One of my best friends introduced to me - a manner of studying the Bible, particularly the book of proverbs. This was also mentioned last Sunday at the pulpit.
If you take a look at the book of Proverbs, there are 31 chapters all in all. One chapter is good for one day assuming there are 31 days in a month. And if there are only 30 days (like in this month), then read two chapters in one particular day!
Proverbs for me is a comprehensive wisdom book. Every line expresses a hearty advice to people young and old, every chapter supplies insights to even the most humdrum episodes of life. I read somewhere that Proverbs is “probably the most down-to-earth book in the Bible.” It prepares you to be street-smart. It teaches you how to deal with your parents, your business, your wife, your children, and even your neighbors across the street.
Do you want to attain wisdom, discipline, knowledge, discretion, understanding and discernment? Then start reading Proverbs! Read with the right perspective by the way. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline” (Prov 1:7). Even if you memorize all the verses verbatim and apply them every moment, without the fear of the Lord, they will be meaningless - a vapor in the wind, a wave tossed in the ocean.
Anyway, I would just like to share with you some verses that have stricken me the past days:
1. “Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. They will be a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck.” - Proverbs 1:8-9
This is the first advice written in the book. It taught me to seek my parents’ counsel and appreciate their teachings.
2. “Commit to the Lord whatever your do, and your plans will succeed.” - Proverbs 16:3
It’s okay for us to make plans, it’s good actually, especially if we want to do God’s mission for us effectively, efficiently and excellently.
3. “In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.” - Proverbs 16:9
Interesting.
4. “Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is he who trusts in the Lord.” - Proverbs 16:20
It does us well to be cautious in doing our tasks, but not to the point of becoming OC (Obsessive Compulsive), when we want to control everything that we forget that God’s still in control.
5. “Better a patient man than a warrior, a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city.” - Proverbs 16:32
Ouch. :P
6. “Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting with strife.” - Proverbs 17:1
Exactly!
7. “Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.” - Poverbs 17:14
Colorful, clear and concise.
8. “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.” - Proverbs 18:10
A promise we can claim.
9. “Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud, but humility comes before honor.” - Proverbs 18: 12
This happened to several kings in the past. Try reading 1 & 2 Kings.
10. “Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” - Proverbs 19:21
Amen to that!
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These verses (and many more in the Bible) are very easy to memorize and re-chew (meditate) when temptations come and attack. Use these to combat the demon.
Tomorrow is April 21, try reading the 21st chapter. Enjoy and be wisdom-filled! :)
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