Gifts

Posted on April 22, 2016 by Wanda

My  pondering thoughts of today have been concerning gifts.  No, not the wrapped up surprise variety.  The gifts of ourselves that we bring to the world. Yes, we are a gift. One of a kind. Unique.

The very core of our being is a gift.  Whatever I am, whatever you are… we are all meant to enhance the world we live in, and to be blessing to  others that we encounter. Yet, how often do each of us become so involved in simply existing.. so overtaken by life that we cease being ourselves? We become Mom, Dad, the adult child of aging parents.. the debtor or the CEO. Where ever life deposits us at the moment, we adapt to that environment.

Yet, if we had a moment we could call our own… where would you be? What would you be doing? No, not a day at the spa.. or a vacation. All of those are indeed wonderful, but, that is not what I mean.

If you could be whatever YOU  wanted to be, doing whatever YOU wanted to do. What would you choose? What would your gift be to enhance the world?   A teacher? A prayer warrior?  Simply a friend? A guide? A  leader?

 

A gift isn’t a gift until it is given. It’s just a box wrapped up pretty with a bow.  So, yes, I am using the wrapped up variety for a reason.  I’m just putting ourselves in as the gift.  Until we are able to fulfill our own heart’s dream… all we are doing is surviving.

We are keeping ourselves wrapped up, in pretty box. We may look beautiful, but until we are “opened” we are simply a box.

What is your gift? Have you let yourself be opened yet?  I’m working  on it.  I want to be the gift that I am. One worthy to be opened and one that is indeed a blessing to whoever I come in contact with.

 

My Testimony

This is very personal, and somewhat difficult to share. I feel like God wants me to share it, though. So, here goes.

I guess I should begin by saying I was raised in a Christian home my entire life. I was the youngest of 3 daughters… a true “Daddy’s girl”. I had been protected all my life.. and even tho I knew vaguely that bad things happen…well, surely it wouldn’t happen to me. I was a daughter of God, right ? Yes… I was very naive. An acquaintance introduced me to a man when I was about 18 or 19. I fell head over heels in love with him: even tho he wasn’t in any kind of church at all. He had been raised Baptist, or so he said. He proposed and I accepted. He was driving a semi cross country at the time. He was from the same area in AR that my dad grew up in– he knew some of my relatives. Several people that I knew tried to convince me not to marry him: they said they didn’t trust him.

Well, in my innocent defense.. I felt like they had no right to judge him when they didn’t know him! My wedding was set for July.. he came to town and for various reasons, he had to leave a couple of days before the wedding. The day dawned beautifully… but the hours went by and there was no groom. I called the church 2 hours before the wedding and cancelled it. I found out later my pastors wife had moved my gown to a different room and she broke down and started crying when she touched it. That family was up all night that night praying for me. But, I didn’t know that then.

My fiance called and made his excuses…he had gotten to town later than he planned. He saw no reason we couldn’t still be married that night…. Well, I believed him yet again.

I postponed the wedding until October though. We got married at my parent’s house. I felt like God had personally blessed me with the “perfect” guy. We moved to Boise, Idaho the next September. All this time, he had been trucking and mostly, I stayed at my parents house except for a month when I rode with him.

I was pregnant with our son when we moved to Idaho in the fall. He agreed to give trucking up so we could be a family.. he did it for me… or so I thought. He never really physically abused me at all. He whipped me, once. Only once. I promised him that if he ever did it again, he would more than regret it. He believed me. He was charming, fun to be around.

By October, I knew there was a lot that he wasn’t telling me. I couldn’t be that naive. He left in November for a “business” trip. He had started his own business.. and because I am a Christian, I won’t get too graphic. I simply found out he made a profit on women and leave it at that.

When I phoned his stepfather, I was informed that he had married me under his brother’s name. He also had a wife and son about 4 hours from where we were living: in Salt Lake City.

Suffice it to say, I took the next plane home. I couldn’t raise my son in that environment. The man broke my heart and for a long time, I allowed it to break my spirit. I raised our son alone, with my folk’s helping. I couldn’t trust anyone, even tho I depended on God to see me thru (and He did !). I never felt like I would ever be happy. That I didn’t even deserve to be. There wasn’t much said from the church family about my divorce (I found out my pastor basically told them they better not !! lol) But, I felt that things were different in how I was treated. I wasn’t asked to teach anymore… or do too much at all. It seemed as though everything I had ever known wasn’t the same, anymore. I felt so helpless and worthless. I lived for my son. I adored him and he made my life worth living.

My ex never had anything to do with us after I left him. The first few years of my son’s life, I was literally in so much emotional pain, I could barely concentrate. My son was my salvation. I felt like such a failure in every other area of my life. Time made it a little better, but I still didn’t trust any man. I knew there would never be one who’d love me & stay with me.

Anyway, I moved to another state in 1996 . In the winter of early 2000, God showed me that there would be more children in my life, a girl and a boy. My son was 16 now, and I saw no way in the world I would ever have more children. I couldn’t afford adoption on my salary! I prayed and told the Lord how impossible that it was. (Remember Sarah in the Bible? lol)

Then, I joined a Christian Single Parents Group online, to mainly converse with people who understood what it mean to be a single parent and a Christian. I met a man there, who knew my every thought and almost could tell what I was thinking before I thought it! We were married three months after we met and I couldn’t be happier. Oh, and guess what? He was divorced with a daughter and a son. Hmmmmmmmmmm.

God does things in HIS time … we just have to remember that HE is in control…not us !

Then.. for some reason… when our son was 20… my ex decided to make contact with him. Thru a series of coincidences, that I never thought I’d see, we have been able to come to peace with our past. We can actually communicate without hatred. Most of the time. Honestly, I had rather never talk to him, but that’s my humanity. I don’t hate him. I don’t. I’d rather ignore him, though.

All I can say is that miracles do indeed happen. I never thought we’d ever hear from him, ever. It’s been a long road, to come from the hurt and pain from where I was, to the peace that I feel right now. I owe it all completely to God. I know that I share my life with the man that God gave me. I have no doubts whatsoever that God designed our marriage. We’ve been married 15 years and we have NEVER had one argument. Not one. We laugh about it. We’ve disagreed, but we’ve never argued.
I am so blessed to know that peace, because I know how close I came to losing it completely and forever. Thank You, Father, for all that You have Blessed me with.

Lamplighter

I was in prayer last night and the Lord reminded me of the passage in Matthew 25, concerning the ten virgins. We all have been taught about the wise ones and the foolish ones… but take it a step further.

They were, in essence, the Lamplighters. The ones called to light the way, to keep the oil burning.

If you read the Old Testament, in Numbers 8, God instructed Aaron to set up the lamps of the Menorah so that they would give light in front of the Menorah, originally one of the Most Sacred vessels in the Holy Temple. It was lit every evening by the High Priest.

The Menorah is celebrated to remember the Miracle that happened when the Jewish rebels (the Macabees) took back the Holy Temple from the their conquerors. The enemy had done everything that they could to defile the Temple, including bringing idols into the Temple.

It was made of pure gold, decorated with buds and blossoms.. a vessel of magnificence and beauty. It was made with six outlying branches, and one centered, creating a total of seven lamps. It stood five feet tall.

Every morning, a priest filled the menorah’s seven lamps with the purest olive oil; in the afternoon, he would climb a three-step staircase to kindle the menorah’s lamps. The seven flames burned throughout the night, a symbol of the God’s divine light that radiated from the Holy Temple to the entire world.

Can you imagine the breathtaking beauty of the Menorah, as the sunlight possibly glanced off of it’s golden shadow? The hues would radiate with such a shining aura. Such heart stopping beauty that I can only imagine.

That beauty would remain untouched throughout the day… its luster there for the priest to view. But, other than the High Priest, who was there to partake the beauty? To see its beauty, its perfection? It was, for all intents and purposes, a lamp without a flame. Beautiful but useless.

Then, as the sun began to sink in the horizon, the lamps would be lit. The perfect oil that had been replenished in the early hours of the morning was now put to use.

Now, after the flames were kindled.. the Light was strong. To illuminate the shadows of darkness. The lamp was now fulfilling its purpose, its destiny. An undisputed useless vessel of magnificence had now become a beacon of radiance. A blazing luminescence of Glory. A light to a darkened world. A rising flame in the inky blackness of night.

This is where it gets interesting. To me, anyway. According to Torah Law, an ordinary layman is also allowed to light the menorah. The laws governing the Lighting are a paradox, in the fact that any Jew can light the lamps, but the menorah is located deep within the Holy Temple. It is situated in a place that ordinary men aren’t allowed to venture. Only the High Priest can enter in.

The only way for an ordinary Israelite to light the menorah was if he did so with the aid of long pole, or if the menorah was carried out to where he was, and then replaced back into the Holiest Place.

Without the long pole, an ordinary person cannot reach the lamps to light them.

Being a woman who is vertically challenged, I can relate very well to attempting to reach the unattainable.

I usually climb, or beg someone to reach it for me.

That is the point I am attempting to make today. Without attempting to reach the unreachable heights, we’ll never know if we can achieve our goal. We, as Christians, sometimes have to go beyond our comfort level, to do things that our Lord asks of us.

We can sit all day on a sofa and whine that “I can’t reach it, I can’t do it”, but, until we try, we’ll never know how much that long pole will help us reach our goal. I know that I’ve used several “poles” to obtain things out of my reach.

A few years ago, I would never have imagined that I would be where I am today. I didn’t get here the way I planned, or wanted, but I still arrived. I never thought I’d ever write one book, much less several. I never thought several things in my life would ever happen, but, they did.

As I sit here and type this, I keep thinking about the ten virgins that the Lord used in His parable. Five lamps full of oil… or five lamps that were empty. They all wanted to meet the bridegroom, but some chose not to prepare.

If you think that God has chosen you in any capacity, whether or not you happen to think that you are qualified….then you need to find your pole.

Find a way to reach what seems unreachable. Find a way to obtain the goal that God has laid upon your heart. It is our duty to fulfill the destiny He has shown us. He’ll make sure the pole that we need is within our grasp. He’ll make sure that it’s long enough for us to reach our purpose, our destiny. Fill your heart to overflowing with His most precious oil…. what He offers freely in His Word. Be prepared to reach beyond your comfort level. When your lamp is kindled, let it illuminate the darkness that surrounds your loved ones, your neighbors, your world!

We are His Lamplighters today… we’ve been called, we’ve been chosen, to show His Light, to keep it burning for our children, and for our future. Lord, don’t let me ever let Your Light be extinguished !

Go light your world!!

From my heart

A few days ago, I promised that I would share with you a bit of what the Lord has laid on my heart recently.
He began to remind me of what Jesus went through for us all. He reminded me of that His suffering didn’t begin on the Cross: that it began in Gethsemane.
He reminded me  of  the Blood spilled from His body, and all that it meant for us. We forget so very quickly.
Jesus  bled from seven places on His body: not just one or two.

1. In  KJV Luke 22:44 it is stated that “And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground”.  Is it a mere coincidence that Luke, a physician, is the only one to record that fact of  Jesus’ anguish?  I think not.  The clinical term for that occurrence is  “hematohidrosis.”  Wikapedia defines  it as “Hematidrosis (also called hematohidrosis) is a very rare condition in which a human sweats blood. It may occur when a person is suffering extreme levels of stress, for example, facing his or her own death.” http://www.answers.com/topic/hematidrosis#ixzz3BA1Zxl5A
At any rate:  Jesus’ Blood dripped from his face at Gethsemane. He bled there for our Gethsemane ( place of pressing). Our place of pressing, if you will. We all have them. His Blood covers that.

2. Matthew 12:26 “Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.”   Merriam-Webster online  defines  scourge as “a whip especially :  one used to inflict pain or punishment.”  John 19:1 further states, “Then Pilate had Jesus flogged with a lead-tipped whip.”  For a much better description of flogging and a picture of  how it was done, go to : http://www.frugalsites.net/jesus/scourging.htm. There is no definitive proof of how many time Jesus was actually struck: the Jewish law required  a 39 lash limit.  Romans held the whip, so, it is unsure if they followed that custom. It was prophesied in  Isaiah 53:5 “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.”   From the Blood on His back, we are healed !! Don’t forget to look behind the cross… see the Blood dripping down from the lacerations!

3.  John 19:2 “And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and they put on him a purple robe”.  “A crown of thorns” is actually a crown of thorns cactus (Euphorbia milii) is an evergreen, succulent plant, native to Madagascar. The crown of thorns cactus produces succulent, woody stems that can reach a height of 3 feet.  The plant derives its name from large, sharp spines about 1 inch long that cover the stems. It is sometimes called the Christ plant, and, the legend is that the spines from this plant were used for Jesus’ “crown”.  Think about a  literal crown platted (plaited)  of  1 inch long thorns being jammed into your  head. I am sure that it wasn’t gently placed upon His head. The crown covered His entire head, and quite possibly, if not for His skull, the thorns may have pierced His brain. As His Blood dripped down, can you picture His agony? That blood covered you. All of your  pain, mental, or physical, His Blood covers!!

4 &5. John 20:24-29 “24 But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.26 And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you.27 Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. 28 And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.29 Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.”  Jesus’  hands and feet were  pierced for our  restoration. He took back the curse that He had given to Adam in the  Garden of Eden. Genesis 3:17-19 ” 17And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life 18 Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field; 19 In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.”   When Jesus went to the cross, He broke the curse  of death that was given to Adam.  In John 11:25-26, He tells us “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?”  Through the cross, through His Blood; we can find eternal life !!

 

6 & 7.  John 19:34 “But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water.” There are varying conceptions of the fact that both blood and water came from His side. Due to the severe beating and whipping that Christ had endured. He was likely experiencing hypovolemic shock, (a condition in which the heart is strained in its pumping because of very low blood pressure due to sizable blood loss). One of the results of hypovolemic shock is a collection of fluid around the heart and lungs, called a pericardial effusion and/or a pleural effusion. These fluids would have been clear, and could easily have been mistaken for water. When the spear pierced Jesus’ side, the presence of “blood and water” is completely possible in a medical explanation. So, in a sense, His heart literally burst that our hearts could be healed of all pain!

 

In  conclusion, I hope you never look at  the death of Jesus quite the same way.  His Blood covers us all: it knows no boundaries!!  

 

 

 

Listening to God

In a few days, I am going to try and share with you all how the  Lord has been dealing with me the last few weeks. I still have try and comprehend all that He wants to show me. I’ll be spending the next few days in prayer. I hope to be able to share with you after that.  Keep me in your prayers that I will be able to hear and to understand.

Proverbs 12

Proverbs 12
King James Version (KJV)
1 Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.
2 A good man obtaineth favour of the Lord: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn.
3 A man shall not be established by wickedness: but the root of the righteous shall not be moved.
4 A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.
5 The thoughts of the righteous are right: but the counsels of the wicked are deceit.
6 The words of the wicked are to lie in wait for blood: but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them.
7 The wicked are overthrown, and are not: but the house of the righteous shall stand.
8 A man shall be commended according to his wisdom: but he that is of a perverse heart shall be despised.
9 He that is despised, and hath a servant, is better than he that honoureth himself, and lacketh bread.
10 A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.
11 He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth vain persons is void of understanding.
12 The wicked desireth the net of evil men: but the root of the righteous yieldeth fruit.
13 The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips: but the just shall come out of trouble.
14 A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth: and the recompence of a man’s hands shall be rendered unto him.
15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.
16 A fool’s wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame.
17 He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit.
18 There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.
19 The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment.
20 Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counsellors of peace is joy.
21 There shall no evil happen to the just: but the wicked shall be filled with mischief.
22 Lying lips are abomination to the Lord: but they that deal truly are his delight.
23 A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness.
24 The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute.
25 Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.
26 The righteous is more excellent than his neighbour: but the way of the wicked seduceth them.
27 The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting: but the substance of a diligent man is precious.
28 In the way of righteousness is life: and in the pathway thereof there is no death.

Proverbs 12
Complete Jewish Bible (CJB)
1 He who loves knowledge loves discipline,but he who hates correction is a boor.
2 A good man obtains Adonai’s favor,but the schemer his condemnation.
3 No one is made secure by wickedness,but the roots of the righteous will never be moved.
4 A capable wife is a crown for her husband,but a shameful one is like rot in his bones.
5 The plans of the righteous are just,but the schemes of the wicked are deceitful.
6 The words of the wicked are a deadly ambush,but the speech of the upright rescues them.
7 Once the wicked are down, it’s the end of them;but the house of the upright endures.
8 A person wins praise in keeping with his common sense,but a person with a warped mind is treated with contempt.
9 Better to be despised and have a servant than to boast of one’s status but have nothing to eat.
10 A righteous man takes care of his animal,but the wicked? Even his compassion is cruel.
11 He who farms his land will have plenty of food,but he who follows futilities has no sense.
12 The wicked covet the loot of evil men,but the root of the righteous gives forth of itself.
13 The wicked is trapped by his own sinful speech,but the righteous finds a way out of trouble.
14 One can be filled with good as the result of one’s words,and one gets the reward one’s deeds deserve.
15 Fools suppose their way is straight,but the wise pay attention to advice.
16 A fool’s anger is known at once,but a cautious person slighted conceals his feelings.
17 He who tells the truth furthers justice,but a false witness furthers deceit.
18 Idle talk can pierce like a sword,but the tongue of the wise can heal.
19 Truthful words will stand forever,lying speech but a moment.
20 Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil,but for those advising peace there is joy.
21 No harm can come to the righteous,but the wicked are overwhelmed with disaster.
22 Lying lips are an abomination to Adonai,but those who deal faithfully are his delight.
23 A cautious person conceals knowledge,but the heart of a fool blurts out folly.
24 The diligent will rule,while the lazy will be put to forced labor.
25 Anxiety in a person’s heart weighs him down,but a kind word cheers him up.
26 The righteous guides his friend’s way rightly,but the way of the wicked will lead them astray.
27 A lazy man doesn’t roast what he hunted;but when a man is diligent, his wealth is precious.
28 In the road of righteousness is life;no death is in its pathway.

KJV
“1 Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.2 A good man obtaineth favour of the Lord: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn.3 A man shall not be established by wickedness: but the root of the righteous shall not be moved.4 A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.5 The thoughts of the righteous are right: but the counsels of the wicked are deceit.6 The words of the wicked are to lie in wait for blood: but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them.7 The wicked are overthrown, and are not: but the house of the righteous shall stand.”
CJB
“1 He who loves knowledge loves discipline,but he who hates correction is a boor.2 A good man obtains Adonai’s favor,but the schemer his condemnation.3 No one is made secure by wickedness,but the roots of the righteous will never be moved.4 A capable wife is a crown for her husband,but a shameful one is like rot in his bones.5 The plans of the righteous are just,but the schemes of the wicked are deceitful.6 The words of the wicked are a deadly ambush,but the speech of the upright rescues them.7 Once the wicked are down, it’s the end of them;but the house of the upright endures.”

We are being counseled here with the virtues of righteousness versus wickedness. There is no condemnation in His eyes for the righteous, but the wicked will lose everything. “Once the wicked are down, it’s the end of them”. Even to the choice of our spouses, (and I firmly believe that includes our husbands as well wives), we are cautioned that a shameful spouse is like “rot in his bones”.
There are many of us who can attest to that fact. How many of us have had broken relationships, and broken marriages because of horrific choices that one decided to make?
　We cannot control the actions of another: we can control their influence in our hearts and lives. We make that choice, however difficult that it may be. We choose to let that person be as “rot in our bones” or we choose to walk away.
　Words and plans of the wicked, or unrighteous, sometimes are a deadly ambush. We, as His children, attempt to include Him in our thoughts and actions. Sadly, the others have no care for that. So, many times, their own thoughts and actions will become their downfall. Our prayers have indeed rescued many, if we only really knew.
“The house of the upright endures.” Those words are the hope that we cling to! His children will endure !! We will persevere !!!!!
KJV
“8 A man shall be commended according to his wisdom: but he that is of a perverse heart shall be despised.9 He that is despised, and hath a servant, is better than he that honoureth himself, and lacketh bread.10 A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.11 He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth vain persons is void of understanding.12 The wicked desireth the net of evil men: but the root of the righteous yieldeth fruit.13 The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips: but the just shall come out of trouble.14 A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth: and the recompence of a man’s hands shall be rendered unto him.”
CJB
“8 A person wins praise in keeping with his common sense,but a person with a warped mind is treated with contempt.9 Better to be despised and have a servant than to boast of one’s status but have nothing to eat.10 A righteous man takes care of his animal, but the wicked? Even his compassion is cruel.11 He who farms his land will have plenty of food, but he who follows futilities has no sense.12 The wicked covet the loot of evil men, but the root of the righteous gives forth of itself.13 The wicked is trapped by his own sinful speech, but the righteous finds a way out of trouble.14 One can be filled with good as the result of one’s words,and one gets the reward one’s deeds deserve.”
　The power of words! How we all long for words of praise for our accomplishments! Wisdom (common sense), in my own experience, often commented on, and sometimes, even praised. Sadly, though, when we do receive those compliments, it often makes us feel that we deserve more. We even may feel as though we are better than our peers, because, we “knew it all along”. Those thoughts can only lead down the path of pride. Pride is not always a bad thing, but it can easily become your worst enemy.
　“Better to be despised and have a servant than to boast of one’s status but have nothing to eat.’” How many times have we seen people with beautiful homes, or expensive vehicles in their driveway? How often do we know, for a fact, that those same people have less money to spend for that kind of thing than we, ourselves, do? We all see how many people lose everything in this economy. Boasting over one’s status is usually unflattering, to say the least. No one cares for the person who loves to brag.
　Most of us realize that, without work of some sort, we don’t enjoy the finer things in life. We know that “he who works, eats”. There are always some who seem not to understand that fact. We all know a few. They always want what others have: they chase after those who have what they think that they want. It’s a never-ending cycle. Run for your dream! It isn’t always a dream, though. It is sometimes steeped in nothing more than jealousy. It is because you think that you deserve better than you have, without knowing Who the Giver of Life itself really is. Running for your dream isn’t a bad thing: letting that activity overtake you is. Don’t forget the One Who gave it all for you.
“The wicked is trapped by his own sinful speech, but the righteous finds a way out of trouble. One can be filled with good as the result of one’s words,and one gets the reward one’s deeds deserve.” Our words are far more important than we realize.Things that we may have said years ago, often return to haunt us. They can entrap us, or they can become our redemption. Our actions, our words, have consequences.
KJV
“15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.16 A fool’s wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame.17 He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit.18 There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.19 The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment.20 Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counsellors of peace is joy.”
CJB
“15 Fools suppose their way is straight, but the wise pay attention to advice.16 A fool’s anger is known at once,but a cautious person slighted conceals his feelings.17 He who tells the truth furthers justice,but a false witness furthers deceit.18 Idle talk can pierce like a sword,but the tongue of the wise can heal.19 Truthful words will stand forever,lying speech but a moment.20 Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil,but for those advising peace there is joy.”
　“Fools suppose their way is straight, but the wise pay attention to advice”. Didn’t we hear that when we were young? “Fools rush in where angels fear to tread”? We all have had moments in our lives that we didn’t seek, nor listen to, advise from anyone. Most of the time, we live to regret that mistake. It is always wise to seek advise from someone who knows more than you do.From someone who has been down that path, and knows the end result. Some of us never learn that, though. There are those who keep returning to that same path, and making the wrong choice time after time. They are always convinced that they know what is right. Most of the time, they are wrong. They just never seem to see that fact.
　“A fool’s anger is known at once,but a cautious person slighted conceals his feelings.” As one whose temper has “gotten the best of me” a few times, these words resonate with me on a personal level. I remember my father’s advice from so many years ago. “If you don’t learn to control your temper: it will control you.” I am not by any means, a person who lashes out on a regular basis. I’ve never been that way. I have, however, lost that control a few times in my life. It isn’t a good feeling. I want to control those feelings. I want to walk away, and take out my anger in a more productive manner. If punching a pillow is productive. At least, I am not hurting a loved one, by my words, or in any other way. Words can never be taken back. They do hurt. I know. As much as a fist. I pray that I never hurt my loved ones in such a manner.
　“He who tells the truth furthers justice,but a false witness furthers deceit. Idle talk can pierce like a sword,but the tongue of the wise can heal.Truthful words will stand forever,lying speech but a moment. Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil,but for those advising peace there is joy.” Lies. How many have we told? How many have we heard? How many times have we been hurt by those lies? Especially when the truth is known. “The truth always comes out”, another phrase that we know only too well.
　Haven’t we all known someone who would tell us the truth, no matter what? Most of the time, isn’t that someone one of our dearest friends? Even though, in that moment, the words that they tell us may break our hearts? It can also become the very moment, that our broken hearts begin to mend. I know, I’ve a had a few friends in my life that were that someone. They showed me the way to get back to the Someone that I needed desperately to find. There is joy, so much joy, in peace.

　KJV
　“21 There shall no evil happen to the just: but the wicked shall be filled with mischief.22 Lying lips are abomination to the Lord: but they that deal truly are his delight.23 A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness.24 The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute.25 Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.26 The righteous is more excellent than his neighbour: but the way of the wicked seduceth them.27 The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting: but the substance of a diligent man is precious.28 In the way of righteousness is life: and in the pathway thereof there is no death.”
CJB
　“21 No harm can come to the righteous,but the wicked are overwhelmed with disaster. 22 Lying lips are an abomination to Adonai, but those who deal faithfully are his delight. 23 A cautious person conceals knowledge,but the heart of a fool blurts out folly.24 The diligent will rule,while the lazy will be put to forced labor.25 Anxiety in a person’s heart weighs him down,but a kind word cheers him up.26 The righteous guides his friend’s way rightly,but the way of the wicked will lead them astray.27 A lazy man doesn’t roast what he hunted; but when a man is diligent, his wealth is precious.28 In the road of righteousness is life; no death is in its pathway.”
　“No harm can come to the righteous.” In this mixed up world that we live in today, these words are our Hope in Him. No matter what happens around us, our Hope remains in Him. Our words and our actions will cause a reaction. Our gloating and our vanity will only show our carelessness.
　“Anxiety in a person’s heart weighs him down,but a kind word cheers him up. The righteous guides his friend’s way rightly,but the way of the wicked will lead them astray.” Anxiety is one of our worst enemies. It can destroy our trust, our very health. A word of kindness, a hug, can help alleviate that uncertainty. Our trust in our Lord, our faith, helps us to be the one that can offer that hug. We all have moments that we need a hug: how many times do we offer one? I’d much rather have a hug from someone than to be told that my anxiety is well founded, and that the worst scenario will happen. I’d much rather be the friend who offers encouragement than the one who offers nothing more than hopelessness. I’d much rather show the way to the One in Whom I have hope, than to lead someone down that path of despair.
　Our Hope remains in Him: the Giver of Life Eternal. He is Life Eternal. “In the road of righteousness is life; no death is in its pathway.”
　
　

　
　

　

Proverbs 11

Proverbs 11
King James Version (KJV)
1 A false balance is abomination to the Lord: but a just weight is his delight.
2 When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.
3 The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them.
4 Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death.
5 The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way: but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness.
6 The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them: but transgressors shall be taken in their own naughtiness.
7 When a wicked man dieth, his expectation shall perish: and the hope of unjust men perisheth.
8 The righteous is delivered out of trouble, and the wicked cometh in his stead.
9 An hypocrite with his mouth destroyeth his neighbour: but through knowledge shall the just be delivered.
10 When it goeth well with the righteous, the city rejoiceth: and when the wicked perish, there is shouting.
11 By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted: but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.
12 He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour: but a man of understanding holdeth his peace.
13 A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.
14 Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.
15 He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it: and he that hateth suretiship is sure.
16 A gracious woman retaineth honour: and strong men retain riches.
17 The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh.
18 The wicked worketh a deceitful work: but to him that soweth righteousness shall be a sure reward.
19 As righteousness tendeth to life: so he that pursueth evil pursueth it to his own death.
20 They that are of a froward heart are abomination to the Lord: but such as are upright in their way are his delight.
21 Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished: but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered.
22 As a jewel of gold in a swine’s snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion.
23 The desire of the righteous is only good: but the expectation of the wicked is wrath.
24 There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty.
25 The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.
26 He that withholdeth corn, the people shall curse him: but blessing shall be upon the head of him that selleth it.
27 He that diligently seeketh good procureth favour: but he that seeketh mischief, it shall come unto him.
28 He that trusteth in his riches shall fall; but the righteous shall flourish as a branch.
29 He that troubleth his own house shall inherit the wind: and the fool shall be servant to the wise of heart.
30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.
31 Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth: much more the wicked and the sinner.

Proverbs 11
Complete Jewish Bible (CJB)
1 False scales are an abomination to Adonai,
but accurate weights please him.
2 First comes pride, then disgrace;
but with the humble is wisdom.
3 The integrity of the upright guides them,
but the duplicity of the treacherous destroys them.
4 On the day of wrath, wealth doesn’t help;
but righteousness rescues from death.
5 The righteousness of the innocent levels their way,
but wickedness of the wicked makes them fall.
6 The righteousness of the upright rescues them,
but the treacherous are trapped by their own intrigues.
7 When a wicked man dies, his hope perishes;
what he hopes for from evil comes to nothing.
8 The righteous is delivered from trouble,
and the wicked comes to take his place.
9 With his mouth the hypocrite can ruin his neighbor,
but by knowledge the righteous are delivered.
10 When the righteous prosper, the city rejoices;
and when the wicked perish, there is joy.
11 By the blessing of the upright, a city is raised up;
but the words of the wicked tear it down.
12 He who belittles another lacks good sense,
whereas a person of discernment stays silent.
13 A gossip goes around revealing secrets,
but a trustworthy person keeps a confidence.
14 Without clever tactics an army is defeated,
and victory comes from much planning.
15 He who guarantees a loan for a stranger will suffer,
but refusing to underwrite is safe.
16 A gracious woman obtains honor;
aggressive men obtain wealth.
17 A man who is kind does himself good,
but the cruel does harm to himself.
18 The profits of the wicked are illusory;
but those who sow righteousness gain a true reward.
19 Genuine righteousness leads to life,
but the pursuer of evil goes to his own death.
20 The crooked-hearted are an abomination to Adonai,
but those sincere in their ways are his delight.
21 Depend on it: the evil will not go unpunished;
but the offspring of the righteous will escape.
22 Like a gold ring in the snout of a pig
is a beautiful woman who lacks good sense.
23 The righteous desire only good,
but what the wicked hope for brings wrath.
24 Some give freely and still get richer,
while others are stingy but grow still poorer.
25 The person who blesses others will prosper;
he who satisfies others will be satisfied himself.
26 The people will curse him who withholds grain;
but if he sells it, blessings will be on his head.
27 He who strives for good obtains favor,
but he who searches for evil — it comes to him!
28 He who trusts in his riches will fall,
but the righteous will flourish like sprouting leaves.
29 Those who trouble their families inherit the wind,
and the fool becomes slave to the wise.
30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life,
and he who is wise wins souls.
31 If the righteous are paid what they deserve here on earth,
how much more the wicked and the sinner!

Verses 1-11
1 A false balance is abomination to the Lord: but a just weight is his delight.
2 When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.
3 The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them.
4 Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death.
5 The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way: but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness.
6 The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them: but transgressors shall be taken in their own naughtiness.
7 When a wicked man dieth, his expectation shall perish: and the hope of unjust men perisheth.
8 The righteous is delivered out of trouble, and the wicked cometh in his stead.
9 An hypocrite with his mouth destroyeth his neighbour: but through knowledge shall the just be delivered.
10 When it goeth well with the righteous, the city rejoiceth: and when the wicked perish, there is shouting.
11 By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted: but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.
Many years ago (or not so many.. depending on the age of the reader) the picker would carry his bags of cotton ( or whatever) to be weighed at the wagon. Your pay depended on the weight of the bag that you gave them. There were those who would slip a rock in the bag to make it weigh more at the end of the day…Of course, there were also the dishonest shopkeepers who adjusted their scales to be wrong, too, so that the customer was getting less for their money. Dishonesty at it’s best… or worst. Either way, it is an abomination to the Lord.
Pride, wickedness, money… none of those will save you from yourself. The wealthiest person can make one mistake based on foolish pride and lose it all.
History itself teaches us that kingdoms can be lost on a whim. Battles can be won by prayer. In this world today, it is far to easy to see the glamour of the rich and powerful…..yet we cannot see what is hidden behind the locked doors. We have no idea what may be happening in their conference calls, and what deal that are being made, nor with who. Not every person with wealth is evil, not even remotely. Humanity itself is weak…. temptations come to us all. It is up to our own integrity, and our walk with the Lord, that saves us.
In the day of Judgment that will come to us all: what will show on you record is NOT how much money you had in the bank, or how proudly you walked. Your beauty is not what is being looked at then.
It is your righteousness: your relationship with your Father. Nothing else. That is all that will matter.
Verse 12-21
12 He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour: but a man of understanding holdeth his peace.
13 A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.
14 Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.
15 He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it: and he that hateth suretiship is sure.
16 A gracious woman retaineth honour: and strong men retain riches.
17 The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh.
18 The wicked worketh a deceitful work: but to him that soweth righteousness shall be a sure reward.
19 As righteousness tendeth to life: so he that pursueth evil pursueth it to his own death.
20 They that are of a froward heart are abomination to the Lord: but such as are upright in their way are his delight.
21 Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished: but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered.
Understanding and wisdom are traits to be treasured as we mature. They are more valuable than any earthly riches that we might have. Wealth is good, it enables us to do many things…but it will not buy our way into our Eternal Home. Walk with Him, learn from Him…… our reward will be more than we could ever imagine, for all of eternity.
Verses 22-31
22 As a jewel of gold in a swine’s snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion.
23 The desire of the righteous is only good: but the expectation of the wicked is wrath.
24 There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty.
25 The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.
26 He that withholdeth corn, the people shall curse him: but blessing shall be upon the head of him that selleth it.
27 He that diligently seeketh good procureth favour: but he that seeketh mischief, it shall come unto him.
28 He that trusteth in his riches shall fall; but the righteous shall flourish as a branch.
29 He that troubleth his own house shall inherit the wind: and the fool shall be servant to the wise of heart.
30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.
31 Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth: much more the wicked and the sinner.
All of our earthly treasures are as nothing, if we cannot attain wisdom as we grow older. To live a righteous life, full of integrity and a love for our fellow man: that is what we are being taught by our Father. To seek Him… all of these things will follow. He has used proverbs and teachings of others through the ages to get through to us!
How can we be so hard to teach? How can we not “sit and learn at His feet” ? Who better to teach us that the One Who created us??

Proverbs 10

 

Proverbs 10

 

King James Version (KJV)

1 The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother.

2 Treasures of wickedness profit nothing: but righteousness delivereth from death.

3 The Lord will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish: but he casteth away the substance of the wicked.

4 He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.

5 He that gathereth in summer is a wise son: but he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame.

6 Blessings are upon the head of the just: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.

7 The memory of the just is blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot.

8 The wise in heart will receive commandments: but a prating fool shall fall.

9 He that walketh uprightly walketh surely: but he that perverteth his ways shall be known.

10 He that winketh with the eye causeth sorrow: but a prating fool shall fall.

11 The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.

12 Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.

13 In the lips of him that hath understanding wisdom is found: but a rod is for the back of him that is void of understanding.

14 Wise men lay up knowledge: but the mouth of the foolish is near destruction.

15 The rich man’s wealth is his strong city: the destruction of the poor is their poverty.

16 The labour of the righteous tendeth to life: the fruit of the wicked to sin.

17 He is in the way of life that keepeth instruction: but he that refuseth reproof erreth.

18 He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool.

19 In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.

20 The tongue of the just is as choice silver: the heart of the wicked is little worth.

21 The lips of the righteous feed many: but fools die for want of wisdom.

22 The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.

23 It is as sport to a fool to do mischief: but a man of understanding hath wisdom.

24 The fear of the wicked, it shall come upon him: but the desire of the righteous shall be granted.

25 As the whirlwind passeth, so is the wicked no more: but the righteous is an everlasting foundation.

26 As vinegar to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard to them that send him.

27 The fear of the Lord prolongeth days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened.

28 The hope of the righteous shall be gladness: but the expectation of the wicked shall perish.

29 The way of the Lord is strength to the upright: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.

30 The righteous shall never be removed: but the wicked shall not inhabit the earth.

31 The mouth of the just bringeth forth wisdom: but the froward tongue shall be cut out.

32 The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable: but the mouth of the wicked speaketh frowardness.

　

 

Proverbs 10

 

Complete Jewish Bible (CJB)

1 The proverbs of Shlomo:

A wise son is a joy to his father,
but a foolish son is a grief to his mother.

2 No good comes from ill-gotten wealth,
but righteousness rescues from death.
3 Adonai does not let the righteous go hungry,
but he thwarts the craving of the wicked.

4 Idle hands bring poverty;
diligent hands bring wealth.
5 A sensible person gathers in summer,
but he who sleeps during harvest is an embarrassment.

6 Blessings are for the head of the righteous,
but the speech of the wicked is a cover for violence.
7 The memory of the righteous will be for a blessing,
but the reputation of the wicked will rot.
8 Wise-hearted people take orders,
but a babbling fool will have trouble.

9 He who walks purely walks securely,
but he who walks in crooked ways will be found out.

10 He who winks his eye [instead of rebuking] causes pain,
yet a babbling fool will have trouble.

11 The speech of the righteous is a fountain of life,
but the speech of the wicked is a cover for violence.

12 Hate stirs up disputes,
but love covers all kinds of transgressions.

13 On the lips of the intelligent is found wisdom,
but a stick is in store for the back of a fool.
14 Wise people hide their knowledge,
but when a fool speaks, ruin is imminent.

15 The wealth of the rich is his fortified city;
the ruin of the poor is their poverty.

16 The activity of the righteous is for life;
the income of the wicked is for sin.

17 He who observes discipline is on the way to life;
but he who ignores correction is making a mistake.

18 He who covers up hate has lips that lie,
and anyone who slanders is a fool.
19 When words are many, sin is not lacking;
so he who controls his speech is wise.
20 The tongue of the righteous is like pure silver,
but the mind of the wicked is worth little.
21 The lips of the righteous feed many,
but fools die for lack of sense.

22 The blessing of Adonai is what makes people rich,
and he doesn’t mix sorrow with it.

23 To a fool, vileness is like a game,
as is wisdom to a person of discernment.

24 What a fool dreads will overtake him,
but the righteous will be given his desire.
25 When the storm has passed, the wicked are gone;
but the righteous are firmly established forever.
26 Like vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes
is a lazy person to his employer.

27 The fear of Adonai adds length to life,
but the years of the wicked are cut short.
28 What the righteous hope for will end in joy;
what the wicked expect will come to nothing.
29 The way of Adonai is a stronghold to the upright
but ruin to those who do evil.
30 The righteous will never be moved,
but the wicked will not remain in the land.

31 The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom,
but the perverse tongue will be cut off.
32 The lips of the righteous know what is wanted,
but the mouth of the wicked [knows] deceit.

　

Verses  1- 20

1 The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother.

2 Treasures of wickedness profit nothing: but righteousness delivereth from death.

3 The Lord will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish: but he casteth away the substance of the wicked.

4 He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.

5 He that gathereth in summer is a wise son: but he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame.

6 Blessings are upon the head of the just: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.

7 The memory of the just is blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot.

8 The wise in heart will receive commandments: but a prating fool shall fall.

9 He that walketh uprightly walketh surely: but he that perverteth his ways shall be known.

10 He that winketh with the eye causeth sorrow: but a prating fool shall fall.

11 The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.

12 Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.

13 In the lips of him that hath understanding wisdom is found: but a rod is for the back of him that is void of understanding.

14 Wise men lay up knowledge: but the mouth of the foolish is near destruction.

15 The rich man’s wealth is his strong city: the destruction of the poor is their poverty.

16 The labour of the righteous tendeth to life: the fruit of the wicked to sin.

17 He is in the way of life that keepeth instruction: but he that refuseth reproof erreth.

18 He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool.

19 In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.

20 The tongue of the just is as choice silver: the heart of the wicked is little worth.

Here, Solomon’s proverbs are teaching, yet again, that wisdom and righteousness will prevail. We are wise to learn from him… God did grant him the most wisdom that He had ever given anyone!

From wisdom and knowledge, we have an abundance of gifts. We never seem to realize how Blessed that we are. We have learned so very much: our grandparents would have never imagined typing into a  machine and someone thousands of miles away, reading  their words in nanoseconds!

Yet, for all of our intellingent conversations…. we still lack the knowledge to guard our tongue!!! 

One  small word…. and in this day and age, one small typo…. can  linger in the air, and online, indefintely. As I  write these words, I  pray  that my studies, and my own preception of what I read…. Lord, let it  be a Light to someone. Let it be a Blessing.

I am human: I have met some people who chose not to like me. So have you, I am sure.

I have been accused of some things that I did not do… so have you, probably.

In this study, I  only pray that you read my words for what they are: my  thoughts and my prayers, as I re read the book of Proverbs.

Proverbs 9

 

Proverbs 9

 

King James Version (KJV)

1 Wisdom hath builded her house, she hath hewn out her seven pillars:

2 She hath killed her beasts; she hath mingled her wine; she hath also furnished her table.

3 She hath sent forth her maidens: she crieth upon the highest places of the city,

4 Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him,

5 Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the wine which I have mingled.

6 Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding.

7 He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot.

8 Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee.

9 Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.

10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.

11 For by me thy days shall be multiplied, and the years of thy life shall be increased.

12 If thou be wise, thou shalt be wise for thyself: but if thou scornest, thou alone shalt bear it.

13 A foolish woman is clamorous: she is simple, and knoweth nothing.

14 For she sitteth at the door of her house, on a seat in the high places of the city,

15 To call passengers who go right on their ways:

16 Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: and as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him,

17 Stolen waters are sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.

18 But he knoweth not that the dead are there; and that her guests are in the depths of hell.

 

Proverbs 9

 

Complete Jewish Bible (CJB)

1 Wisdom has built herself a house;
she has carved her seven pillars.
2 She has prepared her food, spiced her wine,
and she has set her table.
3 She has sent out her young girls [with invitations];
she calls from the heights of the city,
4 “Whoever is unsure of himself, turn in here!”
To someone weak-willed she says,
5 “Come and eat my food!
Drink the wine I have mixed!
6 Don’t stay unsure of yourself, but live!
Walk in the way of understanding!”
7 “He who corrects a scoffer only gets insulted;
reproving a wicked man becomes his blemish.
8 If you reprove a scoffer, he will hate you;
if you reprove a wise man, he will love you.
9 Give to a wise man, and he grows still wiser;
teach a righteous man, and he will learn still more.
10 The fear of Adonai is the beginning of wisdom,
and knowledge of holy ones is understanding.
11 For with me, your days will be increased;
years will be added to your life.
12 If you are wise, your wisdom helps you;
but if you scoff, you bear the consequences alone.”

13 The foolish woman is coarse;
she doesn’t think, and she doesn’t know a thing.
14 She sits at the door of her house
or on a seat at the heights of the city,
15 calling to those who pass by,
to those going straight along their ways,
16 “Whoever is unsure of himself, turn in here!”
To someone weak-willed she says,
17 “Stolen water is sweet;
food eaten in secret is pleasant.”
18 But he doesn’t realize
that the dead are there,
and that those who accept her invitation
are in the depths of Sh’ol.

　

To divide any of these verses would be a mistake. Here, we plainly see  the  vast differences in  being wise, or foolish. The choice is ours.

Very simply, very plainly.

The wise one prepares, and has made all of the arrnagements. In following that choice, we all can see the dinner that has been prepared. The table is set: the drinks are poured. Walk with wisdom, and eat your fill!

Sadly, the foolish make no preparations, nor set a banquet. Steal your drink and eat whatever you may find. So many seem to chhose that path of no resistance.

It’s difficult to prepare a table, and set a banquet fit for a King! It’s not easy making sure that all the invitations have been mailed, and thst no guest leaves hungry.Much less, have a guest who doesn’t have a good time! Any hostess can you…. it’s not easy.

Comparing wisdom to a banquet of sorts may be childish, but, it’s as plain a reference as you will ever see. Finding wisdom is  very similar to dicovering a banquet of delights! You are free to eat all that you want, and, best of all… you are not required to clean up afterward!! You can stay and partake of the dining pleasures as long as you want!! The company is delightful, the conversation stimulating!

Who doesn’t like a good party?  Our Lord has sent out the invitations…… won’t you join Him?

The first step is replying to His R.S.V.P.

All you have to do is say, Yes, Lord, I will.

Proverbs 8

Proverbs 8

King James Version (KJV)

1 Doth not wisdom cry? and understanding put forth her voice?

2 She standeth in the top of high places, by the way in the places of the paths.

3 She crieth at the gates, at the entry of the city, at the coming in at the doors.

4 Unto you, O men, I call; and my voice is to the sons of man.

5 O ye simple, understand wisdom: and, ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart.

6 Hear; for I will speak of excellent things; and the opening of my lips shall be right things.

7 For my mouth shall speak truth; and wickedness is an abomination to my lips.

8 All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing froward or perverse in them.

9 They are all plain to him that understandeth, and right to them that find knowledge.

10 Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold.

11 For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.

12 I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions.

13 The fear of the Lord is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.

14 Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength.

15 By me kings reign, and princes decree justice.

16 By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth.

17 I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.

18 Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness.

19 My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver.

20 I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment:

21 That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures.

22 The Lord possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old.

23 I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was.

24 When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when there were no fountains abounding with water.

25 Before the mountains were settled, before the hills was I brought forth:

26 While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the highest part of the dust of the world.

27 When he prepared the heavens, I was there: when he set a compass upon the face of the depth:

28 When he established the clouds above: when he strengthened the fountains of the deep:

29 When he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment: when he appointed the foundations of the earth:

30 Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him;

31 Rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth; and my delights were with the sons of men.

32 Now therefore hearken unto me, O ye children: for blessed are they that keep my ways.

33 Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not.

34 Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors.

35 For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the Lord.

36 But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death.

Proverbs 8

Complete Jewish Bible (CJB)

1 Wisdom is calling!
Understanding is raising her voice!
2 On the heights along the road,
where the paths meet, she is standing;
3 by the gates leading into the city,
at the entrances, she cries aloud:

4 “People, I am calling you,
raising my voice to all mankind.
5 You who don’t direct your lives,
understand caution;
as for you, you fools,
get some common sense!

6 “Listen! I will say worthwhile things;
when I speak, my words are right.
7 My mouth says what is true,
because my lips detest evil.
8 All the words from my mouth are righteous;
nothing false or crooked is in them.
9 They are all clear to those who understand
and straightforward to those who gain knowledge.
10 Receive my instruction, rather than silver;
knowledge, rather than the finest gold.
11 For wisdom is better than pearls;
nothing you want can compare with her.

12 “I, wisdom, live together with caution;
I attain knowledge and discretion.
13 The fear of Adonai is hatred of evil.
I hate pride and arrogance,
evil ways and duplicitous speech.
14 Good advice is mine, and common sense;
I am insight, power is mine.
15 By me kings reign,
and princes make just laws.
16 By me princes govern,
nobles too, and all the earth’s rulers.
17 I love those who love me;
and those who seek me will find me.
18 Riches and honor are with me,
lasting wealth and righteousness.
19 My fruit is better than gold, fine gold,
my produce better than the finest silver.
20 I follow the course of righteousness
along the paths of justice,
21 to endow with wealth those who love me
and fill their treasuries.
22 “Adonai made me as the beginning of his way,
the first of his ancient works.
23 I was appointed before the world,
before the start, before the earth’s beginnings.
24 When I was brought forth, there were no ocean depths,
no springs brimming with water.
25 I was brought forth before the hills,
before the mountains had settled in place;
26 he had not yet made the earth, the fields,
or even the earth’s first grains of dust.
27 When he established the heavens, I was there.
When he drew the horizon’s circle on the deep,
28 when he set the skies above in place,
when the fountains of the deep poured forth,
29 when he prescribed boundaries for the sea,
so that its water would not transgress his command,
when he marked out the foundations of the earth,
30 I was with him as someone he could trust.
For me, every day was pure delight,
as I played in his presence all the time,.
31 playing everywhere on his earth,
and delighting to be with humankind.

32 “Therefore, children, listen to me:
happy are those who keep my ways.
33 Hear instruction, and grow wise;
do not refuse it.
34 How happy the person who listens to me,
who watches daily at my gates
and waits outside my doors.
35 For he who finds me finds life
and obtains the favor of Adonai.
36 But he who misses me harms himself;
all who hate me love death.”

Verses 1-11

1 Doth not wisdom cry? and understanding put forth her voice?

2 She standeth in the top of high places, by the way in the places of the paths.

3 She crieth at the gates, at the entry of the city, at the coming in at the doors.

4 Unto you, O men, I call; and my voice is to the sons of man.

5 O ye simple, understand wisdom: and, ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart.

6 Hear; for I will speak of excellent things; and the opening of my lips shall be right things.

7 For my mouth shall speak truth; and wickedness is an abomination to my lips.

8 All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing froward or perverse in them.

9 They are all plain to him that understandeth, and right to them that find knowledge.

10 Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold.

11 For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.

In this day of such  easy accessible  knowledge: how is it that we remain so ignorant?  We are so wise in the ways of the world… so wise in whatever media we subscribe to. So wise, yet so very ignorant.

Our lack of knowledge in what our  Lord has tried so hard to make us understand is worse than pathetic.We claim to be such scholars, and yet, how many of us understand what He has said?  How many of us even try?

Out of His mouth is nothing but Truth: yet our ears remain deaf to it. He has told us that if we would but understand: His Truth is plain. We attemot to make is so difficult, when even a child can understand it.If we have knowledge: His Teachings, we have everything. There isn’t enough money in the world to buy His Truth: yet, it’s free for the taking. We are the ones who have to take it: to accept it. He has given it freely… we have to reach out and take it.He isn’t going to put it in our arms, our hearts, if we don’t want it. Knowledge is a treasured gift…. how can we refuse it?

Verses 12-22

12 I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions.

13 The fear of the Lord is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.

14 Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength.

15 By me kings reign, and princes decree justice.

16 By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth.

17 I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.

18 Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness.

19 My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver.

20 I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment:

21 That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures.

22 The Lord possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old.

These verses define wisdom in ways that I never could. The value of  wisdom is indeed hard won at times, but, nevertheless: its’ value is priceless. It has won wars and kingsdoms…. without wisdom, nothing of value would ever be achieved!

Think about it: is there even one thing that has ever been done without it?  Never. You may be the strongest man, or woman, in the race…. but if do not have the wisdom to run, you will fail. You may imagine the strongest bridge: or the world’s best medicine… but without the wisdom to bring it to pass…..it is as nothing.

You can tell someone that you love them, all day. If you do not have the wisdom to hold them, or to show that love….they may never believe you.

Our Lord knew…. before Time itself… He knew how desperately we would need His love. To be shown that Love.

Verses 23-36

23 I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was.

24 When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when there were no fountains abounding with water.

25 Before the mountains were settled, before the hills was I brought forth:

26 While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the highest part of the dust of the world.

27 When he prepared the heavens, I was there: when he set a compass upon the face of the depth:

28 When he established the clouds above: when he strengthened the fountains of the deep:

29 When he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment: when he appointed the foundations of the earth:

30 Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him;

31 Rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth; and my delights were with the sons of men.

32 Now therefore hearken unto me, O ye children: for blessed are they that keep my ways.

33 Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not.

34 Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors.

35 For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the Lord.

36 But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death.

Before all of everything that we know today: before the very Earth…. God had wisdom. You can see it everywhere you look. From the leaves on every tree, to every blade of grass….

From the rain that falls from the heavens, to the oceans and all that they hold, to every cricket that might drive us crazy.. there we see His Wisdom.

From the nerves in your body to the hair on your head…. His Wisdom prevails.

All He is asking is that we seek Him… thirst for His Words… His Teachings. In those, we learn of  Him. We learn Who He is. We learn how very much that He loves us.

By our  own ignorance: we fail Him everyday. Only in searching for His Truths, will we ever find Him. It isn’t that difficult….. read it for yourself! He has given you the wisdom to do that.

In His Wisdom: we find Life Everlasting. We find Him.