25 Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. 26 Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. 27 Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil. Proverbs 4:25-27 (NIV) LOOKING In our western, 21st century culture … Continue reading Give Careful Thought
Two Ways God’s Wisdom Saves You
The saving feature of wisdom encompasses the totality of our lives. We are confronted from all sides with temptation to sin. This temptation isn't exclusive to men for woman face the same temptation to sin as men. I think Solomon's aim, however, in framing how wisdom will save is to highlight the totality of our lives. That is, all around us we face temptations to sin and in all circumstances we need God's wisdom to avoid sin. This helps punctuate the idea that who we are exposed to and influenced by determines the degree of exposure to temptation to sin.
Do Not Refuse God’s Wisdom
Have you ever been in a position where you were absolutely convinced and totally certain that you were correct on a matter? You searched high and low, you studied, you did your research, you conducted your analysis, you gave heed to your observations and by all accounts there was corroborated evidence by fellow witnesses; yet, … Continue reading Do Not Refuse God’s Wisdom
When Peer Pressure Is A Problem
At every stage of my life and in every circle of friends I've had in life, there has always been some level of peer pressure. But I'd like to point out that peer pressure in and of itself isn't necessarily a bad thing. Peer pressure can be good. For instance, if a married man is … Continue reading When Peer Pressure Is A Problem
Words Matter
The one who rightly guards his mouth is intimately acquainted with the readiness of the sin in his heart and realizes, knowing in advance, that his words can be his undoing; that his words may harm others and pierce like a sword and could possibly even destroy his neighbor; that words have power to not only ruin the life of others, but even his own life...his own soul (as Henry puts it).
How to Avoid Over-Commitment
Have you ever committed to something only realize sometime afterwards that your commitment was a serious mistake? If so, then Proverbs 6:1-5 will be the advice you need, and serve as counsel to help guard you from foolish over-commitment in the future. My, son, if you have put up security for your neighbor, if you … Continue reading How to Avoid Over-Commitment
Counsel For Sexual Purity: Proverbs 5
At the end of your life, what sort of things will be said about your heart as it relates to the track record of receiving and following the counsel you needed in order to live a life that was honorable and pleasing to God with respect to your sexual purity?