Proverbs

Four Insatiables

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Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

Three things are never satisfied,
    no, there are four that never say, “That’s enough, thank you!”—

hell,
a barren womb,
a parched land,
a forest fire.

Proverbs 30:16 (MSG)

A freeloader has twin daughters
    named “Gimme” and “Gimme more.”

Proverbs 30:15 (MSG)

Copyright © 2024 Mark Brady  All Rights Reserved

Proverbial Wisdom

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I mentioned earlier this year that I am studying the book of Proverbs. (“The Message” version.) The amount of wisdom this book contains is remarkable. God certainly answered Solomon’s request. When God asked him what he wanted, he said, “Wisdom.”

9 “Here’s what I want: Give me a God-listening heart so I can lead your people well, discerning the difference between good and evil. For who on their own is capable of leading your glorious people?”

10-14 God, the Master, was delighted with Solomon’s response. And God said to him, “Because you have asked for this and haven’t grasped after a long life, or riches, or the doom of your enemies, but you have asked for the ability to lead and govern well, I’ll give you what you’ve asked for—I’m giving you a wise and mature heart. There’s never been one like you before; and there’ll be no one after. As a bonus, I’m giving you both the wealth and glory you didn’t ask for—there’s not a king anywhere who will come up to your mark. And if you stay on course, keeping your eye on the life-map and the God-signs as your father David did, I’ll also give you a long life.” 1 Kings 3:9-14 (MSG)

Below, I have listed two scriptures that illustrate the kind of wisdom one can find in this book of the Bible.

The purity of silver and gold is tested
    by putting them in the fire;
The purity of human hearts is tested
    by giving them a little fame. Proverbs 27:21 (MSG)

It has been said before that fame changes people. A friend once told me she would show up at one of my book signings and I wouldn’t even know her. I replied, “Are you crazy? I’ll ask my host to pull up another chair, and we can catch up while I sign books.” I was confessing then that fame wouldn’t affect me, and so far, it hasn’t! LOL

A pure heart isn’t about obeying rules and trying to please God. It’s not about never sinning, either. Instead, it’s all about your motives being pure. It’s about loving people as God loves people.

There is one thing I had been wondering about for a couple of years. I know a person who prays. I mean a lot! For people, for issues, for whatever. As I observed this person, I noticed that it oddly seemed like their prayers were not answered. I couldn’t figure out why. As much as I am into “asking” God for knowledge and understanding, I had not thought about asking him about this situation. Then, I read the following verse, and it all made sense.

God has no use for the prayers
    of the people who won’t listen to him. Proverbs 28:9 (MSG)

As you can see, simply by reading the Book of Proverbs, one can gain wisdom and understanding. I have heard that since there are thirty-one chapters, some people read the book every month. Perhaps not a bad idea for someone like me, who needs all the proverbial wisdom they can get!

Copyright © 2024 Mark Brady  All Rights Reserved

Profoundness

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Image by PDPics from Pixabay

I don’t particularly appreciate going somewhere because I know there are bad, aggressive, dangerous drivers out there. I don’t “fear” them, but I know I have to be extremely careful while trying to reach my destination in one piece.

I sort of take a lot of pride in my driving. I am courteous, especially to semi-truck drivers, because I know it is challenging considering their length. I give them space to get over or merge into traffic. I learned a lot by watching my mother and comparing her driving to my father’s. Before getting in a vehicle with my father, I would always make sure I was right with God! (Kidding, sort of.)

The other day, April and I were out running errands. I sat behind another driver, waiting to turn right. I watched as the one in front of me missed several opportunities to make their turn. I got very frustrated. They finally turned. I Iooked and made my turn. I said to April, “See. It’s not hard!”

April looked over at me and said the most profound statement. She said, “Maybe it’s hard for them.” Ouch! What do you do when you become aware of the truth? Hopefully, as I decided to do, accept it. I must say, since she said that, I have been more tolerant of other drivers.

Profound – having or showing great knowledge or insight

You might say profoundness is “truth,” and the Bible says the “truth” will set you free. April’s insight is setting me free from frustration while being out there among them driving. What can “truth” set you free from? What “profound” wisdom or insight do you need to hear? Another way to ask this question is: What do you need freedom from?

You can ask God for profoundness in your own life. I would also suggest reading God’s word, the Bible. And I would start with the book of Proverbs. It is full of profound statements and wisdom that, if applied, can change your life. Below is a small sampling.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and discipline.
Proverbs 1:7

Guard your heart above all else, for it is the source of life. Proverbs 4:23

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5

There is a way that seems right to a person, but its end is the way to death. Proverbs 14:12

Copyright © 2024 Mark Brady  All Rights Reserved

How to Live Life

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Image by Brigitte Werner from Pixabay

I decided to start 2024 reading from the book of Proverbs and, this time, from “The Message.” The introduction to the book used the subtitle of “A Manual For Living.”

1-6 These are the wise sayings of Solomon,
    David’s son, Israel’s king—
Written down so we’ll know how to live well and right,
    to understand what life means and where it’s going;
A manual for living,
    for learning what’s right and just and fair;
To teach the inexperienced the ropes
    and give our young people a grasp on reality.
There’s something here also for seasoned men and women,
    still a thing or two for the experienced to learn—
Fresh wisdom to probe and penetrate,
    the rhymes and reasons of wise men and women.

Start with God

7 Start with God—the first step in learning is bowing down to God;
    only fools thumb their noses at such wisdom and learning. Prov. 1:1-7 (MSG)

The wisest man on earth says to start with God. Some of you may have a problem with that advice right there. You are still thinking that you know more about yourself and your life than He does. Others may have an issue with this because they feel God is nothing more than a bunch of rules. If this is you, then perhaps the problem is you don’t trust God. Maybe you look at someone else’s life who claims to be living for God, and yet they are not doing things that you approve of. Therefore, you have decided you don’t want to be like them. That is judgment and ultimately only an excuse.

The beginning of a new year is a great time to start new things like a new lifestyle. Evan a new perspective on God and try trusting Him more. If Soloman found it essential, then it is! Yes, you may have to die to yourself, but you begin to live life like never before.

Copyright © 2024 Mark Brady  All Rights Reserved