Deeply Rooted (When I Read Your Word)

R EAD THIS:  Proverbs 9:13-18 13 Folly is an unruly woman; she is simple and knows nothing. 14 She sits at the door of her house, on a seat at the highest point of the city, 15 calling out to those who pass by, who go straight on their way, 16     “Let all who are simple come to my house!” To those who have no sense she says, 17 “Stolen water is sweet; food eaten in secret is delicious!” 18 But little do they know that the dead are there, that her guests are deep in the realm of the dead. WHAT’S THIS MEAN, ANYWAY?   Here we have Lady Folly, a wild and not so bright lady, sitting outside her home calling out to people who are going "straight on their way."  This whole section parallels what we read about Lady Wisdom and what she calls out (as we discussed here ). They BOTH call out to simple people from a high point in the city. But, something that is very different about Lady Folly is that she calls out to the people who are going straight on their way...people who are

R EAD THIS:  Proverbs 9:10-12 10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. 11 For through wisdom your days will be many, and years will be added to your life. 12 If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you; if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer. WHAT’S THIS MEAN, ANYWAY?   We have learned A LOT about wisdom, haven’t we? It’s certainly the main focus of Proverbs… but how do we actually grow in wisdom? Where do we even start? Luckily for us, these verses teach us the first two steps of our path toward wisdom: fear of the Lord and knowledge of the Lord! The first step is to… fear God? Not exactly… Fear of the Lord looks different depending on whether or not you believe in God. For the unbeliever, fear of the Lord is fearing judgement from God, but for the believer, fear of the Lord is acknowledging that God is more powerful, more in control, and wiser than you are! The second step is to know God. That may sound easy, but the

R EAD THIS:  Proverbs 9:7-9 7 Whoever corrects a mocker invites insults; whoever rebukes the wicked incurs abuse. 8 Do not rebuke mockers or they will hate you; rebuke the wise and they will love you. 9 Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still; teach the righteous and they will add to their learning. WHAT’S THIS MEAN, ANYWAY?   Yesterday, Lady Wisdom was inviting ALL people to come and follow her. Today, neither Folly nor Wisdom is speaking, so these words are coming from Solomon/a narrator.  In short, Solomon says wise people take advice/assistance well, while unwise people respond in anger/joking. Have you ever seen someone get incredibly upset when they mess up and someone tries to help? I know I can be that way. This used to happen to me a lot when I would do math homework. I would not understand how to do it, and one of my friends would try to help. Instead of being grateful, I would snap and say, "I already knew that; I'm not dumb."  It was different in Eng

R EAD THIS:  Proverbs 9:1-6 1 Wisdom has built her house; she has set up its seven pillars. 2 She has prepared her meat and mixed her wine; she has also set her table. 3 She has sent out her servants, and she calls from the highest point of the city, 4 “Let all who are simple come to my house!” To those who have no sense she says, 5 “Come, eat my food and drink the wine I have mixed. 6 Leave your simple ways and you will live; walk in the way of insight.” WHAT’S THIS MEAN, ANYWAY? Wisdom's house is large and roomy enough to accommodate all who wish to live there. No one is left out or ignored at the door of Wisdom's house. What a cool reminder that every person is welcomed in to receive God's wisdom!  God has no boundaries on who can receive His wisdom. We can receive His wisdom no matter what stage of life we are in or what our relationship looks like with God. God has no intention of turning us away from asking for His wisdom... In fact, He wants us to walk a path g

R EAD THIS:  Proverbs 8:32-36 32 “Now then, my children, listen to me; blessed are those who keep my ways. 33 Listen to my instruction and be wise; do not disregard it. 34 Blessed are those who listen to me, watching daily at my doors,     waiting at my doorway. 35 For those who find me find life and receive favor from the Lord. 36 But those who fail to find me harm themselves; all who hate me love death.” WHAT’S THIS MEAN, ANYWAY?   Similar to the beginning of the chapter, the personification of wisdom is once again calling us to listen to her advice. These are her concluding remarks. Verse 34 reminds me of waiting in line at the Apple Store for the new iPhone. I was eager to get the new and exclusive phone and did not care how long I would have to wait. What the woman of wisdom is telling us is we should have this same attitude towards receiving God's instructions. Just like waiting for the new phone, we need to wait to hear what God has planned for us next. As discussed in

R EAD THIS:  Proverbs 8:22-31 22 “The Lord brought me forth as the first of his works, before his deeds of old; 23 I was formed long ages ago, at the very beginning, when the world came to be. 24 When there were no watery depths, I was given birth, when there were no springs overflowing with water; 25 before the mountains were settled in place, before the hills, I was given birth, 26 before he made the world or its fields or any of the dust of the earth. 27 I was there when he set the heavens in place, when he marked out the horizon on the face of the deep, 28 when he established the clouds above and fixed securely the fountains of the deep, 29 when he gave the sea its boundary so the waters would not overstep his command, and when he marked out the foundations of the earth. 30 Then I was constantly at his side. I was filled with delight day after day, rejoicing always in his presence, 31 rejoicing in his whole world and delighting in mankind. WHAT’S THIS MEAN, ANYWAY?   The

R EAD THIS:  Proverbs 8:12-21 12 “I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence; I possess knowledge and discretion. 13 To fear the Lord is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech. 14 Counsel and sound judgment are mine; I have insight, I have power. 15 By me kings reign and rulers issue decrees that are just; 16 by me princes govern, and nobles—all who rule on earth. 17   I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me. 18 With me are riches and honor, enduring wealth and prosperity. 19 My fruit is better than fine gold; what I yield surpasses choice silver. 20 I walk in the way of righteousness, along the paths of justice, 21 bestowing a rich inheritance on those who love me and making their treasuries full. WHAT’S THIS MEAN, ANYWAY?   Lady Wisdom is trying to explain why we should pick her over foolishness. That seems like it should be obvious, but sometimes it just isn't. Verse 13 gives a bit of insight into what we choose instead

R EAD THIS:  Proverbs 8:6-11 6 Listen, for I have trustworthy things to say; I open my lips to speak what is right. 7 My mouth speaks what is true, for my lips detest wickedness. 8 All the words of my mouth are just; none of them is crooked or perverse. 9 To the discerning all of them are right; they are upright to those who have found knowledge. 10 Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold, 11 for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her. WHAT’S THIS MEAN, ANYWAY?   In case you forgot, here we are reading Wisdom's words as she calls out for all to hear. Wisdom says that her words can be trusted and that nothing she says is evil or wicked. She then says that her words are seen as right or correct by all who are discerning, and that discerning people see wisdom as more valuable than anything the world can offer. But what does it mean to be discerning? Discerning people are people who make good judgement.

R EAD THIS:  Proverbs 8:1-5 1 Does not wisdom call out? Does not understanding raise her voice? 2 At the highest point along the way, where the paths meet, she takes her stand; 3 beside the gate leading into the city, at the entrance, she cries aloud: 4 “To you, O people, I call out; I raise my voice to all mankind. 5 You who are simple, gain prudence; you who are foolish, set your hearts on it. WHAT’S THIS MEAN, ANYWAY?   In verse 1, we are asked two questions. These are intended to suggest that wisdom is not some distant or unreachable idea. Instead, experience and day-to-day life should encourage everyone to seek wisdom and value it. In fact, wisdom follows our path with us, but we have to seek wisdom out. God meets us where we are! In our highest hills and in our lowest valleys, God is ready to meet us with His wisdom. When God provides wisdom, it is up to us to listen and take action. If we choose to ignore His wisdom, He will keep calling out until we notice what He has been

R EAD THIS:  Proverbs 7:21-27 21 With persuasive words she led him astray; she seduced him with her smooth talk. 22 All at once he followed her like an ox going to the slaughter, like a deer stepping into a noose 23 till an arrow pierces his liver, like a bird darting into a snare, little knowing it will cost him his life. 24 Now then, my sons, listen to me; pay attention to what I say. 25 Do not let your heart turn to her ways or stray into her paths. 26 Many are the victims she has brought down; her slain are a mighty throng. 27 Her house is a highway to the grave, leading down to the chambers of death. WHAT’S THIS MEAN, ANYWAY?   We have finally reached the climax of the story Solomon has been sharing. The foolish man has fully given into the temptation of the woman, and now he has to pay the price. Satan will use whatever tools he has in order to get us to sin.. and his main tool is persuasion. Throughout history we can see Satan using persuasion to tempt humans into sinning

R EAD THIS:  Proverbs 7:13-20 13 She took hold of him and kissed him and with a brazen face she said: 14 “Today I fulfilled my vows, and I have food from my fellowship offering at home. 15 So I came out to meet you; I looked for you and have found you! 16 I have covered my bed with colored linens from Egypt. 17 I have perfumed my bed     with myrrh, aloes and cinnamon. 18 Come, let’s drink deeply of love till morning; let’s enjoy ourselves with love! 19 My husband is not at home; he has gone on a long journey. 20 He took his purse filled with money and will not be home till full moon.” WHAT’S THIS MEAN, ANYWAY?   Continuing the story we’ve been working through the last few days, today we learn of the words that the adulterous woman uses to try and convince the young man to make a terrible decision. In the midst of her trying to convince the man, we can spot holes in her argument that the decision to stay with her for the night is logical. She claims to be religious, performing

R EAD THIS:  Proverbs 7:10-12 10 Then out came a woman to meet him, dressed like a prostitute and with crafty intent. 11 (She is unruly and defiant, her feet never stay at home; 12 now in the street, now in the squares, at every corner she lurks.) WHAT’S THIS MEAN, ANYWAY?   Yesterday, we talked about how anyone can be lured into temptations but those who are more wise try to keep their eyes on Jesus. Temptations are everywhere! When I think about our choices for temptations, I see the angel on one shoulder with the devil right there on the other side. They both make good arguments, but as "cool" (aka worldly) as the devil sounds, the angel is always the better decision. However, when we choose the angel's side, the devil will still be sitting there, ready to distract us. The enemy is constantly lurking around. 1 Peter 5:8 says, " Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. " The enemy is a

R EAD THIS:  Proverbs 7:6-9 6 At the window of my house I looked down through the lattice. 7 I saw among the simple, I noticed among the young men, a youth who had no sense. 8 He was going down the street near her corner, walking along in the direction of her house 9 at twilight, as the day was fading, as the dark of night set in. WHAT’S THIS MEAN, ANYWAY?   WARNING: These next few days, we are going to be covering a story that Solomon shares. So if you get confused at any point, GO BACK AND READ!! A cool thing about this story is it is based off what Solomon has observed in his own life. He is sharing it so that his kids can be wise when facing temptations. He observes a young man who chooses to go somewhere he does not belong. We should not be like this man. Even the darkness of night cannot cover up any sin that he may be tempted to do. Now this is not to say all young men will be foolish. Timothy is a great example of a young leader within the Church. What this is saying is tha

R EAD THIS:  Proverbs 7:1-5 1  My son, keep my words and store up my commands within you. 2 Keep my commands and you will live; guard my teachings as the apple of your eye. 3 Bind them on your fingers; write them on the tablet of your heart. 4 Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,” and to insight, “You are my relative.” 5 They will keep you from the adulterous woman, from the wayward woman with her seductive words. WHAT’S THIS MEAN, ANYWAY?   As Vin Diesel’s character from the Fast and Furious franchise, Dom Toretto, reminds us often… there’s nothing more important than “family.” While the movies are a bit ridiculous at points (or far more than that), the idea of family being something we hold close to us actually ties into what Solomon reminds his son here. Solomon writes that we should treat wisdom as if it were a family member, specifically a sister.    Siblings are supposed to protect and support their families, especially their fellow siblings. However, many of us can see sibling

R EAD THIS:  Proverbs 6:30-35 30 People do not despise a thief if he steals to satisfy his hunger when he is starving. 31 Yet if he is caught, he must pay sevenfold, though it costs him all the wealth of his house. 32 But a man who commits adultery has no sense; whoever does so destroys himself. 33 Blows and disgrace are his lot, and his shame will never be wiped away. 34 For jealousy arouses a husband’s fury, and he will show no mercy when he takes revenge. 35 He will not accept any compensation; he will refuse a bribe, however great it is. WHAT’S THIS MEAN, ANYWAY?   Have you ever wondered if some sins are considered worse than others? Well, Solomon breaks down two examples of sinners and how the intent behind each sin defines them. A man who steals food has committed a sin. However, if his intent was to feed his starving family, things change a bit. Although the deed is still a sin, there is more room for mercy because his intent was to do good. There is still a cost to the si

R EAD THIS:  Proverbs 6:23-29 23 For this command is a lamp, this teaching is a light, and correction and instruction are the way to life, 24 keeping you from your neighbor’s wife, from the smooth talk of a wayward woman. 25 Do not lust in your heart after her beauty or let her captivate you with her eyes. 26 For a prostitute can be had for a loaf of bread, but another man’s wife preys on your very life. 27 Can a man scoop fire into his lap without his clothes being burned? 28 Can a man walk on hot coals without his feet being scorched? 29 So is he who sleeps with another man’s wife; no one who touches her will go unpunished. WHAT’S THIS MEAN, ANYWAY? When I first read verse 23, I thought of one scene from Beauty and the Beast. In the beginning of the movie, Belle's father goes off to his inventors convention. Along the path they were following, he saw the path split into two different directions: the bright and calm path or the dark and spooky path. Ultimately, he chose the

R EAD THIS:  Proverbs 6:20-22 20 My son, keep your father’s command and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. 21 Bind them always on your heart; fasten them around your neck. 22 When you walk, they will guide you; when you sleep, they will watch over you; when you awake, they will speak to you. WHAT’S THIS MEAN, ANYWAY?   Let's get sad for a moment together...a sad thing about this life is that people die. Most people reading this still have one parent, and a lot have two. But, one day those parents will go on to be with Jesus, and we won't be able to call them and ask for advice. Some people reading this are experiencing this right now. That is sad and hard. BUT, something that every one reading this can have is memories of their parents, or memories of people who were/are like parents to them. Those memories can still help guide us today. However, it is a lot easier to remember the advice of our parents/mentors/guardians when they are gone if we intentionally commit their

R EAD THIS:  Proverbs 6:16-19 16 There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: 17 haughty eyes, a lying tongue,         hands that shed innocent blood, 18 a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, 19 a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.  WHAT’S THIS MEAN, ANYWAY?   “Hate” is a strong word… right? When I was little, I used so say I hated a lot of things that I really just didn’t like very much (like mustard, peas, and homework). Back then, I was throwing the word hate around because I didn’t truly know what “hate” meant, and we are likely all guilty of doing that at times today! But we believe in a God who chooses every word He says… and He says He hates 6 things that people do that can lead to one type of person (7 total things… get it?). Let’s break it down: Haughty eyes : A proud or judgmental look toward others (kind of like a side-eye…) A lying tongue : Speaking falsel

R EAD THIS:  Proverbs 6:12-15 12 A troublemaker and a villain, who goes about with a corrupt mouth, 13 who winks maliciously with his eye, signals with his feet and motions with his fingers, 14 who plots evil with deceit in his heart— he always stirs up conflict. 15 Therefore disaster will overtake him in an instant; he will suddenly be destroyed—without remedy. WHAT’S THIS MEAN, ANYWAY?   Have you ever wondered what the scoundrel part of the movie "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" meant? Well, Solomon breaks it down for you! People who do not speak good things fit in this description. Those who create chaos are not for God. We need to be watchful for these people, but we also need to make sure we are not speaking corrupt things either. Solomon continues on by stating how these scoundrels send signals to each other (such as winking). This shows that the scoundrel has intentions to do evil and that they don't have good intentions. As Alfred from "The Dark Night" says

R EAD THIS:  Proverbs 6:6-11 6 Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! 7 It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, 8 yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest. 9 How long will you lie there, you sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep? 10 A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest— 11 and poverty will come on you like a thief and scarcity like an armed man. WHAT’S THIS MEAN, ANYWAY?   Stop being lazy in your faith!! Solomon uses the example of an ant to illustrate how hard we must work in our faith. An ant is determined, constantly working, and stays loyal to its colony. An ant doesn't have to be commanded to work, it does so on its own. We want to strive to be ants for Jesus! In order to do this, we have to set time to open up the Bible, pray, and worship on our own time. It is important that it starts to become part of your daily routine. Sometimes we forget to do those things, and that

R EAD THIS:  Proverbs 6:1-5 1 My son, if you have put up security for your neighbor, if you have shaken hands in pledge for a stranger, 2 you have been trapped by what you said, ensnared by the words of your mouth. 3 So do this, my son, to free yourself, since you have fallen into your neighbor’s hands: Go—to the point of exhaustion — and give your neighbor no rest! 4 Allow no sleep to your eyes, no slumber to your eyelids. 5 Free yourself, like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter, like a bird from the snare of the fowler. WHAT’S THIS MEAN, ANYWAY?   This is a great passage to stop for a second and think about what it means for something to be a proverb. If something is called a proverb, then it means that it is a general saying or piece of advice. That means that it might not be true every time, but most of the time it is. For example, a common proverb (not from the Bible) is "many hands make light work." Overall, that's true! The more people doing a task, the les

R EAD THIS:  Proverbs 5:21-23 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. WHAT’S THIS MEAN, ANYWAY?   This section starts off with the word "for." The way that word is used is most similar to the word "because." Which means...the section of verses that happen right before this are needed to understand what Solomon is trying to say. Yesterday, we read about being satisfied with what God has already given us and not to turn away, especially in ways like adultery. We shouldn't turn away because (for) God is always right there with us.  A lot of the time when we sin, we think in our heads, "well, no one will know..." but that simply isn't true. God sees it. And, then, often, the second thing we think is, "well, it's not REALLY hurting anyone...&

R EAD THIS:  Proverbs 5:15-20 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? WHAT’S THIS MEAN, ANYWAY?   Throughout the Old Testament, there are times where God compares the Israelites to adulterers, people who decide to betray their spouses and be with someone else. God says that is what the Israelites do to God when they choose other gods. It makes sense because the Israelites joined in a covenant, a weighty agreement, with God, but they abandoned it every time they chose another god.  If we aren't careful, it

R EAD THIS:  Proverbs 5:11-14 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.” WHAT’S THIS MEAN, ANYWAY?   Yesterday we talked about not playing the game of sin. We must stay away from sin entirely! We need to have discipline! Discipline is often thought of as punishment. However, discipline can mean instruction and/or guidance. When we receive discipline from God, we have to make the choice to listen to His guidance.  Think back to a time when you were in school listening to your teacher explain instructions for a huge project that could change your grade. When you or someone around you didn't listen, there were a lot of questions wondering if what y'all were doing was correct. Most of the time, it was hard to do what the teacher wante

R EAD THIS:  Proverbs 5:7-10 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 to one who is cruel, 10 lest strangers feast on your wealth and your toil enrich the house of another. WHAT’S THIS MEAN, ANYWAY?   CALLING ALL STUDENTS: This message is for you!  Sin is not a game! We need to avoid it and not even consider dabbling in it. In these verses, Solomon is specifically talking about the sin of adultery. He says we must stay away from the temptation to commit this sin. When we give into sin, even just a little , it can spiral out of control. Sin does not just take a little bit of who we are… it will devour us whole until we have nothing. One of the best ways we can defend ourselves from sin is to stay away from it entirely. Jesus even tells us it is better to cut off an arm or an eye to leave sin behind completely than to leave even a bit

R EAD THIS:  Proverbs 5:1-6 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. WHAT’S THIS MEAN, ANYWAY?   We have learned a lot in Proverbs about a woman named Wisdom, but today we are learning about a new woman. This adulterous woman, or a cheater by modern day terms, is known for very different characteristics than the woman known as Wisdom. She is a smooth talker, but deadly. She lures people in toward her path, but the way she walks leads to death rather than life. Who is this woman? Remember here that Solomon is speaking to his son, and Solomon knew his son far

R EAD THIS:  Proverbs 4:23-27 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 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. WHAT’S THIS MEAN, ANYWAY?   In this passage, Solomon writes about how wisdom can extend to our entire body! He lists out a bunch of different body parts (the heart, the lips/mouth, the eyes, the mind, and the feet) and explains how we can make a wise choice with each of them. What's even cooler here is that Jesus spoke about or demonstrated something with each of these parts of the body. Check it out! Heart : "Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (Matthew 6:21) Mouth : All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes f

R EAD THIS:  Proverbs 4:18-22 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. WHAT’S THIS MEAN, ANYWAY?   Have you ever tried to make it across a room when it's completely dark? And then you trip over something and you're like, "oh my gosh was that my shoe? My clothes from yesterday? What was  that?"  That's what it's like when we aren't walking with God. We can walk confidently for a few steps, but then we start to stumble, and we don't even understand what's wrong. We walk through the day, we lie to some people, we steal something, and we act like it's okay, but then we look around us

R EAD THIS:  Proverbs 4:10-17 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. WHAT’S THIS MEAN, ANYWAY?   If we wanted to, we could choose to completely avoid the ways of the wicked, and it would change our lives completely. But...we don't. Instead, we choose a way of life that is harmful to us and others. Why?! On the high school mission trip, the ladies actually read this section of verses, and w

R EAD THIS:  Proverbs 4:1-9 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 wisdom. Though it cost all you have, 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.” WHAT’S THIS MEAN, ANYWAY?   Ever had a parent sit you down for some life lessons? I can think of plenty of times where my parents taught me about their lives and the important things they le

R EAD THIS:  Proverbs 3:31-35 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. WHAT’S THIS MEAN, ANYWAY? Have you ever been jealous of a friend because their parents let them do something your parents would never let you do? Well, God is our parent. He wants us to avoid worldly actions and decisions so, He gives us wisdom. Just like our parents, God is doing what is best for us. However, we can't listen to His wisdom just to get praise for doing a good job. Instead, we should listen to understand how Jesus would handle the situation. In many of the stories you read about Jesus, there tends to be one common factor, He is humble! When Jesus was healing those around Him or making m