to themselves.  If a spouse is behaving shamefully, it is shameful to both.  Etc.  But if a spouse behaves excellently, it reflects positively on both.  Most importantly, when both are reflecting the love of God, they are not just honoring each other and their marriage, but they are honoring the Lord!

Even individually, when we speak with godly words and with spiritual insight, we are honoring and glorifying God.  Others will find this praiseworthy, simply because we are not honoring or glorifying ourselves.  But God, who knows our hearts, will be well-pleased at how we represent Him.  The closer we grow to the Lord, the richer we become in His strength, wisdom, peace, love, joy... Therefore, the more we ask God to help us, the more we have to offer to enrich our relationships with others!

relationships (Proverbs 11:1-31) Conflict Control

(Proverbs 11:1-31)

1   A false balance is an abomination to the Lord,
     But a just weight is His delight.
2   When pride comes, then comes dishonor;
     But with the humble there is wisdom.
3   The integrity of the upright will guide them,
     But the perversity of the treacherous will destroy them.
4   Riches do not benefit on the day of wrath,
     But righteousness rescues from death.
5   The righteousness of the blameless will smooth his way,
     But the wicked will fall by his own wickedness.
6   The righteousness of the upright will rescue them,
     But the treacherous will be caught by their own greed.
7   When a wicked person dies, his expectation will perish,
     And the hope of strong people perishes.
8   The righteous is rescued from trouble,
     But the wicked takes his place.
9   With his mouth the godless person destroys his neighbor,
     But through knowledge the righteous will be rescued.
10 When things go well for the righteous, the city rejoices,
     And when the wicked perish, there is joyful shouting.
11 By the blessing of the upright a city is exalted,
     But by the mouth of the wicked, it is torn down.
12 One who despises his neighbor lacks sense,
     But a person of understanding keeps silent.
13 One who goes about as a slanderer reveals secrets,
     But one who is trustworthy conceals a matter.
14 Where there is no guidance the people fall,
     But in an abundance of counselors there is victory.
15 One who is a guarantor for a stranger will certainly suffer for it,
     But one who hates being a guarantor is secure.
16 A gracious woman attains honor,
     And ruthless men attain riches.
17 A merciful person does himself good,
     But the cruel person does himself harm.
18 A wicked person earns deceptive wages,
     But one who sows righteousness gets a true reward.
19 One who is steadfast in righteousness attains life,
     But one who pursues evil attains his own death.
20 The perverse in heart are an abomination to the Lord,
     But the blameless in their walk are His delight.
21 Be assured, the evil person will not go unpunished,
     But the descendants of the righteous will be rescued.
22 As a ring of gold in a pig’s snout 
     So is a beautiful woman who lacks discretion.
23 The desire of the righteous is only good,
     But the expectation of the wicked is wrath.
24 There is one who scatters, and yet increases all the more,
     And there is one who withholds what is justly due, 

     and yet it results only in poverty.
25 A generous person will be prosperous,
     And one who gives others plenty of water will himself be given plenty.
26 One who withholds grain, the people will curse him,
     But blessing will be on the head of him who sells it.
27 One who diligently seeks good seeks favor,
     But one who seeks evil, evil will come to him.
28 One who trusts in his riches will fall,
     But the righteous will flourish like the green leaf.
29 One who troubles his own house will inherit wind,
     And the foolish will be servant to the wise-hearted.
30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life,
     And one who is wise gains souls.
31 If the righteous will be repaid on the earth,
     How much more the wicked and the sinner!

TODAY'S THOUGHTS AND MEDITATION:

In the recent years, there have been many books and articles written in efforts to shed light on conflict resolution, on how and why conflicts begin, and how we can avoid starting conflicts in the first place.  Well, right here is a book called the Bible, that God has written for all of us, which explains all of this, and more!

The answer to why conflicts begin is easy.  Most people do not like to be controlled, UNLESS they can control the narrative, and have some kind of authority make everyone else comply to their defined narrative, as they see fit.  In other words, it is our sinful nature that fights to control others.  We see this in our families, in society, and around the world, especially in the arenas of money, politics and religion.  Yeah, those three taboo topics we are told to avoid at a dinner party or family reunions!

For conflict resolution, here we are told to let the Lord's righteousness, wisdom and integrity guide us.  And we are to continually rely on the Lord and the knowledge of His instructions to rescue us.  While these answers are very general, they are true, as well as helpful.  We can find many verses throughout the scriptures that give us specifics.  Matthew 18:15-35 is just one example.  But, this particular chapter in Proverbs really focuses in on how we can try to avoid conflicts in the first place.

The topic of money and business is a touchy one, because we all need money to survive, but it can also be the thing that destroys us.  The verses above tell us to be "ruthless", meaning, we are to be shrewd and wise in business and with money.  Most people struggle with this, because they want what they want and they want it now;  and in that, they lack discipline.  Therefore, if one talks about budgeting, saving and investing, people will get jealous, frustrated and angry.  Even when they themselves have asked for advice - they really don't want it.  They want to hear things like, "Keep on doing what you're doing.  Things will just magically turn around for you."  So, I'm learning to just stay quiet on the topic, and if asked, I'm trying to give short, simple answers.  I've got to learn to "read the room"!

Part of being "ruthless" (shrewd and wise) in money and business management includes best practices;  like, avoid being a guarantor, especially for a stranger.  Always assume that if you do this, that money is as good as gone.  Wisdom and shrewdness tells us that we should be fair in business dealings, without cheating anyone out of money, or withholding money owed to anyone, or even withholding products or services that people need to survive.  This should be a no-brainer, yet when a person becomes greedy, they will become deceptive, and begin to cheat and withhold.  Although, it won't take long for people to notice and become angry.  In fact, we are not only to avoid being greedy, we are to practice being gracious to others, which will bring honor.  This is something that people will actually respect.

God tells us that the generous will prosper and be blessed.  What helps us here is to understand that money doesn't save us.  The love of money is the root of all sorts of evil.  If we put money ahead of God, then money becomes our god.  And when we worship money, we will do whatever it takes to get more of it, and not let go of it unless it somehow helps ourselves.  Meanwhile, it is only the Lord's salvation that saves us.  And it is the Lord who provides!  In God's economy, when we are faithful with our money, time and resources, like in tithing and doing good in His righteousness, He rewards us.  Although, the reward/s should not be our motive.  We are told to do and say everything in God's love, in His righteousness.

The topic of politics has become extra touchy these days!!!  In part, because it involves money and how our tax monies are spent.  And also, because many try to wield personal ideals through various policies.  Therefore, politics have become a religion to quite a few people.  Their faith is in the government, and their hope is in humanity that they will somehow either be in total agreement with their preferences, and/or that the government will force everyone to comply.  

That is on the macro-level.  We also find politics within our own communities, be it with work, school, sports, clubs, church, family or friends.  Conflict will arise when people try to find strength in "political" power (in some form or stance of authority).  In personal campaigns to gain power, people will look for weaknesses or secrets to use against others.  People who lack discretion will spread slander and gossip with hopes of destroying anyone who gets in their way.  This act is hatred in motion, inciting others to hate the victim/s as well.  All of this creates a very contentious battleground, which is extremely destructive and polarizing.  Eventually, this will be found out!  The ugly will become obvious, and those people will pay the price, especially in how they will destroy their own reputation.

Creating trouble in already troubled situations, will only bring more trouble and destruction.  The preventative medicine in "politics" is to not play the game of politics, not even at home.  Especially not at home!  With God's love as our motive, and God's strength to lean on, and God's wisdom to guide us, we will treat others as we want to be treated.  We will know when to keep quiet, especially because we will know not to try to manipulate or control anyone.  Showing mercy and kindness to people will help to bring peace and resolution into contentious relationships, which is good for both ourselves as well as others.

So then, on the topic of religion, we know that people need guidance, and purpose in life.  And most people try to find this in various ways, but it is usually in a way that suites their personal preferences, because at the heart of sin is pride.  A sinful heart wants affirmation in whatever one desires and however they get it.  At the same time, it will compare, criticize and judge others, because they want to feel like they are better than others.  Therefore, many find the Bible offensive, because it reveals that we are born with a sinful nature.  And we will be punished for our sins unless we seek and embrace the Lord's forgiveness, salvation and help.  But because of pride, people think they can do it all in their own strength.  And because of greed, selfishness and self-centeredness, people want to do what they want to do, and feel like they are in control.

These are things that we should never practice in the church or in our lives, or it will create conflicts.  Even in how we tell others about the Lord.  We must understand that it is a personal decision for each person to make.  God Himself does not force anyone to love Him or obey Him!  So here as well, our goal should never be to manipulate or control anyone.  We should certainly pray for opportunities to share the good news, with humble hearts, guided by God's wisdom and integrity.  And in the Lord's righteousness, we should desire good outcomes by doing good deeds.  

While we cannot control others, we will still face conflicts.  But God calls us to live in such a way that we are not the ones creating or facilitating conflicts, but rather, in His strength and wisdom, we are the ones helping to bring peace and resolution.

relationships (Proverbs 10:1-32) True Satisfaction

(Proverbs 10:1-32)  The proverbs of Solomon.

1   A wise son makes a father glad,
     But a foolish son is a grief to his mother.
2   Ill-gotten gains do not benefit,
     But righteousness rescues from death.
3   The Lord will not allow the righteous to hunger,
     But He will reject the craving of the wicked.
4   Poor is one who works with a lazy hand,
     But the hand of the diligent makes rich.
5   He who gathers in summer is a son who acts wisely,
     But he who sleeps in harvest is a son who acts shamefully.
6   Blessings are on the head of the righteous,
     But the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.
7   The mentioning of the righteous is a blessing,
     But the name of the wicked will rot.
8   The wise of heart will receive commands,
     But a babbling fool will come to ruin.
9   One who walks in integrity walks securely,
     But one who perverts his ways will be found out.
10 He who winks the eye causes trouble,
     And a babbling fool will come to ruin.
11 The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life,
     But the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.
12 Hatred stirs up strife,
     But love covers all offenses.
13 On the lips of the discerning, wisdom is found,
     But a rod is for the back of him who has no sense.
14 Wise people store up knowledge,
     But with the mouth of the foolish, ruin is at hand.
15 The rich person’s wealth is his fortress,
     The ruin of the poor is their poverty.
16 The wages of the righteous is life,
     The income of the wicked, punishment.
17 One who is on the path of life follows instruction,
     But one who ignores a rebuke goes astray.
18 One who conceals hatred has lying lips,
     And one who spreads slander is a fool.
19 When there are many words, wrongdoing is unavoidable,
     But one who restrains his lips is wise.
20 The tongue of the righteous is like choice silver,
     The heart of the wicked is worth little.
21 The lips of the righteous feed many,
     But fools die for lack of understanding.
22 It is the blessing of the Lord that makes rich,
     And He adds no sorrow to it.
23 Doing wickedness is like sport to a fool,
     And so is wisdom to a person of understanding.
24 What the wicked fears will come upon him,
     But the desire of the righteous will be granted.
25 When the whirlwind passes, the wicked is no more,
     But the righteous has an everlasting foundation.
26 Like vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes,
     So is the lazy one to those who send him.
27 The fear of the Lord prolongs life,
     But the years of the wicked will be shortened.
28 The hope of the righteous is gladness,
     But the expectation of the wicked perishes.
29 The way of the Lord is a stronghold for the upright,
     But ruin to the workers of injustice.
30 The righteous will never be shaken,
     But the wicked will not live in the land.
31 The mouth of the righteous flows with wisdom,
     But the perverted tongue will be cut out.
32 The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable,
     But the mouth of the wicked, what is perverted.

TODAY'S THOUGHTS AND MEDITATION:

Mothers (parents) will be grieved when their children live and act foolishly, because, as Christian parents, we want to see our children live secure lives of purpose and satisfaction, which are founded in God and His will.  But if one only lives to be entertained and experience a life of leisure, one will run into trouble and find shame.  And if one only lives to be wealthy, there will be more temptation to cheat, lie and steal.  A heart of lust leads to perversions.  A heart of hate leads to contentious behavior and violence.  A heart that tries to control and self-persevere leads to manipulating, lying and falsely accusing others.

All these kinds of behavior will never bring satisfaction.  And all will be exposed, bringing ruin, punishment and death.  Just the threat of these things will foster fear.  And as verse 24 points out... what a person fears is what will happen to them.  The reason is because everything is about relationships and purpose.  

If one is only living for themselves, which is to live according to one's own preferences and thinking, somewhere and somehow, someone else will be offended.  Especially when one is living among others who are also only living for themselves, the threat of danger is even more prevalent.  But, if one decides to humbly seek the Lord and His salvation which comes with forgiveness, and as we continue to walk closely with the Lord to live in His will and purpose, and in His desires and wisdom, we will find comfort, peace, joy and security in a loving, personal relationship with the Lord.

(1 John 4:18)  There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love.

In this, fathers (parents) will be pleased as their children seek wisdom and use discretion, because they are looking to and relying on the Lord.  As we draw nearer, we become more Christ-like, because He changes us from the inside-out, and He then blesses us!  It is only in our relationship with the Lord that we will find and experience fulfillment and satisfaction.  Wisdom, understanding and knowing the Lord is our true treasure and wealth, as we will then realize our biggest blessings are the love, joy, strength and hope we have in Christ!

relationships (Proverbs 9:1-18) Surviving and Thriving

(Proverbs 9:1-18) 

1   Wisdom has built her house,
     She has carved out her seven pillars;
2   She has prepared her food, she has mixed her wine;
     She has also set her table;
3   She has sent out her attendants, she calls out 
     From the tops of the heights of the city:
4   “Whoever is naive, let him turn in here!”
     To him who lacks understanding she says,
5   “Come, eat of my food 
     And drink of the wine I have mixed.
6   Abandon your foolishness and live,
     And proceed in the way of understanding.”

7   One who corrects a scoffer gets dishonor for himself,
     And one who rebukes a wicked person gets insults for himself.
8   Do not rebuke a scoffer, or he will hate you;
     Rebuke a wise person and he will love you.
9   Give instruction to a wise person and he will become still wiser;
     Teach a righteous person and he will increase his insight.
10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
     And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
11 For by me your days will be multiplied,
     And years of life will be added to you.
12 If you are wise, you are wise for yourself,
     And if you scoff, you alone will suffer from it.

13 A woman of foolishness is boisterous,
     She has a lack of understanding and knows nothing.
14 She sits at the doorway of her house,
     On a seat by the high places of the city,
15 Calling to those who pass by,
     Who are going straight on their paths:
16 “Whoever is naive, let him turn in here,”
     And to him who lacks understanding she says,
17 “Stolen water is sweet;
     And bread eaten in secret is pleasant.”
18 But he does not know that the dead are there,
     That her guests are in the depths of Sheol.

TODAY'S THOUGHTS AND MEDITATION:

This passage is so relevant!  In the last decade, our society has become so polarized with very radical thinking, that if you do not agree with the radical thinkers, or if your opinion is even just a little different than theirs, you are somehow wrong, and therefore you MUST be stupid, greedy and lack compassion.  From there, the "conversation" can become quite contentious, because the "popular" radical thinker is dug down so deep into the latest rhetoric and ideals (which can shift and change, by the way).  And when they get overwhelmed from hearing other ideas, they might just "cancel" you, and maybe even try to destroy your career and reputation. 

What is sad to see (and hear) is that while they think their ideals are best (and are the only correct ways to think), their tactics are becoming more judgmental and more vicious, filled with more fear-mongering and lies, in order to incite people to hate, fear and worry... all under the guise of DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion).  Unity, equality and respect are excellent things to strive towards, but not by way of creating more divisions, unfairness and exclusions.

So, how do we, as believers, navigate through this?  Well, wisdom (the Lord) calls out to us to come and gain understanding.  The table is set.  We can come to the Lord and His word to be nourished and strengthened.  And in this place, we can fellowship with God in such a personal way, that we can have Him build our hearts and homes, to experience peace and security, love and joy, purpose and direction founded on truth, love and hope.  

As verse 12 points out, we get to choose whether we will seek God's wisdom, or we will scoff and reject it.  It is a personal decision.  There's that one saying, "You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink."   Well, back in the day, I got to work with a few horses.  Wow!  Some of them can be so stubborn, they are even difficult to lead.  Just saying.  And just like that, so often there are things that we need to survive, but we don't even realize it.  So, we need to focus on our own efforts in putting and keeping our focus on the Lord!  A close relationship with Him is most critical to our personal survival, healing, maturing, and peace of mind.

Regarding other people, we should be praying for others that they will see their need for the Lord.  And, we are told to be ready to share the gospel message as God gives us opportunities.  Therefore, we should be asking God to give us opportunities, and then give us the rights words to share, all in His love, and all to His glory.  And very importantly, we should be always striving to live in such a way that we are living testimonies of what God is able to do for us, in us and through us.  It is not our job to save the world.  Only the Lord Jesus can do that!  And it is not our job to change other people's hearts and minds.  Only the Lord Jesus can do that!

relationships (Proverbs 8:1-36) Relationship With Wisdom

(Proverbs 8:1-36) 

1   Does not wisdom call,
     And understanding raise her voice?
2   On top of the heights beside the way,
     Where the paths meet, she takes her stand;
3   Beside the gates, at the opening to the city,
     At the entrance of the doors, she cries out:
4   “To you, people, I call,
     And my voice is to mankind.
5   You naive ones, understand prudence;
     And, you fools, understand wisdom!
6   Listen, for I will speak noble things;
     And the opening of my lips will reveal right things.
7   For my mouth will proclaim truth;
     And wickedness is an abomination to my lips.
8   All the words of my mouth are in righteousness;
     There is nothing crooked or perverted in them.
9   They are all straightforward to him who understands,
     And right to those who find knowledge.
10 Accept my instruction and not silver,
     And knowledge rather than choice gold.
11 For wisdom is better than jewels;
     And all desirable things cannot compare with her.

12 “I, wisdom, dwell with prudence,
     And I find knowledge and discretion.
13 The fear of the Lord is to hate evil;
     Pride, arrogance, the evil way,
     And the perverted mouth, I hate.
14 Advice is mine and sound wisdom;
     I am understanding, power is mine.
15 By me kings reign,
     And rulers decree justice.
16 By me princes rule, and nobles,
     All who judge rightly.
17 I love those who love me;
     And those who diligently seek me will find me.
18 Riches and honor are with me,
     Enduring wealth and righteousness.
19 My fruit is better than gold, even pure gold;
     And my yield better than choice silver.
20 I walk in the way of righteousness,
     In the midst of the paths of justice,
21 To endow those who love me with wealth,
     That I may fill their treasuries.

22 “The Lord created me at the beginning of His way,
     Before His works of old.
23 From eternity I was established,
     From the beginning, from the earliest times of the earth.
24 When there were no ocean depths, I was born,
     When there were no springs abounding with water.
25 Before the mountains were settled,
     Before the hills, I was born;
26 While He had not yet made the earth and the fields,
     Nor the first dust of the world.
27 When He established the heavens, I was there;
     When He inscribed a circle on the face of the deep,
28 When He made firm the skies above,
     When the springs of the deep became fixed,
29 When He set a boundary for the sea 
     So that the water would not violate His command,
     When He marked out the foundations of the earth;
30 Then I was beside Him, as a master workman;
     And I was His delight daily,
     Rejoicing always before Him,
31 Rejoicing in the world, His earth,
     And having my delight in the sons of mankind.

32 “Now then, sons, listen to me,
     For blessed are those who keep my ways.
33 Listen to instruction and be wise,
     And do not neglect it.
34 Blessed is the person who listens to me,
     Watching daily at my gates,
     Waiting at my doorposts.
35 For one who finds me finds life,
     And obtains favor from the Lord.
36 But one who sins against me injures himself;
     All those who hate me love death.”

TODAY'S THOUGHTS AND MEDITATION:

While wisdom has always been (as one of God's traits), and was there, involved with creation as a master "workman", the opposite of wisdom was conceived when sin entered the world.  Here the scriptures tell us what wisdom is NOT, and what wisdom IS:  

- wickedness vs what is right

- perversion vs righteousness

- lies vs truth

- misleading vs instructive

- crooked vs straightforward and sound

- greed and corruption vs just

- abomination leading to helplessness and hopelessness vs power

- pride vs discretion

- evil vs fearing the Lord

- foolishness vs understanding

- naivety vs prudence

- arrogance vs noble honor

- temporary riches vs valuable and true wealth

- discontentment vs God's delight and joy

- death vs eternal life

Wisdom is from God.  Desiring to have wisdom leads to the Lord and His salvation, which is eternal life.  And while here on earth, His wisdom can be our closest friend!  How often do we go to a family member or friend in order to get advice?  How much better would the advice be if all involved had a close relationship with God and His wisdom?!  

Everything we need to know is found within God's words, which is all about knowing the Lord personally, and going to Him for salvation, guidance, help and strength!  So we can see and know how valuable our personal relationship is with the Lord, we can also go directly to Him and ask for His wisdom!

(James 1:5)  But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

relationships (Proverbs 7:1-27) Surround Ourselves With Those Who Love Us

(Proverbs 7:1-27) 

1   My son, keep my words 
     And treasure my commandments within you.
2   Keep my commandments and live,
     And my teaching as the apple of your eye.
3   Bind them on your fingers;
     Write them on the tablet of your heart.
4   Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,”
     And call understanding your intimate friend,
5   So that they may keep you from an adulteress,
     From the foreigner who flatters with her words.

6   For at the window of my house 
     I looked out through my lattice,
7   And I saw among the naive,
     And discerned among the youths 
     A young man lacking sense,
8   Passing through the street near her corner;
     And he walks along the way to her house,
9   In the twilight, in the evening,
     In the middle of the night and the darkness.
10 And behold, a woman comes to meet him,
     Dressed as a prostitute and cunning of heart.
11 She is boisterous and rebellious,
     Her feet do not remain at home;
12 She is now in the streets, now in the public squares,
     And lurks by every corner.
13 So she seizes him and kisses him,
     And with a brazen face she says to him:
14 “I was due to offer peace offerings;
     Today I have paid my vows.
15 Therefore I have come out to meet you,
     To seek your presence diligently, and I have found you.
16 I have spread my couch with coverings,
     With colored linens of Egypt.
17 I have sprinkled my bed 
     With myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.
18 Come, let’s drink our fill of love until morning;
     Let’s delight ourselves with caresses.
19 For my husband is not at home;
     He has gone on a long journey.
20 He has taken a bag of money with him.
     At the full moon he will come home.”
21 With her many persuasions she entices him;
     With her flattering lips she seduces him.
22 Suddenly he follows her 
     As an ox goes to the slaughter,
     Or as one walks in ankle bracelets to the discipline of a fool,
23 Until an arrow pierces through his liver;
     As a bird hurries to the snare,
     So he does not know that it will cost him his life.

24 Now therefore, my sons, listen to me,
     And pay attention to the words of my mouth.
25 Do not let your heart turn aside to her ways,
     Do not stray into her paths.
26 For many are the victims she has brought to ruin,
     And numerous are all those slaughtered by her.
27 Her house is the way to Sheol,
     Descending to the chambers of death.

TODAY'S THOUGHTS AND MEDITATION:

Just recently, I started to read these scriptures in Spanish as well as in English... NOT because my Spanish is that good, but because I want to really work on knowing and speaking more Spanish.  My Spanish is actually very pathetic, and learning another language has never been easy for me.  ENGLISH (my only language) hasn't been easy to learn!!!  And as I get older, it becomes even more challenging.  BUT it is never too late, and we are never too old to learn.  In fact, we should continue learning and growing - especially in the Lord.

All that to say, I've never understood the English idiom, "apple of my eye."  I mean, apples are okay, so, I just figured that whoever came up with that phrase must have really loved apples!  But, in verse 2, we are told to consider God's teachings as the apple of our eye.  Well, in Spanish, they say, "como a la niña de tus ojos."  A direct translation is "like a DAUGHTER of your eyes!"  

Wow, okay, even if you don't have children, you can just imagine how precious a little daughter is!  As a loving parent, we will want to protect her, embrace her and cherish her.  Hey, I have a daughter, and I know they have their moments of meltdowns and times when they are anything but cute, but they never stop being our daughter, and we never stop loving them.  But we also see and remember those moments when they demonstrate their adoring love, their nurturing, gentle nature, and their eagerness to help, serve and please us, with such great delight.

Another thing about daughters, is that as parents, we don't want to disappoint them.  I remember my parents advising one of their cousins about the dangers of pornography, because they had magazines out in the open for anyone to see... including their little daughter.  My parents asked him if he would be happy to see his daughter grow up to become a porn star, to be seen and treated like a worthless object of lust.  Oh!  Of course not!  Well, all of those women in those magazines and movies, are someone's daughters.  How sad is that?!  He did remove the magazines.  And eventually, he and his entire family become Christians!  

So, there's also that aspect of how our daughters (as well as sons) so closely watch and learn from us.  It is amazing, and sometimes alarming, as to what they will all pick up.  And most often they will copy us in what we do!  Therefore, if we love our children, we will not only cherish them and protect them, but we will also live in such a way that we will teach them how they should try to live.  Being an example is another way that we protect, teach and demonstrate our love to our children.  Live as if your child is closely watching us at all times, and know that God definitely sees and knows everything!

Then, we see in verse 4, we are to consider wisdom as our sister.  Even if you don't have a sister, maybe you can imagine how blunt a sister who loves you can be.  Since I am the older sister of two brothers, I can see how I have certain insights and "privileges" regarding how I can speak to my brothers.  Since I know them so well, I also can anticipate how they are probably going to react to anything that I do say.  And because we are family, I love them, they know that I love them, and nothing will change the fact that we are so closely related.  And when we truly love someone, the advice we try to give, is not meant to hurt them, but to help them.  

SAME THING with a very close friend!  Verse 4 tells us to consider understanding as an intimate friend... a very close friend who you can trust to confide in!  I've only had a few very good close friends in my life, because these are difficult to find.  These are the people who work to get to know us well, well enough to know our heart's intentions.  These are the ones who listen to us without judging.  Even when we mess up, they are the ones who won't unfriend us, or run away, or hold grudges, but stay to work things out.  And WHEN they give advice, these are the ones who will give us helpful, constructive advice to guide us towards God and His will.  

Therefore, to keep us away from the world of selfishness, self-centeredness and self-reliance, and its misleading desires and temptations, let's consider God's commandments (instructions) as a precious daughter who you want to protect;  consider God's wisdom like a sister who you know loves you and wants the best for you; and consider understanding (God and God's word) like a best friend who you trust with all the details of your life.  Life is so much better when we are surrounded by those who love us and want the best for us!  How much more should we surround ourselves with the Lord and everything He has to offer! 

relationships (Proverbs 6:20-35) Advantages of Wholesome Living

(Proverbs 6:20-35) 

20 My son, comply with the commandment of your father,
     And do not ignore the teaching of your mother;
21 Bind them continually on your heart;
     Tie them around your neck.
22 When you walk, they will guide you;
     When you sleep, they will watch over you;
     And when you awake, they will talk to you.
23 For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching is light;
     And rebukes for discipline are the way of life 
24 To keep you from the evil woman,
     From the smooth tongue of the foreign woman.
25 Do not desire her beauty in your heart,
     Nor let her capture you with her eyelids.
26 For the price of a prostitute reduces one to a loaf of bread,
     And an adulteress hunts for a precious life.
27 Can anyone take fire in his lap 
     And his clothes not be burned?
28 Or can a person walk on hot coals 
     And his feet not be scorched?
29 So is the one who goes in to his neighbor’s wife;
     Whoever touches her will not go unpunished.
30 People do not despise a thief if he steals 
     To satisfy himself when he is hungry;
31 But when he is found, he must repay seven times as much;
     He must give up all the property of his house.
32 One who commits adultery with a woman is lacking sense;
     He who would destroy himself commits it.
33 He will find wounds and disgrace,
     And his shame will not be removed.
34 For jealousy enrages a man,
     And he will not have compassion on the day of vengeance.
35 He will not accept any settlement,
     Nor will he be satisfied though you make it a large gift.

TODAY'S THOUGHTS AND MEDITATION:

We can see how destructive adultery is, whether it is sex with a prostitute, someone else's spouse, or with any other person.  This is applicable to both men and women, and it doesn't matter who you sleep with... God's will is that sex is only between a man and woman who are married.  And if one is a believer, it is so important and makes complete sense that we marry another believer.

These are the teachings and commandments (instructions) from God - written for all people to read, with the desire that all come to know Him personally, with the desire that we have a peace-filled, joy-filled life of purpose, fulfillment and blessings.  But God doesn't force anyone to believe or embrace His will.  These are personal decisions that everyone must make.

If we desire to know truth, we will seek and find it - here - in God's word.  And if we desire to be wise and discerning, we will understand that it is to our benefit that we put these teachings into practice.  Out of all the people who have done this, I have never heard any of them say that their life was bad or miserable as a result.  Sadly, I do know of people who simple decided that "their heart wanted what their heart wanted" and so they were going to live by their own fleshly desires, no matter what the consequences would be.

For those who walked away from the faith saying, "I've tried Christianity, but it doesn't work," never fully understood what it means to be a Christian.  What they were doing was only going through the motions and living by the do's and don'ts.  What they totally didn't understand is that it is all about humbly going to the Lord, repenting of our sin to receive His forgiveness and His free gift of salvation.  

In that moment of making Jesus our personal Lord and Savior, He gives us His indwelling Holy Spirit of promise, and changes our hearts from the inside out.  And then, moving forward in our walk with the Lord, we should continually ask Him to work in and through us.  

(Philippians 4:13)  I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.

We will make mistakes, but we cannot lose our salvation.  The temptation might be to sin anyway, because God's grace covers us.  But, as He promises, He disciplines those He loves.  He will allow us to go through consequences as a result of our mistakes.  

I can't say it enough, it is to our benefit to enjoy the blessings of living in God's will, all in His strength, wisdom, love and joy... all to His glory!  The Lord will teach and help us live in righteousness, because He is righteous!  The Lord will teach and help us to love unconditionally, because He is agape love!  The Lord will teach and help us to live in healthy wholesomeness, because He is holy!  And the Lord will help keep us faithful in His strength, because He is faithful and all-powerful!