August 29, 2011

Proverbs 16:17-33 (Click to see scripture)

Bible in One Year Passages:
Luke 19:41-48, Titus 3:9-15, Esther 7

Journal Entry

Scripture

Proverbs 16:17-33
19 It is better to be of a lowly spirit with the poor than to divide the spoil with the proud.
31 Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life.

Observation

As I study the words in the book Proverbs, I am renewed in my pursuit to attain wisdom and knowledge, not wisdom and knowledge of this world but in God. In verse 19, the author states it is better to be of a lowly spirit with the poor man. Does this mean we are all called to renounce wealth and be of lowly spirit? Today, I heard in a radio sermon, that anything that does not help us draw closer to God is not good, which I believe helps me to understand that it is better to be poor if this helps me to be closer to God. It is better to be of lowly spirit if it helps me to draw closer to God. In Matthew Henry’s commentary he states: “Humility, though it exposes to contempt in the world, is much better than high-spiritedness, which makes God an enemy.”

On a separate observation, I really liked verse 31, which I’m starting to relate to more and more…

Application

I will continue to seek wisdom and discernment to see whether anything I pursue or surround myself will help me draw closer to God. If the Holy Spirit persuades me that my high-spiritedness is not from God but from my own doing or of this world, I will seek to remove it from my life.

Prayer

Gracious God, help me to be filled with your wisdom and knowledge. I pray that the leading of the Holy Spirit will be powerful in my life and that I will be obedient to the leading. I pray that my actions will also spur my family and all those that surround me to do the same. Thank you Lord for being my rock and foundation.
In Christ’s Name, Amen.

--Henry yoo