A Proverb a Day

A Proverb a day keeps me Wise in what I do and say. Who needs apples when you have PROVERBS, WHOOP WHOOP! Well, we need apples too, but there is nothing like gaining wisdom and knowledge from God's Word. That is why I try to read a chapter in Proverbs a day, and by try, a lot of times I don't succeed. If you notice though, Proverbs has 31 chapters, which is perfect for reading it in a month. Then, you can start over the next month with chapter 1. 

Today is the first of the month and I started with, yes you guessed it, chapter 1 of Proverbs. I wanted to take you through what I read today and encourage you to try reading a proverb a day to gain so much wisdom in areas you might need help in. God always hears your cry for help, and one way to maybe seek wisdom in a situation is read God's Words. The author of Proverbs was considered the wisest person to ever live. Solomon was King of Israel and instead of asking for riches and popularity, He asked God for wisdom, and God gave him the wisdom he asked for and the riches to go along with it (2 Kings 3). 

He tells us in verses 2 of chapter 1 that the purpose of these Proverbs "is to teach people wisdom and discipline, to help them understand the insights of the wise." The other purpose in verse 3 tells us it's here "to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives, to help them do what is right, just, and fair." It also "gives insight to the simple, knowledge and discernment to the young", and we all know we need that even if we aren't young anymore. The unifying thought of the book of Proverbs is also found in the first chapter in verse 7 where it says, "Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge." 

Chapter 1 of Proverbs provides a diversity of examples with truths about Wisdom. A few are; 1. Wisdom, which is the ability to judge and act according to God's instructions, is the most valuable of assets. 2. Wisdom is available to anyone, but the price is high. 3. Wisdom began and begins with God, not self, and comes by attention to instruction. 4. Wisdom and righteousness go together. It is good to be wise, and it is wise to be good. 5. Evil men suffer the consequences of their evil deeds. 6. The simple, the fool, the lazy, the ignorant, the proud, the immoral, and the sinful are never to be admired. 

I love how chapter 1 switches gears in the middle of it. In verse 20, the writer is telling us that Wisdom literally "shouts in the streets" and "cries out in the public squares" using the tone of scolding, but giving us specific and encouraging promises. This is where I found my favorite verse in the chapter. The first part of verse 22 says, "How long, you simpletons, will you insist on being simpleminded?" Wisdom is asking, how long will you be just mediocre in this life. God has made us in His image, He didn't make us just mediocre. We choose to be mediocre when we allow the enemy to lie and tell us we weren't made for greatness. Mediocrity sneaks in like a thief stealing the very image God created you in. When you decide to strive for greatness in any of your situations, that decision activates and stimulates the gifts inside of you. God has given you very specific gifts to use for His glory. God's glory is ready to be shown through your gifts, and if we choose not to display the gifts He's so graciously given, His glory will be shown through someone or something else. Personally, I want to be a part of showcasing God's Glory. Don't let the mediocrity of this world strip you of the blessings God has for you.  

I encourage you to read the book of Proverbs with me this month and gain insight and knowledge to become wiser and receive guidance. There are 31 days in May, just enough to read a chapter a day. So remember, A Proverb a day keeps me Wise in what I do and say!