Today’s reading

Proverbs 7-8; First Corinthians 14:21-40

Selected Verses

Blessed is the one who listens to me,
watching daily at my gates,
waiting beside my doors.
For whoever finds me finds life
and obtains favor from the Lord,
but he who fails to find me injures himself;
all who hate me love death.  Proverbs 8:34-36

If anyone thinks that he is a prophet, or spiritual, he should acknowledge that the things I am writing to you are a command of the Lord.  If anyone does not recognize this, he is not recognized.  First Corinthians 14:37-38

Reflections

The warnings of Proverbs are as needed and relevant today as they were thousands of years ago when they were penned.  People of all ages are seduced by easily accessible online pornography.   They assume anonymity, but millions learned otherwise when they signed up for a web service to facilitate relationships intended to lead to adultery.  Fittingly, many of them were “busted” when the site was hacked and their identities were published openly for the world to see.  Once again, the Scriptures prove true that ignoring the wisdom that leads to righteousness will end in death, either literally or figuratively.

This biblical wisdom does not merely lead us away from sin, but it also leads to a path of life and blessing only known to those who trust God.  What can be more glorious and fulfilling than “favor from the Lord”?   How is this obtained?  By daily listening, watching, and waiting for His wisdom.  That is why we read the Bible every day.  We never outgrow our need for His wise guidance.

Paul tells the Corinthians that what he is writing to them is not mere personal opinion.  He writes them commands from the Lord.  If anyone disregards God’s commands they are to be disregarded.  Jesus promised to send His Spirit to reveal all the truth to His apostles and, certainly,  what Paul and the others wrote in our New Testament is the result of that promise (John 14:26; 15:26; 16:12-15).

Think about it

Beware of those who reject (or even question) the authority of God's word.  Instead, diligently seek God’s wisdom in His word.  You have no idea how it will save you from the path to death, but it will. Besides that, it will take you to life.

© 2017 John A Carroll  Used by permission