God's Wisdom For Today

The first 9 chapters of Proverbs help us understand why the wisdom of Proverbs is so important. It lays out for us the ramifications of the choices we make daily to pursue godly wisdom or foolishness. Today we're doing a summary of what this part of scripture teaches us. Today's Big Question:  What has God taught you about Wisdom? Verses in Today's Episode Happy is a man who finds wisdom and who acquires understanding, for she is more profitable than silver, and her revenue is better than gold. She is more precious than jewels; nothing you desire can equal her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left, riches and honor. Her ways are pleasant, and all her paths, peaceful. She is a tree of life to those who embrace her, and those who hold on to her are happy. (Proverbs 3:13-18) “In Proverbs, Solomon organizes people into three categories: the wise, the foolish, and the simple.  These categories are not dependent on age, class, race, gender, or socio-economic status. Rather, they are determined by one's direction in reference to the Lord.” - Peter Krol “The idea here is, “Yes, I want to give you practical, moral instruction. But I am not interested to spoon feed you only. I want you learn to think, understand wisdom so that you learn how yourself to make good choices. I want you to consider what a wise and successful life looks like and how to get there. I want you to understand the Scriptures and how to apply them to given situations so that when you are out on your own your mind and heart are well-trained and tuned to wisdom.” - Fred Zaspel If you want a place to see and answer the questions I ask in the episode and to keep track of the discoveries you make as we study Proverbs, we include a set of free journal pages for this devotional series in each of our Sunday emails  Free journal pages to follow the study:  http://www.getwisdom.link/email (www.getwisdom.link/email) http://www.getwisdompublishing.com (www.getwisdompublishing.com) http://www.graceandthegravelroad.com (www.graceandthegravelroad.com)

A Seductive Offer [Proverbs 9:13-18] Last week we looked at the offer that Wisdom makes to us. Today we have a description of Folly, who also makes us the same offer. Today's Big Question:  Where will you sit down to eat? Today's Scripture:  Proverbs 9:13-18 Folly is a rowdy woman; she is gullible and knows nothing. She sits by the doorway of her house, on a seat at the highest point of the city, calling to those who pass by, who go straight ahead on their paths: “Whoever is inexperienced, enter here!” To the one who lacks sense, she says, “Stolen water is sweet, and bread eaten secretly is tasty!” But he doesn't know that the departed spirits are there, that her guests are in the depths of Sheol. If you want a place to see and answer the questions I ask in the episode and to keep track of the discoveries you make as we study Proverbs, we include a set of free journal pages for this devotional series in each of our Sunday emails  Free journal pages to follow the study:  http://www.getwisdom.link/email (www.getwisdom.link/email) http://www.getwisdompublishing.com (www.getwisdompublishing.com) http://www.graceandthegravelroad.com (www.graceandthegravelroad.com)

The first major section of Proverbs (Chapters 1-9) are bookended by a statement of the theme of Proverbs. Today we're talking about the fear of the Lord. Today's Big Question:  How do you want to respond to correction? Today's Scripture:  Proverbs 9:10-12 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. For by me your days will be many, and years will be added to your life. If you are wise, you are wise for your own benefit; if you mock, you alone will bear the consequences.” Other verses referenced in this episode: The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; Fools despise wisdom and instruction. (Proverbs 1:7) This is what the LORD says: "Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom or the strong man boast of his strength or the rich man boast of his riches, but let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,"  declares the LORD. (Jeremiah 9:23-24)  “The fear of God includes, but is not limited to, respecting and reverencing him, for we are told to tremble at his presence. Holy fear gives God the place of glory, honor, reverence, thanksgiving, praise, and preeminence he deserves….God holds this preeminent position in our hearts and lives as we esteem his desires over and above our own, hating what he hates and loving what he loves, trembling in his presence and at his Word. Hear this and meditate on it: You will serve whom you fear. If you fear God, you will serve him. If you fear man, you will serve man. You must choose. Now you can understand why Soloman, after an entire life of both success and hardship, could say: When all has been heard, the conclusion of the matter is this: fear God and keep his commands, because this is for all humanity. (Ecclesiastes 12:13)” - John Bevere “The great choice of life, which Solomon repeated often, is the choice of wisdom. If you choose her, you will be blessed; if you reject her, you will be punished. There is no escape; your choice will be repaid. You will bear the consequences. Your wisdom cannot benefit God, nor does your folly hurt him (Job 35:5-8). You alone will bear the results. The Preacher of the New Testament, Paul warned, “Every man shall bear his own burden” (Gal 6:5). Do not be deceived; God is not mocked; whatever you sow, that is what you will reap (Gal 6:7-8).” - Anon. If you want a place to see and answer the questions I ask in the episode and to keep track of the discoveries you make as we study Proverbs, we include a set of free journal pages for this devotional series in each of our Sunday emails  Free journal pages to follow the study:  http://www.getwisdom.link/email (www.getwisdom.link/email) http://www.getwisdompublishing.com (www.getwisdompublishing.com) http://www.graceandthegravelroad.com (www.graceandthegravelroad.com)

None of us likes to be corrected. Well, wait, maybe that's not true? Certainly some respond to it vehemently, even violently. Who would welcome correction? That's what we're talking about today. Today's Big Question:  How do you want to respond to correction? Today's Scripture:  Proverbs 9:7-9 Whoever corrects a scoffer gets himself abuse,     and he who reproves a wicked man incurs injury. Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you;     reprove a wise man, and he will love you. Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser;     teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning. Other verses referenced in this episode: How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple? How long will scoffers delight in their scoffing     and fools hate knowledge? (Proverbs 1:22) An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge. (Proverbs 18:15 ) If you want a place to see and answer the questions I ask in the episode and to keep track of the discoveries you make as we study Proverbs, we include a set of free journal pages for this devotional series in each of our Sunday emails  Free journal pages to follow the study:  http://www.getwisdom.link/email (www.getwisdom.link/email) http://www.getwisdompublishing.com (www.getwisdompublishing.com) http://www.graceandthegravelroad.com (www.graceandthegravelroad.com)

Wisdom's invitation is available to you, but what is she inviting you to? Today's Big Question:  Will you come to Wisdom's table? Today's Scripture:  Proverbs 9:1-6 Wisdom has built her house; she has carved out her seven pillars. She has prepared her meat; she has mixed her wine; she has also set her table. She has sent out her female servants; she calls out from the highest points of the city: “Whoever is inexperienced, enter here!” To the one who lacks sense, she says, “Come, eat my bread, and drink the wine I have mixed. Leave inexperience behind, and you will live; pursue the way of understanding. Other verses referenced in this episode: She cries out above the commotion; she speaks at the entrance of the city gates: (Proverbs 1:21) If you want a place to see and answer the questions I ask in the episode and to keep track of the discoveries you make as we study Proverbs, we include a set of free journal pages for this devotional series in each of our Sunday emails  Free journal pages to follow the study:  http://www.getwisdom.link/email (www.getwisdom.link/email) http://www.getwisdompublishing.com (www.getwisdompublishing.com) http://www.graceandthegravelroad.com (www.graceandthegravelroad.com)

Today's passage teaches us some really amazing things about wisdom and then summarizes the fatherly advice we've learned in the first eight chapters on how we should respond to her. Today's Big Question:  How will you respond to wisdom? Today's Scripture:  Proverbs 8:22-36 “The Lord acquired me at the beginning of his creation, before his works of long ago. I was formed before ancient times, from the beginning, before the earth began. I was born when there were no watery depths and no springs filled with water. Before the mountains were established, prior to the hills, I was given birth— before he made the land, the fields, or the first soil on earth. I was there when he established the heavens, when he laid out the horizon on the surface of the ocean, when he placed the skies above, when the fountains of the ocean gushed out, when he set a limit for the sea so that the waters would not violate his command, when he laid out the foundations of the earth. I was a skilled craftsman beside him. I was his delight every day, always rejoicing before him. I was rejoicing in his inhabited world, delighting in the children of Adam. “And now, sons, listen to me; those who keep my ways are happy. Listen to instruction and be wise; don't ignore it. Anyone who listens to me is happy, watching at my doors every day, waiting by the posts of my doorway. For the one who finds me finds life and obtains favor from the Lord, but the one who misses me harms himself; all who hate me love death.” Other verses referenced in this episode: And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. (Colossians 1:17) In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. (John 1:1-3) but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. (1 Corinthians 1:24) (in Christ) in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. (Colossians 2:3) The Lord by wisdom founded the earth;     by understanding he established the heavens; by his knowledge the deeps broke open,     and the clouds drop down the dew. (Proverbs 3:19-20) If you want a place to see and answer the questions I ask in the episode and to keep track of the discoveries you make as we study Proverbs, we include a set of free journal pages for this devotional series in each of our Sunday emails  Free journal pages to follow the study:  http://www.getwisdom.link/email (www.getwisdom.link/email) http://www.getwisdompublishing.com (www.getwisdompublishing.com) http://www.graceandthegravelroad.com (www.graceandthegravelroad.com)

God's given us some clear instruction on what he hates in these verses. Let's take a closer look at the list. Today's Big Question:  Does God hate anything in your life? Today's Scripture:  Proverbs 6:16-19 The Lord hates six things; in fact, seven are detestable to him: arrogant eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that plots wicked schemes, feet eager to run to evil, a lying witness who gives false testimony, and one who stirs up trouble among brothers. Other verses referenced in this episode: Haughty eyes and a proud heart, the lamp of the wicked, are sin. (Proverbs  21:4) the haughty looks of man shall be brought low, and the lofty pride of men shall be humbled, and the Lord alone will be exalted in that day. For the Lord of hosts has a day against all that is proud and lofty, Against all that is lifted up—and it shall be brought low; (Isaiah 2:11-12) For wicked and deceitful mouths are opened against me,  speaking against me with lying tongues. (Psalms 109:2) A lying tongue hates its victims, and a flattering mouth works ruin. (Proverbs 26:28) Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, but those who plan peace have joy. (Proverbs 12:20) Do they not go astray who devise evil? Those who devise good meet steadfast love and faithfulness. (Proverbs 14:22) Blessed is the man who makes the Lord his trust, who does not turn to the proud, to those who go astray after a lie! (Psalm 40:4) Everyone who hates his brother or sister is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life residing in him (1 John 3:15) If you want a place to see and answer the questions I ask in the episode and to keep track of the discoveries you make as we study Proverbs, we include a set of free journal pages for this devotional series in each of our Sunday emails  Free journal pages to follow the study:  http://www.getwisdom.link/email (www.getwisdom.link/email) http://www.getwisdompublishing.com (www.getwisdompublishing.com) http://www.graceandthegravelroad.com (www.graceandthegravelroad.com)

Maybe you don't think of yourself as lazy, but you might be surprised by the far-reaching warning that scripture gives about laziness, as well as the likely result. Today's Big Question:  What can you learn from an ant? Today's Scripture:  Proverbs 6:6-11 Go to the ant, you slacker! Observe its ways and become wise. Without leader, administrator, or ruler, it prepares its provisions in summer; it gathers its food during harvest. How long will you stay in bed, you slacker? When will you get up from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the arms to rest, and your poverty will come like a robber, your need, like a bandit. Other verses referenced in this episode: The son who gathers during summer is prudent; the son who sleeps during harvest is disgraceful. (Proverbs 10:5) Laziness induces deep sleep, and a lazy person will go hungry. (Proverbs 19:15) The one who works his land will have plenty of food, but whoever chases fantasies lacks sense. (Proverbs 12:11) There is profit in all hard work, but endless talk leads only to poverty. (Proverbs 14:23) “What is a sluggard? Think of the way syrup oozes slowly out of a bottle when it is cold. That is the sluggard--sluggish and slow and hesitant when he should be decisive, active, and forthright….He is lazy, constantly making the soft choice, losing one opportunity after another after another after another, day by day, moment by moment, until he lies there helpless in his wasted life. Let's all admit it--there is a sluggard deep inside each of us.” - Raymond C. Ortlund Jr. If you want a place to see and answer the questions I ask in the episode and to keep track of the discoveries you make as we study Proverbs, we include a set of free journal pages for this devotional series in each of our Sunday emails  Free journal pages to follow the study:  http://www.getwisdom.link/email (www.getwisdom.link/email) http://www.getwisdompublishing.com (www.getwisdompublishing.com) http://www.graceandthegravelroad.com (www.graceandthegravelroad.com)

God has some very specific financial instruction in scripture. Today we're talking about what he says about assuming the financial risks of others, and what that means for us when we're not in that particular situation. Today's Big Question:  Whose risks are you willing to take? Today's Scripture:  Proverbs 6:1-5 My son, if you have put up security for your neighbor[a] or entered into an agreement with a stranger, you have been snared by the words of your mouth trapped by the words from your mouth. Do this, then, my son, and free yourself, for you have put yourself in your neighbor's power: Go, humble yourself, and plead with your neighbor. Don't give sleep to your eyes or slumber to your eyelids. Escape like a gazelle from a hunter, like a bird from a hunter's trap. Other verses referenced in this episode: Whoever puts up security for a stranger will surely suffer harm, but he who hates striking hands in pledge is secure. (Proverbs 11:15) One who lacks sense gives a pledge and puts up security in the presence of his neighbor.  (Proverbs 17:18) Be not one of those who give pledges, who put up security for debts. (Proverbs 22:26)  “God wants every one of us to take responsibility for himself. But if you put your financial future in the hands of someone the banks already think is a bad risk, you are acting irresponsibly yourself and encouraging irresponsibility in the other person.” - Raymond C Ortlund Jr If you want a place to see and answer the questions I ask in the episode and to keep track of the discoveries you make as we study Proverbs, we include a set of free journal pages for this devotional series in each of our Sunday emails  Free journal pages to follow the study:  http://www.getwisdom.link/email (www.getwisdom.link/email) http://www.getwisdompublishing.com (www.getwisdompublishing.com) http://www.graceandthegravelroad.com (www.graceandthegravelroad.com)

It's easy to think that we can get away with some sins. Some are small (we think). Some are private (we think), but these verses remind us that we can't afford to ignore, hide, or minimize sin in our lives. Today's Big Question:  What would it take to put wisdom in charge of your life? Today's Scripture:  Proverbs 5:21-23 For a man's ways are before the Lord's eyes, and he considers all his paths. A wicked man's iniquities will trap him; he will become tangled in the ropes of his own sin. He will die because there is no discipline, and be lost because of his great stupidity. If you want a place to see and answer the questions I ask in the episode and to keep track of the discoveries you make as we study Proverbs, we include a set of free journal pages for this devotional series in each of our Sunday emails  Free journal pages to follow the study:  http://www.getwisdom.link/email (www.getwisdom.link/email) http://www.getwisdompublishing.com (www.getwisdompublishing.com) http://www.graceandthegravelroad.com (www.graceandthegravelroad.com)

Today's Big Question:  How closely are you watching your feet? Today's Scripture:  Proverbs 4:26-27 Carefully consider the path for your feet, and all your ways will be established. Don't turn to the right or to the left; keep your feet away from evil. “Small changes done here and now can make a big difference later. This means that when  a business gives in to a little temptations, or makes a few unwise decisions now, it may mean big trouble later. In other words, when you flirt with temptation, give in to small desires, and make little unwise decisions which may seem to be no big deal at the time. But then later, it becomes a big deal.” - David Ortega Feeling distant from God?  Living a life of emotional survival? Longing for an authentic, lasting joy?  Sensing God call you to a deeper experience of him?  Feel like the abundant life God promised has never materialized?  If so, I have great news for you, because I've made something just for you! Join me in an interactive week-long experience that will turn your ho-hum heart into one that's experiencing so much joy, that you're swimming in it! http://graceandthegravelroad.link/joy (Swimming In Joy) If you want a place to see and answer the questions I ask in the episode and to keep track of the discoveries you make as we study Proverbs, we include a set of free journal pages for this devotional series in each of our Sunday emails  Free journal pages to follow the study:  http://www.getwisdom.link/email (www.getwisdom.link/email) http://www.getwisdompublishing.com (www.getwisdompublishing.com) http://www.graceandthegravelroad.com (www.graceandthegravelroad.com)

Today's Big Question:  What are you doing with your heart, mouth, and eyes? Today's Scripture:  Proverbs 4:23-25 Guard your heart above all else, for it is the source of life. Don't let your mouth speak dishonestly, and don't let your lips talk deviously. Let your eyes look forward; fix your gaze straight ahead. Other scriptures referenced in today's episode: And I will give them one heart, and a new spirit I will put within them. I will remove the heart of stone from their flesh and give them a heart of flesh, (Ezekiel 11:19 ) Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. (2 Corinthians 5:17) A good person produces good out of the good stored up in his heart. An evil person produces evil out of the evil stored up in his heart, for his mouth speaks from the overflow of the heart. (Luke 6:45) I, wisdom, share a home with shrewdness and have knowledge and discretion. To fear the Lord is to hate evil. I hate arrogant pride, evil conduct, and perverse speech. (Proverbs 8:12-13) The lips of the righteous know what is appropriate, but the mouth of the wicked, only what is perverse. (Proverbs 10:32) The discerning sets his face toward wisdom, but the eyes of a fool are on the ends of the earth. (Prov 17:24) Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every hindrance and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. (Hebrews 12:1b-2a) “The heart is the “master-control” of the life; a wrong heart always produces a wrong life. To allow sin into the heart is to pollute the entire life… “The unexamined life is not worth living,” said Socrates. The Lord is pondering (examining) our lives (Pr 5:21, 15:3, Je 17:10, 2Chr 16:9), and we must examine them too (cp 2Co 13:5). Live in God's Word and He will protect your path, direct your path, and perfect your path, for the glory of Jesus Christ.” - Warren Wiersbe If you want a place to see and answer the questions I ask in the episode and to keep track of the discoveries you make as we study Proverbs, we include a set of free journal pages for this devotional series in each of our Sunday emails  Free journal pages to follow the study:  http://www.getwisdom.link/email (www.getwisdom.link/email) http://www.getwisdompublishing.com (www.getwisdompublishing.com) http://www.graceandthegravelroad.com (www.graceandthegravelroad.com) 

Today's Big Question:   Are you too close? Today's Scripture:  Proverbs 4:14-15 Keep off the path of the wicked; don't proceed on the way of evil ones. Avoid it; don't travel on it. Turn away from it, and pass it by. Other scriptures referenced in today's episode: Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; (Psalm 1:1) With regard to the works of man,  by the word of your lips I have avoided the ways of the violent. My steps have held fast to your paths; my feet have not slipped. (Psalm 17:4-5) If you want a place to see and answer the questions I ask in the episode and to keep track of the discoveries you make as we study Proverbs, we include a set of free journal pages for this devotional series in each of our Sunday emails  Free journal pages to follow the study:  http://www.getwisdom.link/email (www.getwisdom.link/email) http://www.getwisdompublishing.com (www.getwisdompublishing.com) http://www.graceandthegravelroad.com (www.graceandthegravelroad.com)

Today's Big Question:  How well are you learning? Today's Scripture:  Proverbs 4:13 Hold on to instruction; don't let go. Guard it, for it is your life. Other scripture referenced in this episode: “Therefore, everyone who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain fell, the rivers rose, and the winds blew and pounded that house. Yet it didn't collapse, because its foundation was on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and doesn't act on them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. The rain fell, the rivers rose, the winds blew and pounded that house, and it collapsed. It collapsed with a great crash.” (Matthew 7:24-27) Quotes shared: “such may be said to take fast hold on it, who receive it into their hearts, and not into their heads only; head knowledge of the Gospel instruction is not hold fast enough, it must be heart knowledge of it; it is taken fast hold on when it is mixed with faith when heard; when it is digested and incorporated as it were into men, and becomes the ingrafted word; when men are led experimentally and practically into it, and are not hearers only, but doers of it; and, being thus taken fast hold of” - John Gill “In the southern seas an American vessel was attacked by a wounded whale. The huge monster ran out for the length of a mile from the ship, and then turned round, and with the whole force of its acquired speed struck the ship and made it leak at every timber, so as to begin to go down. The sailors got out all their boats, filled them as quickly as they could with the necessaries of life, and began to pull away from the ship. Just then two strong men might be seen leaping into the water who swam to the vessel, leaped on board, disappeared for a moment, and then came up, bringing something in their hands. Just as they sprang into the sea down went the vessel, and they were carried round in the vortex, but they were observed to be both of them swimming, not as if struggling to get away, but as if looking for something, which at last they both seized and carried to the boats. What was this treasure? What article could be so valued as to lead them to risk their lives? It was the ship's compass, which had been left behind, without which they could not have found their way out of those lonely southern seas into the high-road of commerce. That compass was life to them, and the gospel of the living God is the same to us. You and I must venture all for the gospel: this infallible Word of God must be guarded to the death. Men may tell us what they please, and say what they will, but we will risk everything sooner than give up those eternal principles by which we have been saved. - C. H. Spurgeon. If you want a place to see and answer the questions I ask in the episode and to keep track of the discoveries you make as we study Proverbs, we include a set of free journal pages for this devotional series in each of our Sunday emails  Free journal pages to follow the study:  http://www.getwisdom.link/email (www.getwisdom.link/email) http://www.getwisdompublishing.com (www.getwisdompublishing.com) http://www.graceandthegravelroad.com (www.graceandthegravelroad.com)

Today's Big Question:  Are you on the right path in life? Today's Scripture:  Proverbs 4:10-12 Listen, my son. Accept my words, and you will live many years. I am teaching you the way of wisdom; I am guiding you on straight paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hindered; when you run, you will not stumble. Other scriptures referenced in this episode: But the way of the wicked is like the darkest gloom; they don't know what makes them stumble. (Proverbs 4:19) Lord, you light my lamp; my God illuminates my darkness. (Psalm 18:28) “What does the path metaphor tell us? It tells us that life is a journey, there is no quick fix, and we take it one step at a time with constant moment-by-moment recommitments to the way of Christ.” - Raymond C. Ortlund Jr If you want a place to see and answer the questions I ask in the episode and to keep track of the discoveries you make as we study Proverbs, we include a set of free journal pages for this devotional series in each of our Sunday emails  Free journal pages to follow the study:  http://www.getwisdom.link/email (www.getwisdom.link/email) http://www.getwisdompublishing.com (www.getwisdompublishing.com) http://www.graceandthegravelroad.com (www.graceandthegravelroad.com)

Today's Big Question:  How are you responding to wisdom?? Today's Scripture:  Proverbs 4:8-9 Cherish her, and she will exalt you; if you embrace her, she will honor you. She will place a garland of favor on your head; she will give you a crown of beauty.” If you want a place to see and answer the questions I ask in the episode and to keep track of the discoveries you make as we study Proverbs, we include a set of free journal pages for this devotional series in each of our Sunday emails  Free journal pages to follow the study:  http://www.getwisdom.link/email (www.getwisdom.link/email) http://www.getwisdompublishing.com (www.getwisdompublishing.com) http://www.graceandthegravelroad.com (www.graceandthegravelroad.com)

Today's Big Question:  Is getting wisdom a top priority in your life? Today's Scripture:  Proverbs 4:7 Wisdom is supreme—so get wisdom. And whatever else you get, get understanding. Other verses mentioned in the episode: I love those who love me, and those who search for me find me. (Proverbs 8:17) Happy is a man who finds wisdom and who acquires understanding, for she is more profitable than silver, and her revenue is better than gold. She is more precious than jewels; nothing you desire can equal her. (Proverbs 3:13-15) The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge;     fools despise wisdom and instruction. (Proverbs 1:7) “The NIV clarifies the force of that: “Though it cost you all you have, get understanding.” If you want God's wisdom, it will cost you. It will cost you all your preconceived ideas about how life is supposed to work. Why pay that price? Because God's wisdom will make you alive (v. 4), his wisdom will “keep” you and “guard” you (v. 6), his wisdom will “exalt” you and “honor” you and crown you with beauty (v. 8, 9). That is how life really works and that is a life worth living! Who else can promise you that? Every day we are being told that if we want to live we need to be young, thin, tanned, sexually active, rich, and smart-mouthed. There is our cultural ideal, the wisdom of our age. Just one question. Is it working?...Name one person who has thrown themselves into that kind of life and come away from it with what you want for yourself. Name one. And how do you explain 2,000 years of all types of people from different cultures who set their hearts on Christ, turned to his wisdom in the Bible, and found fullness of life?...Whichever you choose, it will cost you all you have.” - Raymond C. Ortlund Jr. If you want a place to see and answer the questions I ask in the episode and to keep track of the discoveries you make as we study Proverbs, we include a set of free journal pages for this devotional series in each of our Sunday emails  Free journal pages to follow the study:  http://www.getwisdom.link/email (www.getwisdom.link/email) http://www.getwisdompublishing.com (www.getwisdompublishing.com) http://www.graceandthegravelroad.com (www.graceandthegravelroad.com)

Today's Big Question:  Who or what has your wholehearted devotion? Today's Scripture:  Proverbs 4:6 Don't abandon wisdom, and she will watch over you; love her, and she will guard you. Other verses mentioned in the episode: The Lord will protect you from all harm; he will protect your life. (Psalm 121:7) If you want a place to see and answer the questions I ask in the episode and to keep track of the discoveries you make as we study Proverbs, we include a set of free journal pages for this devotional series in each of our Sunday emails  Free journal pages to follow the study:  http://www.getwisdom.link/email (www.getwisdom.link/email) http://www.getwisdompublishing.com (www.getwisdompublishing.com) http://www.graceandthegravelroad.com (www.graceandthegravelroad.com)

Today's Big Question:  Are you intentionally pursuing wisdom? Today's Scripture:  Proverbs 4:5 Get wisdom, get understanding; don't forget or turn away from the words from my mouth. Other verses mentioned in the episode: How much better to get wisdom than gold! To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver. (Proverbs 16:16) An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge. (Proverbs 18:15) Buy truth, and do not sell it; buy wisdom, instruction, and understanding. (Proverbs 23:23) If you want a place to see and answer the questions I ask in the episode and to keep track of the discoveries you make as we study Proverbs, we include a set of free journal pages for this devotional series in each of our Sunday emails  Free journal pages to follow the study:  http://www.getwisdom.link/email (www.getwisdom.link/email) http://www.getwisdompublishing.com (www.getwisdompublishing.com) http://www.graceandthegravelroad.com (www.graceandthegravelroad.com)

Today's Big Question:  What makes a life thrive or flourish? Today's Scripture:  Proverbs 4:3-4 When I was a son with my father, tender and precious to my mother, he taught me and said, “Your heart must hold on to my words. Keep my commands and live.” Other verses mentioned in the episode: none If you want a place to see and answer the questions I ask in the episode and to keep track of the discoveries you make as we study Proverbs, we include a set of free journal pages for this devotional series in each of our Sunday emails  Free journal pages to follow the study:  http://www.getwisdom.link/email (www.getwisdom.link/email) http://www.getwisdompublishing.com (www.getwisdompublishing.com) http://www.graceandthegravelroad.com (www.graceandthegravelroad.com)

Today's Big Question:  How are you responding to God's correction or instruction? Today's Scripture:  Proverbs 4:1-2 Listen, sons, to a father's discipline, and pay attention so that you may gain understanding, for I am giving you good instruction. Don't abandon my teaching. If you want a place to see and answer the questions I ask in the episode and to keep track of the discoveries you make as we study Proverbs, we include a set of free journal pages for this devotional series in each of our Sunday emails  Free journal pages to follow the study:  http://www.getwisdom.link/email (www.getwisdom.link/email) http://www.getwisdompublishing.com (www.getwisdompublishing.com) http://www.graceandthegravelroad.com (www.graceandthegravelroad.com)

Today's Big Question:  What is your inheritance? Today's Scripture:  Proverbs 3:35 The wise will inherit honor,     but fools get disgrace. Other verses mentioned in the episode: The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, doing abominable iniquity; there is none who does good. (Psalm 53:1) "For you are all sons of God through faith in Jesus Christ.... And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise" (Galatians 3:26,29).  “Because God has infinite wisdom, the person who neglects God will naturally miss out on wisdom—he will become a fool. A fool is anyone who does not follow the warnings and commands of God. A fool lacks wisdom, has no concern for others, does not desire to avoid sin, and brags about his sinful actions. The Scripture is clear we are to avoid living as a fool; rather, we are to fear the Lord, walk in His wisdom, and follow His ways.” -gotquestions.org “Fools are fond of honours, but all the honours they can enjoy are like bubbles when they glitter in the sun. They shall be promoted, indeed, but their exaltation shall be like that of Haman, who was exalted when he was hung upon a gallows fifty cubits high. Their shame shall be conspicuous to the world, when they shall be covered with everlasting disgrace, and become an abhorring to all flesh.” - George Lawson “Your everything depends on how you read that verse. Who are ‘the wise'? Who are the ‘fools'? Who really are the winners and losers in this world?...How you answer that question reveals everything about you, because how you answer that question reveals how you see the cross of Jesus. From one point of view, the cross is for losers and failures, and weaklings, and outsiders. From the opposite point of view, the cross represents everything to be trusted, admired, embraced….Here is the future: the wise in Christ will inherit the honor of Christ. Why not become a part of that?” - Raymond C Ortlund Jr. If you want a place to see and answer the questions I ask in the episode and to keep track of the discoveries you make as we study Proverbs, we include a set of free journal pages for this devotional series in each of our Sunday emails  Free journal pages to follow the study:  http://www.getwisdom.link/email (www.getwisdom.link/email) http://www.getwisdompublishing.com (www.getwisdompublishing.com) http://www.graceandthegravelroad.com (www.graceandthegravelroad.com)

Today's Big Question:  Is your life characterized more by pride or by humility? Today's Scripture:  Proverbs 3:34 He mocks those who mock but gives grace to the humble. Other verses mentioned in the episode: The devising of folly is sin, and the scoffer is an abomination to mankind. (Prov 24:9 ) “Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." (1 Peter 5:5) “A helpful biblical definition of humility is found in Romans 12:3, where Paul says that a person should “not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.” In other words, humility is an accurate estimation of our self-importance in relation to God and others. It is not inappropriate self-exaltation or self-abasement. Pride then is the over-estimation of our self-importance in relation to God and others.” - Jon Bloom “It is pride that makes men scorners. When men have an overweening conceit of themselves, they are likely to behave insolently to others, and contemptuously to God himself” - George Lawson “A truly gospel-humble person is not a self-hating person or a self-loving person, but a gospel-humble person. The truly gospel-humble person is a self-forgetful person whose ego is just like his or her toes. It just works. It does not draw attention to itself. The toes just work; the ego just works. Neither draws attention to itself.” – Tim Keller "God hates pride...For the sake of God's glory and the sake of your own soul's satisfaction, make war on every vestige of pride in your life and cry out to God every day for the miracle of humility." - John Piper If you want a place to see and answer the questions I ask in the episode and to keep track of the discoveries you make as we study Proverbs, we include a set of free journal pages for this devotional series in each of our Sunday emails  Free journal pages to follow the study:  http://www.getwisdom.link/email (www.getwisdom.link/email) http://www.getwisdompublishing.com (www.getwisdompublishing.com) http://www.graceandthegravelroad.com (www.graceandthegravelroad.com)

Today's Big Question:  Are you living in a household God would want to bless or curse? Today's Scripture:  Proverbs 3:31-32 The Lord's curse is on the household of the wicked, but he blesses the home of the righteous; Other verses mentioned in the episode: And he led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands he blessed them. While he blessed them, he parted from them and was carried up into heaven. And they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the temple blessing God. (Luke 24:50-53) And you shall eat and be full, and you shall bless the Lord your God for the good land he has given you. (Deuteronomy 8:10) Bless the Lord, O my soul,     and all that is within me,     bless his holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul,     and forget not all his benefits, (Psalm 103:1-2) You are the sons of the prophets and of the covenant that God made with your fathers, saying to Abraham, ‘And in your offspring shall all the families of the earth be blessed.' God, having raised up his servant, sent him to you first, to bless you by turning every one of you from your wickedness.” (Acts 3:25-26) “Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven,     and whose sins are covered; blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count his sin.” (Rom 4:7-8) If you want a place to see and answer the questions I ask in the episode and to keep track of the discoveries you make as we study Proverbs, we include a set of free journal pages for this devotional series in each of our Sunday emails  Free journal pages to follow the study:  http://www.getwisdom.link/email (www.getwisdom.link/email) http://www.getwisdompublishing.com (www.getwisdompublishing.com) http://www.graceandthegravelroad.com (www.graceandthegravelroad.com)

Today's Big Question:  Are you choosing to be like those our culture envies or are you striving to be right with God? Today's Scripture:  Proverbs 3:31-32 Do not envy a man of violence     and do not choose any of his ways, for the devious person is an abomination to the Lord,     but the upright are in his confidence. Other verses mentioned in the episode: Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. (Galatians 5:19-21a) A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones (Proverbs 14:30) “Envy and jealousy are closely related and sometimes used interchangeably in modern Bible translations, but they are not quite synonymous. Envy is a reaction to lacking something that another person possesses. Jealousy is a reaction to the fear or threat of losing something, or often someone, we possess. Envy is the distress or resentment we feel when others have what we have not. Jealousy is the sense of dread or suspicion we feel when what we have might be taken away. There is such a thing as godly jealousy (see 2 Corinthians 11:2), but the Bible never speaks of envy in a good light.” - gotquestions.org If you want a place to see and answer the questions I ask in the episode and to keep track of the discoveries you make as we study Proverbs, we include a set of free journal pages for this devotional series in each of our Sunday emails  Free journal pages to follow the study:  http://www.getwisdom.link/email (www.getwisdom.link/email) http://www.getwisdompublishing.com (www.getwisdompublishing.com) http://www.graceandthegravelroad.com (www.graceandthegravelroad.com)

Today's Big Question:  What's your heart attitude toward your neighbor? Today's Scripture:  Proverbs 3:29-30 Do not plan evil against your neighbor,     who dwells trustingly beside you. Do not contend with a man for no reason,     when he has done you no harm. Other verses mentioned in the episode: Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit; let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil."  (1 Peter 3:10-12) For the Lord gives wisdom;...delivering you from the way of evil, from men of perverted speech, who forsake the paths of uprightness to walk in the ways of darkness, who rejoice in doing evil and delight in the perverseness of evil, men whose paths are crooked, and who are devious in their ways. (Prov 2:6-15) Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death. (James 1:15) “You have heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment.' But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment! If you call someone an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the court. And if you curse someone, you are in danger of the fires of hell. “So if you are presenting a sacrifice at the altar in the Temple and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you, leave your sacrifice there at the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God.” (Matthew 5:21-24) “Our minds are mental greenhouses where unlawful thoughts, once planted, are nurtured and watered before being transplanted into the real world of unlawful actions… These actions are savored in the mind long before they are enjoyed in reality. The thought life, then, is our first line of defense in the battle of self-control.” - Jerry Bridges If you want a place to see and answer the questions I ask in the episode and to keep track of the discoveries you make as we study Proverbs, we include a set of free journal pages for this devotional series in each of our Sunday emails  Free journal pages to follow the study:  http://www.getwisdom.link/email (www.getwisdom.link/email) http://www.getwisdompublishing.com (www.getwisdompublishing.com) http://www.graceandthegravelroad.com (www.graceandthegravelroad.com)

Today's Big Question:  Is your heart more worried about its own power, privilege, or purse than someone else's need? Today's Scripture:  Proverbs 3:27-28 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due,     when it is in your power to do it. Do not say to your neighbor, “Go, and come again,     tomorrow I will give it”—when you have it with you. Other verses mentioned in the episode: Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?” He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” And Jesus said to him, “You go, and do likewise.” (Luke 10:36-37) “If we have no legal debt to any, we have a Gospel debt to all. Even the poor is bound by this universal law to his poorer neighbor. Every one has a claim upon our love. Every opportunity of doing good, is our call to do so. Our neighbors are the real owners of our good....Kindness is therefore a matter—not of option, but of obligation; an act of justice, no less than of mercy….Delay is an offence against the law of love.” - Charles Bridges “Delays in any part of duty, furnish a strong presumption that we do not perform it cheerfully. We are commanded, not only to do good works, but to be ready to every good work; not only to shew mercy, but to shew it with cheerfulness. He that gives speedily, gives twice; but he that gives with slow reluctance, gives in part a denial.” - George Lawson If you want a place to see and answer the questions I ask in the episode and to keep track of the discoveries you make as we study Proverbs, we include a set of free journal pages for this devotional series in each of our Sunday emails  Free journal pages to follow the study:  http://www.getwisdom.link/email (www.getwisdom.link/email) http://www.getwisdompublishing.com (www.getwisdompublishing.com) http://www.graceandthegravelroad.com (www.graceandthegravelroad.com)

“The safest place in all the world is in the will of God, and the safest protection in all the world is the name of God.”   - Warren Wiersbe Today's Scripture:  Proverbs 3:25-26 Do not be afraid of sudden terror     or of the ruin of the wicked, when it comes, for the Lord will be your confidence     and will keep your foot from being caught.  (ESV) You need not be afraid of sudden disaster     or the destruction that comes upon the wicked, for the Lord is your security.     He will keep your foot from being caught in a trap.  (NLT) Other verses mentioned in the episode: When the whirlwind passes, the wicked are no more, but the righteous are secure forever. (Proverbs 10:25) If you want a place to see and answer the questions I ask in the episode and to keep track of the discoveries you make as we study Proverbs, we include a set of free journal pages for this devotional series in each of our Sunday emails  Free journal pages to follow the study:  http://www.getwisdom.link/email (www.getwisdom.link/email) http://www.getwisdompublishing.com (www.getwisdompublishing.com) http://www.graceandthegravelroad.com (www.graceandthegravelroad.com)

“Don't fear, just live right.”  — Neal A. Maxwell Today's Scripture:  Proverbs 3:23-24 Then you will walk on your way securely,     and your foot will not stumble. If you lie down, you will not be afraid;     when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.  (ESV) They keep you safe on your way,     and your feet will not stumble. You can go to bed without fear;     you will lie down and sleep soundly.  (NLT) Other verses mentioned in the episode: Don't turn your back on wisdom, for she will protect you.     Love her, and she will guard you. (Proverbs 4:6) And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. (Matthew 10:28) I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) Lord, how my foes increase! There are many who attack me. Many say about me, “There is no help for him in God.” Selah But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, and the one who lifts up my head. I cry aloud to the Lord, and he answers me from his holy mountain. Selah I lie down and sleep; I wake again because the Lord sustains me. I will not be afraid of thousands of people who have taken their stand against me on every side. Rise up, Lord! Save me, my God! You strike all my enemies on the cheek; you break the teeth of the wicked. Salvation belongs to the Lord; may your blessing be on your people. Selah  (Psalm 3) If you want a place to see and answer the questions I ask in the episode and to keep track of the discoveries you make as we study Proverbs, we include a set of free journal pages for this devotional series in each of our Sunday emails  Free journal pages to follow the study:  http://www.getwisdom.link/email (www.getwisdom.link/email) http://www.getwisdompublishing.com (www.getwisdompublishing.com) http://www.graceandthegravelroad.com (www.graceandthegravelroad.com)

Look at everything through the lens of eternity. If you will do this, life will take on a different perspective. - James E. Faust Today's Scripture:  Proverbs 3:21-22 My son, do not lose sight of these—     keep sound wisdom and discretion, and they will be life for your soul     and adornment for your neck.  (ESV) My child, don't lose sight of common sense and discernment.     Hang on to them, for they will refresh your soul.     They are like jewels on a necklace.  (NLT) Other verses mentioned in the episode: For I have not spoken on my own authority, but the Father who sent me has himself given me a commandment—what to say and what to speak. And I know that his commandment is eternal life. What I say, therefore, I say as the Father has told me.” (John 12:49-50) If you want a place to see and answer the questions I ask in the episode and to keep track of the discoveries you make as we study Proverbs, we include a set of free journal pages for this devotional series in each of our Sunday emails  Free journal pages to follow the study:  http://www.getwisdom.link/email (www.getwisdom.link/email) http://www.getwisdompublishing.com (www.getwisdompublishing.com) http://www.graceandthegravelroad.com (www.graceandthegravelroad.com)

“We still do not know one-thousandth of one percent of what nature has revealed to us.”   ― Albert Einstein Today's Scripture:  Proverbs 3:19-20 The Lord by wisdom founded the earth;     by understanding he established the heavens; by his knowledge the deeps broke open,     and the clouds drop down the dew.  (ESV) By Wisdom the Lord laid the foundation of the earth. By understanding he established the heavens. By his knowledge the deep waters were divided,     and the skies dropped dew.  (GOD'S WORD) Other verses mentioned in the episode: All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. (John 1:3) For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. (Colossians 1:16) but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. (1 Corinthians 1:23-24) And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption (1 Corinthians 1:30) He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high (Hebrews 1:3) “Picture yourself as a farmer in the Near East, far from any lake or stream. A few wells keep the family and animals supplied with water. But if the crops are to grow and the family is to be fed from month to month, water has to come on the fields from another source. From where? Well. the sky. The sky? Water will come out of the clear blue sky? Well, not exactly. Water will have to be carried in the sky from the Mediterranean Sea, over several hundred miles and then poured out from the sky onto the fields. Carried? How much does it weigh? Well, if one inch of rain falls on one square mile of farmland during the night, that would be 27,878400 cubic feet of water, which is 206,300,160 gallons, which is 1,650, 501,280 pounds of water. That's heavy. So, how does it get up in the sky and stay up there if it's so heavy? Well, it gets up there by evaporation. Really? That's a nice word, what's it mean? It means that the water sort of stops being water for awhile so it can go up and down. I see. Then how does it get down? Well, condensation happens. What's that? The water starts becoming water again by gathering around little dust particles between .00001 and .0001 centimeters wide. That's small. What about the salt? Salt? Yes. The Mediterranean Sea is salt water. That would kill the crops. What about the salt? Well, the salt has to be taken out. Oh. So, the sky picks up a billion pounds of water from the sea and takes out the salt and then carries it for three hundred miles and then dumps it on the farm? Well, it doesn't dump it. If it dumped a billion pounds of water on the farm, the wheat would be crushed. So the sky dribbles the billion pounds of water down in little drops…” - John Piper If you want a place to see and answer the questions I ask in the episode and to keep track of the discoveries you make as we study Proverbs, we include a set of free journal pages for this devotional series in each of our Sunday emails  Free journal pages to follow the study:  http://www.getwisdom.link/email (www.getwisdom.link/email) http://www.getwisdompublishing.com (www.getwisdompublishing.com) http://www.graceandthegravelroad.com (www.graceandthegravelroad.com)

“Sorrow is knowledge, those that know the most must mourn the deepest, the tree of knowledge is not the tree of life.” - Lord Byron Today's Scripture:  Proverbs 3:17-18  Her ways are ways of pleasantness,     and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her;     those who hold her fast are called blessed.  (ESV) She will guide you down delightful paths;     all her ways are satisfying. Wisdom is a tree of life to those who embrace her;     happy are those who hold her tightly.  (NLT) Other verses mentioned in the episode: The Lord God made all sorts of trees grow up from the ground—trees that were beautiful and that produced delicious fruit. In the middle of the garden he placed the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. (Genesis 2:9) Then the Lord God said, “Look, the human beings have become like us, knowing both good and evil. What if they reach out, take fruit from the tree of life, and eat it? Then they will live forever!” (Genesis 3:22) After sending them out, the Lord God stationed mighty cherubim to the east of the Garden of Eden. And he placed a flaming sword that flashed back and forth to guard the way to the tree of life. (Genesis 3:24) “Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches. To everyone who is victorious I will give fruit from the tree of life in the paradise of God. (Revelation 2:7) It flowed down the center of the main street. On each side of the river grew a tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, with a fresh crop each month. The leaves were used for medicine to heal the nations. (Revelation 22:2) Blessed are those who wash their robes. They will be permitted to enter through the gates of the city and eat the fruit from the tree of life. (Revelation 22:14) And if anyone removes any of the words from this book of prophecy, God will remove that person's share in the tree of life and in the holy city that are described in this book. (Revelation 22:19) “In Eden, the tree appears to have been a source of ongoing physical life. The presence of the tree of life suggests a supernatural provision of life as Adam and Eve ate the fruit their Creator provided. Adam and Eve were designed to live forever, but to do so they likely needed to eat from the tree of life. Once they sinned, they were banned from the Garden, separated from the tree, and subject to physical death, just as they had experienced spiritual death. Since Eden, death has reigned throughout history. But on the New Earth, our access to the tree of life is forever restored.” Randy Alcorn If you want a place to see and answer the questions I ask in the episode and to keep track of the discoveries you make as we study Proverbs, we include a set of free journal pages for this devotional series in each of our Sunday emails  Free journal pages to follow the study:  http://www.getwisdom.link/email (www.getwisdom.link/email) http://www.getwisdompublishing.com (www.getwisdompublishing.com) http://www.graceandthegravelroad.com (www.graceandthegravelroad.com)

“Whatever the heart desires, it purchases at the cost of soul” - Lawrence Durrell Today's Scripture:  Proverbs 3:13-14  She is more precious than jewels,     and nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand;     in her left hand are riches and honor.  (ESV) Her value exceeds all the trappings of wealth;     nothing you could wish for holds a candle to her. With one hand she gives long life,     with the other she confers recognition.  (MSG) Other verses mentioned in the episode: Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” (Ephesians 6:1-3) “A happy life extended to old age is given to the lovers of wisdom; or if cut off in the midst of their days, they are no losers. They cannot even in this case complain that God is unfaithful to his promise, for in another world they enter on a state of life which excels the present as much in value as in duration. If a man promises to give us threescore and ten acres of ground in a barren country, and instead of them gives us ten thousand in a fruitful soil, watered by the river of God, and blessed by the smiles of heaven, he is not worse, but a great deal better than his word.” - George Lawson “The fear of God may add length to life by causing one to avoid violent activities, to refrain from unhealthy eating, to abstain from illicit sex, and to say no to harmful drugs and other addictive things. Having the fear of God also promotes a greater level of self-control and personal responsibility, resulting in a lifestyle of working hard to provide for daily needs and regular sleep to maintain long-term health. Relationally, a person who fears God will regularly spend time in prayer, develop godly relationships, and seek to live in harmony with family members and friends, resulting in a lower stress level and the lifestyle benefits that come with that.” - gotwisdom.org If you want a place to see and answer the questions I ask in the episode and to keep track of the discoveries you make as we study Proverbs, we include a set of free journal pages for this devotional series in each of our Sunday emails  Free journal pages to follow the study:  http://www.getwisdom.link/email (www.getwisdom.link/email) http://www.getwisdompublishing.com (www.getwisdompublishing.com) http://www.graceandthegravelroad.com (www.graceandthegravelroad.com)

“Thankful, grateful, blessed”  - every Christian social media account in the world Today's Scripture:  Proverbs 3:13-14  Blessed is the one who finds wisdom,     and the one who gets understanding, for the gain from her is better than gain from silver     and her profit better than gold.  (ESV) Joyful is the person who finds wisdom,     the one who gains understanding. For wisdom is more profitable than silver,     and her wages are better than gold.  (NLT) Other verses mentioned in the episode: Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. (James 1:12) One commentary said “But Jesus used the term blessed in the framework of the Beatitudes to describe the inner quality of a faithful servant of God. This blessedness is a spiritual state of well-being and prosperity—a deep, joy-filled contentment that cannot be shaken by poverty, grief, famine, persecution, war, or any other trial or tragedy we face in life. In human terms, the situations depicted in the Beatitudes are far from blessings, but because God is present with us through these difficult times, we are actually blessed by Him in them.” Vaneetha Rendall Risner says, “What is blessing, then? Scripture shows that blessing is anything God gives that makes us fully satisfied in him. Anything that draws us closer to Jesus. Anything that helps us relinquish the temporal and hold on more tightly to the eternal. And often it is the struggles and trials, the aching disappointments and the unfulfilled longings that best enable us to do that.” If you want a place to see and answer the questions I ask in the episode and to keep track of the discoveries you make as we study Proverbs, we include a set of free journal pages for this devotional series in each of our Sunday emails  Free journal pages to follow the study:  http://www.getwisdom.link/email (www.getwisdom.link/email) http://www.getwisdompublishing.com (www.getwisdompublishing.com) http://www.graceandthegravelroad.com (www.graceandthegravelroad.com)

“No horse gets anywhere until he is harnessed. No stream or gas drives anything until it is confined. No Niagara is ever turned into light and power until it is tunneled. No life ever grows great until it is focused, dedicated, disciplined.  - Harry Emerson Fosdick Today's Scripture:  Proverbs 3:11-12  My son, do not despise the Lord's discipline     or be weary of his reproof, for the Lord reproves him whom he loves,     as a father the son in whom he delights.  (ESV) But don't, dear friend, resent God's discipline;     don't sulk under his loving correction. It's the child he loves that God corrects;     a father's delight is behind all this.   (MSG) Other verses mentioned in the episode: And you have forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons: My son, do not take the Lord's discipline lightly or lose heart when you are reproved by him, for the Lord disciplines the one he loves and punishes every son he receives. (Hebrews 12:5-6) “As many as I love, I rebuke and discipline.” (Revelation 3:19a) See how happy is the person whom God corrects; so do not reject the discipline of the Almighty. (Job 5:17) Endure suffering as discipline: God is dealing with you as sons. For what son is there that a father does not discipline? But if you are without discipline—which all receive—then you are illegitimate children and not sons. Furthermore, we had human fathers discipline us, and we respected them. Shouldn't we submit even more to the Father of spirits and live? For they disciplined us for a short time based on what seemed good to them, but he does it for our benefit, so that we can share his holiness. No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Therefore, strengthen your tired hands and weakened knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated but healed instead. (Hebrews 12:7-13) Raymond C. Ortlund Jr. says, “when we suffer, it isn't God angrily taking from us, it is God lovingly reinvesting in us.” CR Wood makes this conclusion about these verses “The pain of suffering sometimes keeps us from seeing what God is doing in our lives. Sometimes He melts us in the furnace so He can stamp us with His own image. He wants us to partake of His holiness so we can partake of His happiness. If we compare our chastening with our sin, is it not a marvel that it is not heavier?” Ortlund says, “Our wise pathway through suffering is to accept it and wait while God fulfills his purpose. If you are suffering right now, you are probably being tempted in two opposite ways. Both are here in verse 11--either to despise the Lord's discipline, which is the active response of anger, or to be weary of his reproof, which is the passive response of despair. What is your only path forward? ‘Be trained by it'”  If you want a place to see and answer the questions I ask in the episode and to keep track of the discoveries you make as we study Proverbs, we include a set of free journal pages for this devotional series in each of our Sunday emails  Free journal pages to follow the study:  http://www.getwisdom.link/email (www.getwisdom.link/email) http://www.getwisdompublishing.com (www.getwisdompublishing.com) http://www.graceandthegravelroad.com (www.graceandthegravelroad.com)

“No one has ever become poor by giving.”  Anne Frank Today's Scripture:  Proverbs 3:9-10  Honor the Lord with your wealth     and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty,     and your vats will be bursting with wine.  (ESV) Honor God with everything you own; give him the first and the best. Your barns will burst, your wine vats will brim over.   (MSG) Other verses mentioned in the episode: “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:19-21) If you want a place to see and answer the questions I ask in the episode and to keep track of the discoveries you make as we study Proverbs, we include a set of free journal pages for this devotional series in each of our Sunday emails  Free journal pages to follow the study:  http://www.getwisdom.link/email (www.getwisdom.link/email) http://www.getwisdompublishing.com (www.getwisdompublishing.com) http://www.graceandthegravelroad.com (www.graceandthegravelroad.com)

“Sometimes I cannot say much about why I go to church other than what people who go to the gym say: I always feel better once I'm there; I feel better after; it is always good for me, not good in a take-your-vitamins way, in a chidingly moralistic way, but in a palpable way.” - Lauren F. Winner Today's Scripture:  Proverbs 3:8  This will be healing for your body and strengthening for your bones.  (CSB) Your body will glow with health, your very bones will vibrate with life!   (MSG) Other verses mentioned in the episode: My heart is broken within me, and all my bones tremble.  (Jeremiah 23:9a) All my bones shall say,     “O Lord, who is like you, delivering the poor     from him who is too strong for him,     the poor and needy from him who robs him?” (Psalm 35:10) A Forbes article quoting a Mayo clinic publication: “Most studies have shown that religious involvement and spirituality are associated with better health outcomes, including greater longevity, coping skills, and health-related quality of life (even during terminal illness) and less anxiety, depression, and suicide. Several studies have shown that addressing the spiritual needs of the patient may enhance recovery from illness.” If you want a place to see and answer the questions I ask in the episode and to keep track of the discoveries you make as we study Proverbs, we include a set of free journal pages for this devotional series in each of our Sunday emails  Free journal pages to follow the study:  http://www.getwisdom.link/email (www.getwisdom.link/email) http://www.getwisdompublishing.com (www.getwisdompublishing.com) http://www.graceandthegravelroad.com (www.graceandthegravelroad.com)

"If you want your life to count now and forever for Christ, here is all you need to do. Fear the Lord. Turn away from evil. Do that alone and your life will be magnificent." - Raymond C. Ortlund Jr. Today's Scripture: Proverbs 3:7 Be not wise in your own eyes;   fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. (ESV) Don't be impressed with your own wisdom.   Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil.  (MSG) Other verses mentioned in the episode: Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud; instead, associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own estimation. (Romans 12:16) Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes And clever in their own sight! (Isaiah 5:21) The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; Fools despise wisdom and instruction. (Proverbs 1:7) [[ theme verse]] Then they will call on me, but I will not answer; They will seek me diligently but they will not find me, Because they hated knowledge And did not choose the fear of the Lord. (Proverbs 1:28-29) Then you will discern the fear of the Lord And discover the knowledge of God. (Proverbs 2:5) Raymond C. Ortlund Jr. says, “Fear the Lord and turn away from evil. Yes, it's a simple thing to say. But we need to be told, because it is radical. The first of Martin Luther's 95 Theses was this: Our Lord and Master Jesus Christ in saying, “Repent, “ intended that the whole life of believers should be repentance. You probably have a to do list for this coming week. Here are the priorities God wants at the top of your list in terms of urgency. #1: Fear the Lord. #2: Turn away from evil. #3: As time permits, breathe. That is the urgency of your life this week. It will add greatness to your life. It will add life to your life. It will save you from a wasted life.” If you want a place to see and answer the questions I ask in the episode and to keep track of the discoveries you make as we study Proverbs, we include a set of free journal pages for this devotional series in each of our Sunday emails  Free journal pages to follow the study: www.getwisdom.link/email www.getwisdompublishing.com www.graceandthegravelroad.com

"Pseudo-faith always arranges a way out to serve in case God fails it. Real faith only knows one way and gladly allows itself to be stripped of any second way or makeshift substitutes….And not since Adam stood up on the earth has God failed a single man or woman who trusted him. " - A. W. Tozer “When we enthrone God's law in our hearts, our priorities are dictated and our paths are directed.” - John Phillips Today's Scripture:  Proverbs 3:4.  Trust in the Lord with all your heart,     and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him,     and he will make straight your paths.  (ESV) Trust God from the bottom of your heart;     don't try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go;     he's the one who will keep you on track. (MSG) Other verses mentioned in the episode: I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you. (Psalm 32:8) The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way; (Psalm 37:23) Adam Clarke says, “Self-sufficiency and self-dependence have been the ruin of mankind ever since the fall of Adam. The grand sin of the human race is their continual endeavor to live independently of God.” If you want a place to see and answer the questions I ask in the episode and to keep track of the discoveries you make as we study Proverbs, we include a set of free journal pages for this devotional series in each of our Sunday emails  Free journal pages to follow the study:  http://www.getwisdom.link/email (www.getwisdom.link/email) http://www.getwisdompublishing.com (www.getwisdompublishing.com) http://www.graceandthegravelroad.com (www.graceandthegravelroad.com)

"You can't build a reputation on what you are going to do" - Henry Ford “As Christians, our number-one priority is to represent Christ well to this lost and broken world (Acts 1:8). Because Jesus is honest, kind, loyal, and honorable, we should strive to be those things as well (Ephesians 5:1), and all of those qualities contribute to a good reputation. People evaluate the worthiness of our message based on our reputations as people of character. If we have poor reputations, our message is tainted as well. Dishonesty, gossip, and hypocrisy damage our testimonies and do not reflect the character of Jesus. Many will not heed our words when our reputations do not match what we claim to believe.” Today's Scripture:  Proverbs 3:4.  So you will find favor and good success     in the sight of God and man.  (ESV) Earn a reputation for living well     in God's eyes and the eyes of the people. (MSG) Other verses mentioned in the episode: “But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord.” (Genesis 6:8) A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches,     and favor is better than silver or gold. (Proverbs 22:1) Jesus grew in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and all the people. (Luke 2:52) If you want a place to see and answer the questions I ask in the episode and to keep track of the discoveries you make as we study Proverbs, we include a set of free journal pages for this devotional series in each of our Sunday emails  Free journal pages to follow the study:  http://www.getwisdom.link/email (www.getwisdom.link/email) http://www.getwisdompublishing.com (www.getwisdompublishing.com) http://www.graceandthegravelroad.com (www.graceandthegravelroad.com)

"Beware what you set your heart upon. For it surely shall be yours." - Ralph Waldo Emerson Today's Scripture:  Proverbs 3:3.  Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you;     bind them around your neck;     write them on the tablet of your heart.  (ESV) Never let loyalty and kindness leave you!     Tie them around your neck as a reminder.     Write them deep within your heart. (NLT) “The binding to the neck and the writing upon the heart express the fact that God desires His commands to be the very life of His people-every breath they breathe and every beat of their hearts.” - The Preachers Outline and Sermon Bible Commentary Other verses mentioned in the episode: Hear, my son, your father's instruction,     and forsake not your mother's teaching, for they are a graceful garland for your head     and pendants for your neck.  (Proverbs 1:8-9) All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness,     for those who keep his covenant and his testimonies. (Psalms 25:10) He will send from heaven and save me;     he will put to shame him who tramples on me. God will send out his steadfast love and his faithfulness!  (Psalm 57:3 ) Hear the word of the Lord, O children of Israel,     for the Lord has a controversy with the inhabitants of the land. There is no faithfulness or steadfast love,     and no knowledge of God in the land;  (Hosea 4:1) Here we see Israel condemned for exactly what today's verse is telling us not to do: not to forsake steadfast love and faithfulness If you want a place to see and answer the questions I ask in the episode and to keep track of the discoveries you make as we study Proverbs, we include a set of free journal pages for this devotional series in each of our Sunday emails  Free journal pages to follow the study:  http://www.getwisdom.link/email (www.getwisdom.link/email) http://www.getwisdompublishing.com (www.getwisdompublishing.com) http://www.graceandthegravelroad.com (www.graceandthegravelroad.com)

“God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from Himself, because it is not there. There is no such thing.”  -- C. S. Lewis We're beginning chapter three today and looking at the first of 12 verses of a rhythm of instruction and incentive. This is God in the tone of a father instructing his children on what will foster a good life. Raymond C Ortlund Jr., says, “The wisdom of chapter 2 offered to deliver us from evil. It offered protection. But this glowing chapter 3 is so positive. It is an education of life at its best--how to live well in every area, at home, at work, all around. ...he is coaching us in how we can be fully alive, for his glory.” Today's Scripture:  Proverbs 3:1-2.  My son, do not forget my teaching,     but let your heart keep my commandments, for length of days and years of life     and peace they will add to you.  (ESV) Good friend, don't forget all I've taught you;     take to heart my commands. They'll help you live a long, long time,     a long life lived full and well. (MSG) David Guzik, a Bible commentator says about verse 1: “Deciding to not forget God's word is more than a mental exercise of memory. It is also connected to a life of obedience, one that does keep the commands of God. If one mentally remembers God's Word yet fails to obey it, we could rightly say he or she has forgotten God's commands. We note also that this obedience is one of the heart. Our goal in obedience is not mere outward conformity to God's will, but a heart that loves and obeys Him. ‘The heart is the first thing that wanders away from God, and it is also the first thing that returns to God.'” Other verses mentioned in the episode: “In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.” (Psalm 4:8) Great peace have those who love your law; nothing can make them stumble. (Psalm 119:165) For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, (Ephesians 2:14) If you want a place to see and answer the questions I ask in the episode and to keep track of the discoveries you make as we study Proverbs, we include a set of free journal pages for this devotional series in each of our Sunday emails  Free journal pages to follow the study:  http://www.getwisdom.link/email (www.getwisdom.link/email) http://www.getwisdompublishing.com (www.getwisdompublishing.com) http://www.graceandthegravelroad.com (www.graceandthegravelroad.com)

“The whole passage is meant to position us in that place of blessing and protection. We need it.”  ― Raymond C. Ortlund Jr. Today we conclude chapter two with a contrast between the future of the upright and the wicked. John Kitchen says, “The primary intent of wisdom, however, is not simply avoiding evil, but seeking the good. The former must happen as an application of wisdom, but it is not the primary purpose. Wisdom is not first of all about refraining from bad things, but about pursuing God's best things. The orientation of wisdom is not primarily negative, but positive.” Today's Scripture:  Proverbs 2:20-22.  So follow the way of the good, and keep to the paths of the righteous. For the upright will inhabit the land, and those of integrity will remain in it; but the wicked will be cut off from the land, and the treacherous ripped out of it.  (CSB) So follow the steps of the good,     and stay on the paths of the righteous. For only the godly will live in the land,     and those with integrity will remain in it. But the wicked will be removed from the land,     and the treacherous will be uprooted. (NLT) If you want a place to see and answer the questions I ask in the episode and to keep track of the discoveries you make as we study Proverbs, we include a set of free journal pages for this devotional series in each of our Sunday emails  Free journal pages to follow the study:  http://www.getwisdom.link/email (www.getwisdom.link/email) http://www.getwisdompublishing.com (www.getwisdompublishing.com) http://www.graceandthegravelroad.com (www.graceandthegravelroad.com)

“The trouble with most of us is that we'd rather be ruined by praise than saved by criticism.”  ― Norman Vincent Peale  Today we're talking about the second of the temptations a father warns his son about, an unfaithful woman. Henry Morris writes, “The "strange woman" ("alien woman") is named as such no less than ten times in Proverbs, with both literal and figurative applications. Foreign women, with different gods and moral standards than those of Israel, often led God's people into sin, including Solomon himself (1Ki 11:1-8). This situation also represents spiritual adultery, with the Israelites not only consorting with strange women but also worshipping strange gods. This is suggested in the next verse, ‘forgets the covenant of her god'” Today's Scripture:  Proverbs 2:16-19.  It will rescue you from a forbidden woman, from a wayward woman with her flattering talk, who abandons the companion of her youth and forgets the covenant of her God; for her house sinks down to death and her ways to the land of the departed spirits. None return who go to her; none reach the paths of life.  (CSB) Wisdom will save you from the immoral woman,     from the seductive words of the promiscuous woman. She has abandoned her husband     and ignores the covenant she made before God. Entering her house leads to death;     it is the road to the grave. The man who visits her is doomed.     He will never reach the paths of life. (NLT) Other Scriptures Mentioned in the episode: But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death. (James 1:14–15) Now the works of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, moral impurity, promiscuity, idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and anything similar. I am warning you about these things—as I warned you before—that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. (Gal 5:19-21) If you want a place to see and answer the questions I ask in the episode and to keep track of the discoveries you make as we study Proverbs, we include a set of free journal pages for this devotional series in each of our Sunday emails  Free journal pages to follow the study:  http://www.getwisdom.link/email (www.getwisdom.link/email) http://www.getwisdompublishing.com (www.getwisdompublishing.com) http://www.graceandthegravelroad.com (www.graceandthegravelroad.com)

“it's not the darkness that's terrifying, it's what you might find in it.” - J.M. Darhower    Today we're talking about one of the temptations a young person will face in life - perverse men. These verses describe them. Today's Scripture:  Proverbs 2:13-15.  from those who abandon the right paths to walk in ways of darkness, from those who enjoy doing evil and celebrate perversion, whose paths are crooked, and whose ways are devious. (CSB) These men turn from the right way     to walk down dark paths. They take pleasure in doing wrong,     and they enjoy the twisted ways of evil. Their actions are crooked,     and their ways are wrong.  (NLT) Other Scriptures Mentioned in the episode: And the judgment is based on this fact: God's light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil. (John 3:19) If we say, “We have fellowship with him,” and yet we walk in darkness, we are lying and are not practicing the truth. (1 John 1:6) This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light, and there is absolutely no darkness in him. (1 John 1:5) But the way of the wicked is like the darkest gloom; they don't know what makes them stumble. (Proverbs 4:19) Jesus answered, “The light will be with you only a little longer. Walk while you have the light so that darkness doesn't overtake you. The one who walks in darkness doesn't know where he's going. (John 12:35) John Kitchen says, "the one who has corrupted his conscience with sin finds his deepest being resonating with the call of evil and he finds his feet ready to dance down the path of wickedness. Indeed, his delight is not simply in evil as a concept or philosophy, but in ‘doing' it" If you want a place to see and answer the questions I ask in the episode and to keep track of the discoveries you make as we study Proverbs, we include a set of free journal pages for this devotional series in each of our Sunday emails  Free journal pages to follow the study:  http://www.getwisdom.link/email (www.getwisdom.link/email) http://www.getwisdompublishing.com (www.getwisdompublishing.com) http://www.graceandthegravelroad.com (www.graceandthegravelroad.com)

“I shall be telling this with a sigh Somewhere ages and ages hence: two roads diverged in a wood, and I -- I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference.” - Robert Frost Today we're talking about one of the temptations a young person will face in life and what protects us from falling victim to it. Today's Scripture:  Proverbs 2:11-12.  discretion will watch over you,     understanding will guard you, delivering you from the way of evil,     from men of perverted speech, (ESV) Good Sense will scout ahead for danger,     Insight will keep an eye out for you. They'll keep you from making wrong turns,     or following the bad directions  (MSG) In speaking of the men in verse 12, George Lawson says, “They speak contrary things; they pay no regard to truth, but bend their tongue like their bow for lies.”  If you want a place to see and answer the questions I ask in the episode and to keep track of the discoveries you make as we study Proverbs, we include a set of free journal pages for this devotional series in each of our Sunday emails  Free journal pages to follow the study:  http://www.getwisdom.link/email (www.getwisdom.link/email) http://www.getwisdompublishing.com (www.getwisdompublishing.com) http://www.graceandthegravelroad.com (www.graceandthegravelroad.com)

“Our Father is saying in Proverbs 2, ‘If you will seek newness of life in Christ, you will go deep with him, and you will change within yourself, Then you'll be prepared for life in the real world.' That is how grace works,” - Raymond C. Ortlund Jr. Today we talk about a new description of wisdom: the “ethical triad” of righteousness, justice, and equity and how it can take up residence in your heart. Which sounds nice and “Christian-ey”, but imagine if the seat of your emotions, understanding, reason, conscience, motives, desires, decision-making, and faith was governed by righteousness, justice, and equity. How would that affect your life? Today's Scripture:  Proverbs 2:9-10.  Then you will understand righteousness and justice     and equity, every good path;  for wisdom will come into your heart,     and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul;  (ESV) Then you will understand what is right, just, and fair,     and you will find the right way to go. For wisdom will enter your heart,     and knowledge will fill you with joy.  (NLT) If you want a place to see and answer the questions I ask in the episode and to keep track of the discoveries you make as we study Proverbs, we include a set of free journal pages for this devotional series in each of our Sunday emails  Free journal pages to follow the study:  http://www.getwisdom.link/email (www.getwisdom.link/email) http://www.getwisdompublishing.com (www.getwisdompublishing.com) http://www.graceandthegravelroad.com (www.graceandthegravelroad.com)

“The Christian ideal has not been tried and found wanting. It has been found difficult and left untried.”  -  Gilbert K. Chesterton Today's verses share some of the benefits of knowing God and living in relationship with him. The Way may not be the easy road, but it will never be without reward. Today's Scripture:  Proverbs 2:7-8.  he stores up sound wisdom for the upright;     he is a shield to those who walk in integrity, guarding the paths of justice     and watching over the way of his saints.  (ESV) He's a rich mine of Common Sense for those who live well, a personal bodyguard to the candid and sincere. He keeps his eye on all who live honestly, and pays special attention to his loyally committed ones.  (MSG) If you need to be encouraged by the last line of these verses or to have it re-enforced slowly read Psalm 121 which uses the same Hebrew verb six times in eight verses! The benefits of knowing God are that God himself is Storing up practical wisdom for you Shielding you Guarding your path Keeping you, preserving you If you want a place to see and answer the questions I ask in the episode and to keep track of the discoveries you make as we study Proverbs, we include a set of free journal pages for this devotional series in each of our Sunday emails  Free journal pages to follow the study:  http://www.getwisdom.link/email (www.getwisdom.link/email) http://www.getwisdompublishing.com (www.getwisdompublishing.com) http://www.graceandthegravelroad.com (www.graceandthegravelroad.com)

“We must be looking beyond our circumstances to God as our power and wisdom.” - Thomas Bear In this episode we get to the “BECAUSE” of the passage we've been studying. Why can we get the results we're given in verse 5? Because... Today's Scripture:  Proverbs 2:6.  For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.  (CSB) For the Lord grants wisdom! His every word is a treasure of knowledge and understanding.  (TLB) Other Scriptures Referenced:     I have filled him (Bezalell) with the Spirit of God in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all kinds of craftsmanship,  (Ex 31:3) As for these four youths, God gave them knowledge and intelligence in every branch of literature and wisdom; Daniel even understood all kinds of visions and dreams. (Da 1:17) It is He who changes the times and the epochs; He removes kings and establishes kings; He gives wisdom to wise men And knowledge to men of understanding (Da 2:21) To You, O God of my fathers, I give thanks and praise, For You have given me wisdom and power; Even now You have made known to me what we requested of You, For You have made known to us the king's matter. (Da 2:23) “What is implicit in all of Proverbs, chapter 2 makes brightly explicit: Wisdom comes from God and no one can enjoy it who does not choose God's paths.” - Robert Hubbard If you want a place to see and answer the questions I ask in the episode and to keep track of the discoveries you make as we study Proverbs, we include a set of free journal pages for this devotional series in each of our Sunday emails  Free journal pages to follow the study:  http://www.getwisdom.link/email (www.getwisdom.link/email) http://www.getwisdompublishing.com (www.getwisdompublishing.com) http://www.graceandthegravelroad.com (www.graceandthegravelroad.com)

“The person who fears God seeks to live all of life to the glory of God... All the activities of life should be pursued with the aim of glorifying God.” - Jerry BridgesToday we cover the “THEN” portion of the IF/THEN statement in Proverbs 2. The results we'll get if we take the actions we've been talking about the last few days.  Today's Scripture:  Proverbs 2:5.  then you will understand the fear of the Lord and discover the knowledge of God.  (CSB) Believe me, before you know it Fear-of-God will be yours; you'll have come upon the Knowledge of God.  (MSG) Other Scriptures Referenced:  Jeremiah 9:23-24    This is what the LORD says: "Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom or the strong man boast of his strength or the rich man boast of his riches, but let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,"  declares the LORD. “‘Fear' and ‘knowledge' are words of attitude and action, as well as information. They are code terms for the total response in life—worship, obedience, service, love—which God enables those to make who fully commit their ways to Him. They describe an exclusive relation that transforms all other relationships: to ourselves, our neighbors, our things, our work, our world.”  - David Allen Hubbard If you want a place to see and answer the questions I ask in the episode and to keep track of the discoveries you make as we study Proverbs, we include a set of free journal pages for this devotional series in each of our Sunday emails  Free journal pages to follow the study:  http://www.getwisdom.link/email (www.getwisdom.link/email) http://www.getwisdompublishing.com (www.getwisdompublishing.com) http://www.graceandthegravelroad.com (www.graceandthegravelroad.com)

“Those who earnestly seek heavenly wisdom, will never complain that they have lost their labor; and the freeness of the gift does not do away the necessity of our diligence” - Matthew HenryToday we'll cover the second half of four verses which are a series of instructions to believers. John Phillips outlines these verses as: We Must Be Receptive (v 1) We Must Be Responsive (v 2-3) We Must Be Resolute (v 4) Chuck Swindoll divides it into four disciplines Discipline of the written Word of God (v 1) Discipline of our inner desire (v 2) Discipline of prevailing prayer (v 3) Discipline of daily consistency (v 4) Today's Scripture:  Proverbs 2:3-4.  furthermore, if you call out to insight and lift your voice to understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it like hidden treasure,  (CSB) That's right—if you make Insight your priority,     and won't take no for an answer, Searching for it like a prospector panning for gold,     like an adventurer on a treasure hunt,    (MSG) “When Betty Goldstein of Staten Island, New York, entered the hospital, her husband Ron wrapped her 3.5-carat diamond ring in a napkin for safekeeping. But in a forgetful moment, the 63-year-old Goldstein threw the napkin in the trash. When he realized his mistake, he dashed outside, only to see the garbage truck rumbling down the street. So he called the local sanitation department and got permission to follow the truck to a transfer station. Workers began sorting through hundreds of garbage bags and recovered the ring an hour later. The writer of Proverbs urges us to search diligently for something far more precious—wisdom. In Pr 2, a father encourages his son to do whatever is necessary to get insight and wisdom. This strenuous search for wisdom is actually a search for God Himself (Pr 2:3-5). In fact, inner happiness comes when man attains this wisdom (Pr 3:13). He encourages his son to search diligently for this rare jewel because wisdom is not usually discovered by the casual observer. Wisdom is discovered and enjoyed only by those who are diligent, devoted, and determined to seek it. Let us devote our whole being to searching for that rare jewel of wisdom.” —Marvin Williams If you want a place to see and answer the questions I ask in the episode and to keep track of the discoveries you make as we study Proverbs, we include a set of free journal pages for this devotional series in each of our Sunday emails  Free journal pages to follow the study:  http://www.getwisdom.link/email (www.getwisdom.link/email) http://www.getwisdompublishing.com (www.getwisdompublishing.com) http://www.graceandthegravelroad.com (www.graceandthegravelroad.com)