A Proverb A Day Gives Us Wisdom To Pray - Proverbs 5

This proverb was written for men. However, women can also take direction from this proverb, as well. This proverb is a warning to stay away from the adulteress. Women, we need to stay away from the adulterer. We know it takes two to tango and the door could swing the other direction to pull us away from our husbands.

The enemy knows our weaknesses and will stop at nothing to push our buttons, so we must always be aware. Being happily married does not deter the enemy from trying to bring temptation your way. Remember, he comes only to kill, steal, and destroy (John 10:10). So, be on the lookout. Be proactive with your prayers for your spouse in this specific area. I am not saying to be afraid of a devil around every corner, but be wise, so that he does not catch you off guard.

That "friend" at work could easily become a temptation and a snare, even if they "say" they are a Christian or they "believe" in God (Remember the devil believes in God. Saying you are a Christian and actually being a Christian are two totally different things). If you are married, do NOT go anywhere alone with that friendly co-worker that wants to just go grab a coffee or a drink after work. If you get invitations like this, then you should say, no, but I'll ask my spouse if we can have you over for dinner. Watch how fast that person backs away from you. Then, you know their agenda was not just about coffee.

This proverb urges us to pay attention and listen well, so that we may maintain discretion. We are told the adulteress's lips drip with honey. Yup, she is a smooth talker, but do not be fooled. In the end, her words will be bitter like vinegar. She is a double-edged sword and she will cut you deep and in more ways than one. Her paths are crooked and her way leads to death and the grave. We are warned to not even go near her door, unless we want to trade our honor and dignity for cruelty, give our wealth to strangers, and come to the brink of utter ruin.

This is a "strange" woman, and you are to stay away from her. This proverb instructs us to drink from our own well. Don't seek out strangers. The Lord sees and knows all. You can't hide this from Him. The evil deeds a wicked man does ensnares him and he is held fast by the cords of his sin. Don't trade discipline for death and don't be led away by great folly.

Stay with the one you made a holy covenant with. The Lord will cause you to delight in your spouse. Even on the worst day with your spouse, life is better for you than with an adulteress. There's talk of this 80/20 rule going around. Sometimes your spouse may only give you 80%, but don't trade it for the 20% that an adulteress will give you, because that 20% is momentary.

Wives, do not neglect your husbands on the 20%. The Bible says you are NOT to deny your husbands. Read 1 Corinthians 7:4-5. When you said "I do" your body is no longer yours. You are his and he is yours. This 20% is the KEY that unlocks the 80% of how your husband relates to you and shows you love. Wives, this 20% is a ministry to your husbands. Again, my best friend's Spanish proverb comes to mind here. "Dar el ala, para comer la pechuga." Basic Translation - You have to give up the wing of the chicken to get the breast of the chicken.

Let's get real! Marriage is something that has to be protected. It is sacred and holy. It is worth fighting for. Even if you have grown apart, God can fix that. Plus, there are loads of resources out there to help you. Remember why you married each other and remember the exciting parts of your marriage in that 1st year. Go back to where you started. Rekindle that fire. Don't give the enemy any room to send an adulteress your way.

Proverbs 5 (NIV)

1 My son, pay attention to my wisdom,
    turn your ear to my words of insight,
² that you may maintain discretion
    and your lips may preserve knowledge. 

³ For the lips of the adulterous woman drip honey,
    and her speech is smoother than oil;
⁴ but in the end she is bitter as gall,
    sharp as a double-edged sword.
⁵ Her feet go down to death;
    her steps lead straight to the grave.
⁶ She gives no thought to the way of life;
    her paths wander aimlessly, but she does not know it. 

⁷ Now then, my sons, listen to me;
    do not turn aside from what I say. 

⁸ Keep to a path far from her,
    do not go near the door of her house,
⁹ lest you lose your honor to others
    and your dignity^[a] to one who is cruel,
¹⁰ lest strangers feast on your wealth
    and your toil enrich the house of another.
¹¹ At the end of your life you will groan,
    when your flesh and body are spent.
¹² You will say, “How I hated discipline!
    How my heart spurned correction!
¹³ I would not obey my teachers
    or turn my ear to my instructors.
¹⁴ And I was soon in serious trouble
    in the assembly of God’s people.” 

¹⁵ Drink water from your own cistern,
    running water from your own well.
¹⁶ Should your springs overflow in the streets,
    your streams of water in the public squares?
¹⁷ Let them be yours alone,
    never to be shared with strangers.
¹⁸ May your fountain be blessed,
    and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth.
¹⁹ A loving doe, a graceful deer—
    may her breasts satisfy you always,
    may you ever be intoxicated with her love.
²⁰ Why, my son, be intoxicated with another man’s wife?
    Why embrace the bosom of a wayward woman? 

²¹ For your ways are in full view of the Lord,
    and he examines all your paths. 

²² The evil deeds of the wicked ensnare them;
    the cords of their sins hold them fast.
²³ For lack of discipline they will die,
    led astray by their own great folly. 

Footnotes:

1. Proverbs 5:9 Or years

* Bible passage and footnotes courtesy of Biblegateway.com

A Proverb A Day Gives Us Wisdom To Pray - Proverbs 4

This is another power packed proverb. In verses 1-2, notice the action words "listen," "pay attention," "gain understanding," and "do not forsake." It is all in reference to sound learning and wisdom. In verses 3-4, we see commanding words like "lay hold," "keep my commands," and "with all your heart." The result of doing so is life.

In verses 5-9, we see more wise instruction concerning getting wisdom and understanding. "Do not forget, swerve from, or forsake." The reward is protection, exaltation, honor, grace, and a crown of splendor. Wisdom is described in the feminine and she comes at a great cost, but she is worth it. In verses 10-13, we see years added to our lives, guidance, straight paths with unhampered steps, and protection from stumbling. This is what wisdom rewards us with; such goodness.

In verses 14-17, we are warned to stay away from the path of the wicked; to not even set our foot upon this path, to avoid it at all cost, and to turn away from it - going our own way. There is no rest for the wicked. They eat and drink wickedness. We definitely want to steer clear of that.

In verses 18-19, we see a contrast between two paths. The path of the righteous is lit up; with dawn's first gleam that cuts through the darkness. This path is brighter than the brightest part of the day. However, the path of the wicked is in such deep darkness that the wicked can not see what causes them to stumble.

In verses 20-22, we are urged to keep our eyes and our heart locked in on wisdom. We are told to pay attention and listen closely, for this brings life and health to our whole body. In verses 23-27, we are urged to guard our hearts, because it is our source of life. Remember that we believe with our heart for whatever we are asking God for. If it is salvation, healing, finances, spiritual breakthrough, or whatever, we believe it with our heart and confess it with our mouth. This is how we receive from God. So, it's no wonder we are to protect our heart.

We are also urged in these verses to put away perverse talk. Why? Because our words have power. We believe with our heart and confess with our mouth. How can we confess the goodness and the blessings of God if we are cursing people or speaking trash into our lives? Finally, we are urged to keep our eyes fixed and set straight ahead. Jesus is our prize. He is wisdom itself and we are to look to Him alone. He is before us. Fix your eyes on Him. We are not to swerve to the right or left of the firm, level path that leads to Him.

Proverbs 4 (NIV)

1 Listen, my sons, to a father’s instruction;
    pay attention and gain understanding.
² I give you sound learning,
    so do not forsake my teaching. 

³ For I too was a son to my father,
    still tender, and cherished by my mother.
⁴ Then he taught me, and he said to me,
    “Take hold of my words with all your heart;
    keep my commands, and you will live. 

⁵ Get wisdom, get understanding;
    do not forget my words or turn away from them.
⁶ Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you;
    love her, and she will watch over you.
⁷ The beginning of wisdom is this: Get^[a] wisdom.
    Though it cost all you have,^[b] get understanding.
⁸ Cherish her, and she will exalt you;
    embrace her, and she will honor you.
⁹ She will give you a garland to grace your head
    and present you with a glorious crown.” 

¹⁰ Listen, my son, accept what I say,
    and the years of your life will be many.
¹¹ I instruct you in the way of wisdom
    and lead you along straight paths.
¹² When you walk, your steps will not be hampered;
    when you run, you will not stumble.
¹³ Hold on to instruction, do not let it go;
    guard it well, for it is your life. 

¹⁴ Do not set foot on the path of the wicked
    or walk in the way of evildoers.
¹⁵ Avoid it, do not travel on it;
    turn from it and go on your way.
¹⁶ For they cannot rest until they do evil;
    they are robbed of sleep till they make someone stumble.
¹⁷ They eat the bread of wickedness
    and drink the wine of violence. 

¹⁸ The path of the righteous is like the morning sun,
    shining ever brighter till the full light of day.
¹⁹ But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness;
    they do not know what makes them stumble. 

²⁰ My son, pay attention to what I say;
    turn your ear to my words.
²¹ Do not let them out of your sight,
    keep them within your heart;
²² for they are life to those who find them
    and health to one’s whole body. 

²³ Above all else, guard your heart,
    for everything you do flows from it.
²⁴ Keep your mouth free of perversity;
    keep corrupt talk far from your lips.
²⁵ Let your eyes look straight ahead;
    fix your gaze directly before you.
²⁶ Give careful thought to the^[c] paths for your feet
    and be steadfast in all your ways.
²⁷ Do not turn to the right or the left;
    keep your foot from evil.

Footnotes:

1. Proverbs 4:7 Or Wisdom is supreme; therefore get
2. Proverbs 4:7 Or wisdom. / Whatever else you get
3. Proverbs 4:26 Or Make level

* Bible passage and footnotes courtesy of Biblegateway.com

A Proverb A Day Gives Us Wisdom To Pray - Proverbs 3

This proverb is about making certain choices; small choices that have a HUGE impact and make a BIG difference! There are many sections to this proverb, with nuggets of wisdom in each. In verses 1-2, we see that choices made with the heart (keeping God's teaching and commands with our heart) brings long life and prosperity.

In verses 3-4, we see that choosing love and faithfulness, as constant companions brings us favor and gives us a good name in the sight of God and man. That is tremendously good news! Many of us are familiar with verses 5-6, as we often quote it. Trust is the key choice here; our whole trust with our whole heart and our whole mind. It produces a straight path for us to walk on, which just so happens to be directed by the Lord Himself.

In verses 7-8, we are urged to avoid our own form of wisdom, but to fear (greatly respect) the Lord and make the choice to shun evil (this means evil things for our own life, not that we shun people). This choice brings health to our body and life to our bones. Wow! How amazing is that? Did you see that? Health is connected to our spiritual choices.

In verses 9-10, we are told to honor the Lord with our wealth. The term "firstfruits" is an agricultural term from ancient times when farmers would plant their fields in sections. The "firstfruits" section was strictly dedicated to the Lord. It was a tenth of the whole crop. We are to return this to him with a grateful heart, for He is our source that supplies money for us in the first place. When we choose to honor God with the first portion of our money, the rest of what we have overflows and spills over the brim that contains it. My best friend is Puerto Rican and she taught me a Spanish proverb: "Dar el ala, para comer la pechuga." Basic Translation - You have to give up the wing of the chicken to get the breast of the chicken. It is true in our finances too. Give God 10% and watch Him bless the 90% like never before. It's crazy math and you'll be astonished by it. You'll try to calculate the excess and you will realize that it does not compute, because God's math is not like our math.

In verses 11-12, we are told to choose discipline and not to despise it. The Lord's correction is good for us. Do not be afraid of this. He is a loving Daddy. He is not abusive, but gentle and tender. He knows what is best for us. Remember, He sees the BIG picture we do not see. He sees past, present, future, and all of the people and events connected and intertwined in all of it. So, allow Him to discipline you. Don't run from it. That makes it worse. He loves you, so of course He is going to correct you when you need it. This is one way how He shows His love.

Verses 13-18 describes wisdom and understanding as choices of great and high value; more valuable than silver, gold, and rubies. Nothing compares with wisdom and understanding. She brings us long life, riches, honor, peace, and blessings. Verses 19-20 validates the powers of wisdom, understanding, and knowledge and how God used them when He created the whole earth.

Verses 21-24 tells us to choose sound judgment and discernment, for they bring us life and safety. They keep us from stumbling, let us rest without fear, and give us sweet sleep. Verses 25-26 tells us not to choose fear, because the Lord is our confidence and He protects us from the traps of the enemy.

Verses 27-29 tells us to give to others and not to withhold anything. If we have it to give, then we are to give to those in need. We are to do no harm to our neighbor. We may be the only Jesus they ever meet, so we need to love them, as we love ourselves. Our neighbor is anyone and everyone, not just the person in the house next door. Verse 30 cautions us against false accusations against people who have not done us any harm. I think this is important, because we need to remember that we are not fighting people, but the enemy, who uses people to get to us. See Ephesians 6:12.

Verses 31-32 warns us against choosing envy and violence, because the Lord takes up for us. He contends with those that contend with us (Isaiah 49:25). So, let Him have His way with your enemies and those who do you wrong. He can deal with them far better than we can. Verses 33-35 shows us that the Lord blesses the righteous and curses the wicked. He gives grace to the humble, but mocks the proud. There is honor for the wise and shame for fools. So, we would be wise to choose righteousness, humility, and wisdom.

Proverbs 3 (NIV)

1 My son, do not forget my teaching,
    but keep my commands in your heart,
² for they will prolong your life many years
    and bring you peace and prosperity.

³ Let love and faithfulness never leave you;
    bind them around your neck,
    write them on the tablet of your heart.
⁴ Then you will win favor and a good name
    in the sight of God and man.

⁵ Trust in the Lord with all your heart
    and lean not on your own understanding;
⁶ in all your ways submit to him,
    and he will make your paths straight.^[a]

⁷ Do not be wise in your own eyes;
    fear the Lord and shun evil.
⁸ This will bring health to your body
    and nourishment to your bones.

⁹ Honor the Lord with your wealth,
    with the firstfruits of all your crops;
¹⁰ then your barns will be filled to overflowing,
    and your vats will brim over with new wine.

¹¹ My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline,
    and do not resent his rebuke,
¹² because the Lord disciplines those he loves,
    as a father the son he delights in.^[b]

¹³ Blessed are those who find wisdom,
    those who gain understanding,
¹⁴ for she is more profitable than silver
    and yields better returns than gold.
¹⁵ She is more precious than rubies;
    nothing you desire can compare with her.
¹⁶ Long life is in her right hand;
    in her left hand are riches and honor.
¹⁷ Her ways are pleasant ways,
    and all her paths are peace.
¹⁸ She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her;
    those who hold her fast will be blessed.

¹⁹ By wisdom the Lord laid the earth’s foundations,
    by understanding he set the heavens in place;
²⁰ by his knowledge the watery depths were divided,
    and the clouds let drop the dew. 

²¹ My son, do not let wisdom and understanding out of your sight,
    preserve sound judgment and discretion;
²² they will be life for you,
    an ornament to grace your neck.
²³ Then you will go on your way in safety,
    and your foot will not stumble.
²⁴ When you lie down, you will not be afraid;
    when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. 

²⁵ Have no fear of sudden disaster
    or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked,
²⁶ for the Lord will be at your side
    and will keep your foot from being snared.

²⁷ Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due,
    when it is in your power to act.
²⁸ Do not say to your neighbor,
    “Come back tomorrow and I’ll give it to you”
    — when you already have it with you.
²⁹ Do not plot harm against your neighbor,
    who lives trustfully near you. 

³⁰ Do not accuse anyone for no reason—
    when they have done you no harm. 

³¹ Do not envy the violent
    or choose any of their ways.

³² For the Lord detests the perverse
    but takes the upright into his confidence. 

³³ The Lord’s curse is on the house of the wicked,
    but he blesses the home of the righteous.
³⁴ He mocks proud mockers
    but shows favor to the humble and oppressed.
³⁵ The wise inherit honor,
    but fools get only shame.

Footnotes:

1. Proverbs 3:6 Or will direct your paths
2. Proverbs 3:12 Hebrew; Septuagint loves, / and he chastens everyone he accepts as his child

*Bible passage and footnotes courtesy of Biblegateway.com

A Proverb A Day Gives Us Wisdom To Pray - Proverbs 2

I love this proverb. It has 6 distinct parts to it, but they all lead back to One Resounding Truth. Verses 1-4 contains a charge from Solomon that IF we accept his words, store up his commands, turn our ear to wisdom, apply understanding to our heart, call for insight, cry for understanding, and look for it as a treasure, then we will understand (verse 5) the fear of the Lord and find His knowledge. I just love this! It's quite simple, our part, but hey, that's how God is. He keeps it simple for us. Verse 6 continues with this truth that wisdom comes from God, knowledge and understanding - from His mouth. Verse 7: The upright have victory, which He holds for them (I could stop and shout right there!) But wait, He is our Shield and we can walk Blameless! That is so powerful and so awesome! Verse 8: For He guards our course and protects our way! Just verses 5-8 could preach! He is an awesome God!

In verses 9-11 we see that we will have understanding of what is right and just. Wisdom will enter our heart and knowledge will be pleasant to our soul. Discretion will protect us and understanding will guard us. This is good stuff!

In verses 12-15, we see how wisdom saves us from the ways of wicked men, perverse things, and crooked paths. Amazing! Verses 16-19 gives hope for escape from sexual immorality and all of the entrapments of it, that lead to the grave.

Verses 20-22 reminds us again of where this proverb began. God will keep us on His path of righteousness; upright and blameless. However, the wicked, who choose not to follow God or seek His wisdom will be cut off and torn down (not a good place to be). I choose the wisdom of the Lord, thank you very much. I encourage you to do the same. It's a win-win situation.

Proverbs 2 (NIV)

My son, if you accept my words
    and store up my commands within you,
² turning your ear to wisdom
    and applying your heart to understanding—
³ indeed, if you call out for insight
    and cry aloud for understanding,
⁴ and if you look for it as for silver
    and search for it as for hidden treasure,

⁵ then you will understand the fear of the Lord
    and find the knowledge of God.
⁶ For the Lord gives wisdom;
    from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
⁷ He holds success in store for the upright,
    he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless,
⁸ for he guards the course of the just
    and protects the way of his faithful ones.

⁹ Then you will understand what is right and just
    and fair—every good path.
¹⁰ For wisdom will enter your heart,
    and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.
¹¹ Discretion will protect you,
    and understanding will guard you.

¹² Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men,
    from men whose words are perverse,
¹³ who have left the straight paths
    to walk in dark ways,
¹⁴ who delight in doing wrong
    and rejoice in the perverseness of evil,
¹⁵ whose paths are crooked
    and who are devious in their ways.

¹⁶ Wisdom will save you also from the adulterous woman,
    from the wayward woman with her seductive words,
¹⁷ who has left the partner of her youth
    and ignored the covenant she made before God.^[a]
18 Surely her house leads down to death
    and her paths to the spirits of the dead.
¹⁹ None who go to her return
    or attain the paths of life.

²⁰ Thus you will walk in the ways of the good
    and keep to the paths of the righteous.
²¹ For the upright will live in the land,
    and the blameless will remain in it;
²² but the wicked will be cut off from the land,
    and the unfaithful will be torn from it.

Footnotes:

1. Proverbs 2:17 Or covenant of her God

*Bible Passage and footnotes courtesy of Biblegateway.com

A Proverb A Day Gives Us Wisdom To Pray - Proverbs 1

King Solomon was the wisest man to ever live. Why, you ask? Did he spend hours reading over ancient analects and books of wisdom? Did he go on a quest for wisdom, searching the world over for the wisest scribes to consult? The answer to both of these questions is no. He simply asked God for wisdom. Who better to ask for wisdom than God, right? He knows it all. He created it all. He is the expert on wisdom. There was nothing supernatural about Solomon. He was human, just like you and I. God will do the same for us, as He did for Solomon. We just need to ask.

In verses 1-6, Solomon begins to declare and proclaim wisdom over us (as we read this) and explains to us what wisdom is. Receive this declaration and proclamation, as you read. It is a blessing bestowed upon us and the passing of the torch from King Solomon to us. In verse 7, we find the KEY to ALL WISDOM! Solomon urges us to seek wisdom from The One True Source, who is God. In verses 8-19, he tells us not to reject parental wisdom, which in itself is wise, because our parents have more life experience than we do. So, we should listen to their good advice. We can also learn from their mistakes. In verses 20-33, wisdom is personified as a woman (I love this) crying out in the streets for people to listen to her and call upon her for help. She implores us to turn from our ways and seek hers. Then, she explains to us what we will gain if we seek her and what we will lose if we do not.

Let us seek wisdom, my friends. James 1:5 says if we lack wisdom, we are to ask God for it, and He will give it to us liberally or abundantly. We just have to ask for it without doubt or hesitation. We must know He will give to us what we ask, when we seek Him, as long as we are seeking Him and not fame or things. Let Him be your goal, treasure, and prize. For when we put Him first and above all else, we have chosen wisely.

Proverbs 1  

Amplified Bible (AMP)

1 The proverbs (truths obscurely expressed, maxims, and parables) of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:

^2 [a]That people may know skillful and godly ^[b]Wisdom and instruction, discern and comprehend the words of understanding and insight,

³ Receive instruction in wise dealing and the discipline of wise thoughtfulness, righteousness, justice, and integrity,

⁴ That prudence may be given to the simple, and knowledge, discretion, and discernment to the youth—

⁵ The wise also will hear and increase in learning, and the person of understanding will acquire skill and attain to sound counsel [so that he may be able to steer his course rightly]—

⁶ That people may understand a proverb and a figure of speech or an enigma with its interpretation, and the words of the wise and their dark sayings or riddles.

⁷ The reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord is the beginning and the principal and choice part of knowledge [its starting point and its essence]; but fools despise skillful and godly Wisdom, instruction, and discipline.

⁸ My son, hear the instruction of your father; reject not nor forsake the teaching of your mother.

⁹ For they are a [victor’s] chaplet (garland) of grace upon your head and chains and pendants [of gold worn by kings] for your neck.

¹⁰ My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent.

¹¹ If they say, Come with us; let us lie in wait [to shed] blood, let us ambush the innocent without cause [and show that his piety is in vain];

¹² Let us swallow them up alive as does Sheol (the place of the dead), and whole, as those who go down into the pit [of the dead];

¹³ We shall find and take all kinds of precious goods [when our victims are put out of the way], we shall fill our houses with plunder;

¹⁴ Throw in your lot with us [they insist] and be a sworn brother and comrade; let us all have one purse in common—

¹⁵ My son, do not walk in the way with them; restrain your foot from their path;

¹⁶ For their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed blood.

¹⁷ For in vain is the net spread in the sight of any bird!

¹⁸ But [when these men set a trap for others] they are lying in wait for their own blood; they set an ambush for their own lives.

¹⁹ So are the ways of everyone who is greedy of gain; such [greed for plunder] takes away the lives of its possessors.

^20 [c]Wisdom cries aloud in the street, she raises her voice in the markets;

²¹ She cries at the head of the noisy intersections [in the chief gathering places]; at the entrance of the city gates she speaks:

²² How long, O simple ones [open to evil], will you love being simple? And the scoffers delight in scoffing and [self-confident] fools hate knowledge?

²³ If you will turn (repent) and give heed to my reproof, behold, I [^[d]Wisdom] will pour out my spirit upon you, I will make my words known to you.

²⁴ Because I have called and you have refused [to answer], have stretched out my hand and no man has heeded it,

²⁵ And you treated as nothing all my counsel and would accept none of my reproof,

²⁶ I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when the thing comes that shall cause you terror and panic—

²⁷ When your panic comes as a storm and desolation and your calamity comes on as a whirlwind, when distress and anguish come upon you.

²⁸ Then will they call upon me [Wisdom] but I will not answer; they will seek me early and diligently but they will not find me.

²⁹ Because they hated knowledge and did not choose the reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord,

³⁰ Would accept none of my counsel, and despised all my reproof,

³¹ Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way and be satiated with their own devices.

³² For the backsliding of the simple shall slay them, and the careless ease of [self-confident] fools shall destroy them.

³³ But whoso hearkens to me [Wisdom] shall dwell securely and in confident trust and shall be quiet, without fear or dread of evil. 

Footnotes:

1. Proverbs 1:2 Over the doors of the school of Plato these words were written in Greek, “Let no one enter who is not a geometrician.” But Solomon opens wide the doors of his proverbs with a special message of welcome to the unlearned, the simple, the foolish, the young, and even to the wise—that all “will hear and increase in learning” (Prov. 1:5).
2. Proverbs 1:2 A key term in the book of Proverbs, “Wisdom” is capitalized throughout, as God’s design for living and as a reminder of Christ, Whom the apostle Paul calls “the wisdom of God... in Whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (I Cor. 1:24; Col. 2:3 KJV).
3. Proverbs 1:20 Wisdom here is personified. Read “the Wisdom of God” instead of “Wisdom” and see the wonderful power of this book.
4. Proverbs 1:23 See footnotes on Prov. 1:2 and 1:20.

*Bible passage and footnotes courtesy of Biblegateway.com

Blurred Lines

As Christ followers, we are called to a higher standard of living. A lot of believers struggle with this issue, because of our lack of understanding the how and the why behind God's higher standards for us. Remember, we are called to be in the world, but not of the world. There has to be a clear difference between the life of a believer and a non-believer. The lines can not be blurred. So, the issue I would like to discuss is sex. First, let me say that I am in no way writing this to condemn or judge anyone. I am writing that everyone would know the truth on the matter, and we know truth sets people free.

1 Corinthians 6:17-19 (Amplified Bible)

¹⁷ But the person who is united to the Lord becomes one spirit with Him.

¹⁸ Shun immorality and all sexual looseness [flee from impurity in thought, word, or deed]. Any other sin which a man commits is one outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body.

¹⁹ Do you not know that your body is the temple (the very sanctuary) of the Holy Spirit Who lives within you, Whom you have received [as a Gift] from God? You are not your own.

 God created us and He created sex. There are 3 reasons why He created sex.

1. To procreate - In the book of Genesis, Adam and Eve were commanded to be fruitful and multiply.
2. To unite husband and wife - This is the consummation of two people becoming one. See Matthew 19:5.
3. For enjoyment - In the Song of Solomon we are given a passionate picture of this union, as the King's bride declares "I am his and he is mine." 

Sex is God's gift to a husband and wife. Think of it as a gift that you wait until Christmas morning to open. If you try to sneak a peak at your gift in advance, it's not as great on Christmas morning. You may even feel a little guilty that you opened the present before it was time. This is all for a reason. If you read the Song of Solomon, you will notice the woman gives advice to the Daughters of Jerusalem to not wake love before it's time. She is encouraging her sisters to wait for marriage.

The key reason for this is because sex is not just a casual act for the fun of it. It is the consummation of a covenant relationship. Have you ever super-glued your fingers together by accident? You have bonded your fingers together. What happens when you pull them apart? Well, it hurts of course. Have you ever looked closer? If you have, you'd notice that part of your skin from one finger is now on the other and vice verse.

This is what happens when we wake love before it's time and the relationship ends. Whether it's a one night stand or a serious relationship, the pain is horrible emotionally, psychologically, mentally, and spiritually. This is because a covenant was made with the act of sex, and covenants are not meant to be broken.

A covenant is hard for us to truly understand in our Western culture. In ancient times a covenant was known as a blood covenant, which was a binding agreement, where a blood sacrifice sealed the deal. It was more powerful than a contract or agreement, as it was to last the life span of those making it. Therefore, it was considered holy and sacred. To break the covenant meant death to the persons breaking it.

So, aside from the emotional hurt of the loss of the relationship, there is now guilt. You feel dead inside. You feel like part of you is missing. All of this is because a covenant was made and then broken. So, there is a type of death that occurs. You feel like part of you is missing, because it is. You became one with that person. Essentially, you gave yourself away. Remember the Song of Solomon, "I am his and he is mine." "Two became one flesh." Now, they are separated. Part of you is gone and now belongs to the other person.

This is why we are warned not to wake love before it's time. The results of breaking this covenant are beyond devastating. With each covenant that is made and broken, you lose more of yourself, because you are giving pieces of yourself away that you can not get back. If this is done often, one becomes desensitized and numb to the conviction of the Holy Spirit. This is a very dangerous place to be.

God set up boundaries concerning sex and marriage to protect us from all of this hurt, guilt, and heartache. He set clear lines not to be crossed. This is not because He wants to take the fun out of life. Not at all. God made sex an enjoyable thing for humans. Think about it. He could have made us like some of the animals, where the female lays eggs and the male fertilizes the eggs without either one coming together. How boring is that? Nope, God made sex enjoyable, because He is an awesome God who cares about relationship.

Still with me? Don't tune me out. Remember, I want to educate you on the how and the why, so that you know the truth and can be freed by it. Trust me, it will help you to stand strong in a culture that runs rampant with sexual immorality. You need to know that you can overcome temptation. You are not an animal. You were made in the image of God, and He has given believers the spirit of self control. He will even help you in the midst of the temptation.

1 Corinthians 10:13 (God's Word translation) 

There isn’t any temptation that you have experienced which is unusual for humans. God, who faithfully keeps his promises, will not allow you to be tempted beyond your power to resist. But when you are tempted, he will also give you the ability to endure the temptation as your way of escape.   

You may be saying, that's great news, but I've already awakened love before it's time. So now what? Am I condemned to hell? The answer is no. However, you do need to confess your sin to the Lord and ask Him to forgive you and to strengthen you to live for Him, according to His way from this point forward, until you are married. He will help you, if you truly want His help and you want to live for Him in all your ways.

There is one other thing you may have not even thought about. Jesus has the ability to make all things new. All things means all things, even this thing. Now that you know sex is about making a covenant with someone that is not meant to be broken because you lose pieces of yourself, you should know that God can restore those lost parts of you that you gave away. So, when you pray, ask Him to do this too. If you have an STD, as a result of waking love before it's time, you can also ask God to heal this. He is our Healer and you can pray for this too. You might want to pray something like this:

God, I am sorry that I had sex outside of marriage. I know now that you intended for it to be a passionate gift to make a husband and wife into one flesh. I confess my sin to you now. Please forgive me. I understand that I gave myself away to someone that was not my spouse. Please forgive me for this Lord and restore those pieces of myself that I gave away, so that I may present my whole self to my future spouse when we are married. I also release the pieces of the people that I have had sex with outside of marriage. Please restore them, so that they may present their whole self to their future spouse when they are married. Heal my body, spirit, and soul (which is my mind, will, and emotions) completely. Help me to live as you have commanded me to. I want to honor you in all of my ways, including sex. I ask you to guard and protect my sexuality, so that I may not wake love before it's time. I pray this in the name of Jesus. Thank you Lord for healing me, restoring me, and for making me new. Amen.

Lastly, I want to encourage you. I believe in practicing what I preach. I am waiting for marriage. I determined long ago to save myself for my husband, so that I could present my whole self to him once we are married. So, it can be done. I am a living testimony of this. So, be encouraged, stay strong, and do not wake love before it's time.

Daddy Issues (Part 5 - Let the Healing Begin)

Daddy Issues

It is not the end of the world that you did not have that perfect relationship with your dad! Life has gone on, and you are still here and still breathing. Can I share with you something truly amazing?

You have a Heavenly Father who loves you more than you know. Nothing you have done in your life - past, present, or future could make Him love you less. He is crazy about you. He is God. He is not a man that He should lie, and He never breaks His promises. You can trust Him. He declares that He is the Father to the fatherless. He has great plans for you - plans to give you a hope and a future, not plans for evil, but plans for peace. He loved you so much dear one, that He sent His One and Only Son to die for you. The price has already been paid, so you don't have to pay it.

God is your Daddy and His love is Perfect. He is your hope and your confidence. He will guide you, lead you, and cheer you on to be the best YOU that He created YOU to be. Let Him heal you to the core of your soul (your mind, your will, and your emotions). I pray the Lord wraps you in His loving arms today and reassures you that He loves you and He is for YOU.

Your biological father failed you, hurt you, and disappointed you. You've tried to find your worth in things that didn't work. Your confidence was broken and you were hopeless. You need your Heavenly Father's love to cheer you on, to lift you up, and to be your guide. God makes all things new. He restores your heart and can turn your ashes into beauty. He can give you life for the death. He can wash away all of the dirt, pain, and hurt. He can pull you through. He can make you whole, and because of Him, you are worthy.

Do not ascribe to God the same thoughts, feelings, beliefs, and actions that you have ascribed to your earthly daddy. God is not that man! Learn to separate the two. This is where your healing will stem from. I myself have been learning to ascribe trust to my Abba Daddy, for He is trustworthy. By the way, ABBA means Daddy - the PERFECT Daddy that we all long for, yearn to have a loving relationship with, and have been looking for! This Daddy exists and so does this beautiful relationship with Him!

It has not been easy for me to trust, but I am learning to crucify that part of me daily, so that I can trust Him. I also ask Him to help me to do this, because I can't do it on my own. My human heart wants to revert back to what it has always known, by my earthly dad's example. The Lord is gentle and lovingly patient and kind with me in this area of my weakness, and He is working with me and partnering with me to set me free from this completely. He knows all, sees all, and always has my good in mind. He is for me and not against me. All of His plans are for my hope and my future. He will not lie to me, run out on me, use me, abuse me, mistreat me, manipulate me, or abandon me.

We have to unlearn the negative things that our earthly daddy's actions, deeds, and words taught us. God is NOTHING like that man! Do you hear me? There is NO COMPARISON!!! So, STOP comparing them. You have to make a clean break in your heart and mind between the two. You have to retrain your mind and heart to know that God is a Perfect, Affectionate, Intimate, Caring, Protecting, Healing, Providing, Encouraging, Loving Daddy and YOU CAN TRUST HIM! Please, let go of all that your earthly daddy did, did not do, was, and could not be for you. God wants to be all of that and more for you now. He is here and He is your Daddy forever. Trust Him. Look to Him for all that you need.

There is a group called "All Things New" and they have this amazing new song, "New Man." It's about "Daddy Issues." I want you to hear the lead singer's story and then the song. Let God heal you.

http://youtu.be/_1LizNDDL78

http://youtu.be/J--c7RHfwEQ