September 25, 2011

Proverbs 28:1-14 (Click to see scripture)

Bible in One Year Passages:
Luke 23:50-56, Hebrews 11:23-31, Isaiah 55-56

Journal Entry

Scripture

"Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the Lord understand it completely (v. 5) ... The one who keeps the law is a son with understanding (v. 7) ... A rich man is wise in his own eyes, but a poor man who has understanding will find him out (v. 11)."

Observation

As it is shown in other portions of Proverbs, this chapter contains a lot of antithetical verses which show the contrast between the wise and the foolish, the rich and the poor, and the righteous and the wicked. In today's passage alone, we find 9 verses of contrast (vv. 1-2, 4-5, 7, 10-14) with a frequent usage of the word, "but." This is a way to highlight a wise and righteous life and what it means to live as a godly person. In light of this, I notice the the word "understand" or "understanding" that jumps out in this portion of Proverbs (cf. v. 2, 5, 7, 11). This word is also translated as "discerning" or "discernment."

Application

I meditate on a life with discernment as I seek to live out such a life as a christian. A life of discernment comes as a result for those who seek the Lord, and who keep God's Word ("the law"). I sometimes find myself striving to find wisdom and discernment especially in a desperate situation. I wonder if my pursuit is too self-driven, seeking a quick fruit of discernment without abiding deeply in the Lord. I examine my heart today to see if what I desire is wisdom more than God.

Prayer

Lord, forgive me if I ever lived my life to seek your blessing more than you ... if I desire a quick dose of wisdom when I fail to love you wholeheartedly with no personal agenda. Lord, today I simply want to seek you and keep your law in my heart. Lord, lead me in your ways as I simply love you with all my heart. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

--Stephen Han