Reading: Proverbs 1:20-33

How I need wisdom! How I want wisdom!

In my family, in the church, on the Mission Board, on the School Board, in my business — in the last half year or so I have really, really struggled with knowing what I should do and what I should opine about some things.

Wisdom! That’s what I need and that’s what I want!

So the middle and last parts of this verse splash beside me like life preservers:

“Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you” (23).

What an offer! I’ll latch on to those promises like a drowning man to a couple of life preservers.

But what about the third life preserver — the first part of the verse?

I also want wisdom’s correction and reproof. I want to turn when wisdom tries to turn me.

I do not want to experience this:

“They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof” (30).

“Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices” (31).

from Proverbs 1:22

A little bit more from Proverbs 1: Then I’ll Listen to Him!

Reading: Proverbs 1:10-19

Andrew, Russell, Luke — listen up, my sons!

Trenton, Trey — you listen as well, my grandsons!

“My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not” (10).

I know it takes a worm to entice certains kinds of fish. But other fish aren’t interested in worms; their enticement of choice is bugs. For other fish, a flashy spinner or even a lump of dough will do.

I don’t know what particular evils entice you (or will entice you).

But whatever it is, don’t give in!

Don’t go for the bait — it always hides a hook.

Believe me, the fisherman means you no good. He’s not interested in feeding you. He wants to feed himself. He doesn’t want to entertain you. He’s entertaining himself.

So when evil entices you, don’t lunge for it. Don’t sneak up on it. Don’t even look at it!

Get away!!

When your friends or acquaintances or even family members entice you to do something in a way other than God’s, refuse.

Michayla, Dora, Shari, LaVay — that goes for you, too, my daughters!

Juli — you pay attention as well, my granddaughter!

I know the instruction and warning certainly is for me.

from Proverbs 1:17

A little bit more from Proverbs 1: Bad Company