September 30, 2011

Proverbs 31 (Click to see scripture)

Bible in One Year Passages:
Luke 24:45-53, Hebrews 13:9-25, Isaiah 65-66

Journal Entry

Scripture

10 An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels.
30 Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

Observation

The last proverb describes the excellent wife. This proverb lists all that she does to provide for her family and the community. In the end, the concluding remarks point out the foundation of her character. That foundation is the fear of the LORD. Reverence of God and understanding of His character is the proper motivation for a righteous and a good life. Human heart is swayed by outward appearance or flattery. But true worth is in the heart and devotion to God. As the concluding remarks of the book of Proverbs, it brings us back to the fact that fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, and the person that lives out a life in knowledge is to be praised.

Application

We are often attracted to superficial things and things that pull at our selfish desires. The advertising industry is built on making us want things based on how it looks or makes us feel. We are naturally drawn to beauty and charm. But, these are things that cannot truly satisfy. Fear of the Lord leads to knowledge and wisdom, and that life of knowledge and wisdom leads to ultimate praise and reward.

Prayer

Dear Lord, help me to seek your will in my daily life. Help me so that I am not deceived by empty promises of the world or my own sinful desires. Help me to keep your words in my heart. Help me to evaluate my thoughts and actions in true wisdom.

--J. Lim