August 14, 2011

Proverbs 9:1-12 (Click to see scripture)

Bible in One Year Passages:
Luke 15:11-32, 2 Timothy 1:1-7, Nehemiah 5

Journal Entry

Scripture

7 Whoever corrects a scoffer gets himself abuse,
and he who reproves a wicked man incurs injury.
8 Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you;
reprove a wise man, and he will love you.
9 Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser;
teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning.
10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.
11 For by me your days will be multiplied,
and years will be added to your life.
12 If you are wise, you are wise for yourself;
if you scoff, you alone will bear it.

Observation

In our passage today, we learn the ways of wisdom. Verses 7 - 8 advices us that when we try to correct a scoffer (a "mocker" in the NIV) or reprove a wicked man we will in return be abused and incur injury. For wisdom does not work that way. Wisdom does not inflict abuse upon one's own heart by trying to correct a scoffer or a wicked man. In fact, it's the opposite the wise reproves the wise. For when an instruction is given to a wise man, there are greater chances for wisdom which would increase. For those who seek to be wise, there are greater longing to grow and to not be content, but to increase in their learning (V. 9). And this way of wisdom begins when we fear God and when we understand that God alone gives us insight when we desire to know Him.

Application

Today's passage is a great reminder that when I fear God, I gain wisdom. To be wise is to fear God. For when I pursue God's heart, He grants me insight by guiding my path in wisdom.

Prayer

God, my prayer is that wisdom will permeate my life. For I desire to grow and to increase in wisdom. And I recognize that the only way that I can grow is through fearing you in reverence and worship of You. Thank you for this valuable truth today!

--