God's wisdom has Fatherly instructions, corrections, admonitions, information and guidance in them. As a matter of divine fact, His Wisdom originates from a heart of love, mercy, and compassion that are beyond human comprehension. Therefore, they are meant to stir you and I, as it were, into the favours and strength of God. And because God is God, and there is none compared to Him, it means that He can't lie. Hence, it is worthwhile and wise to give concentrated attention to His Word. God's Word is His Wisdom and His wisdom are His dictates, and they are meant for the good of whoever believes ( 2 Corinthians 12:9; Hebrews 4:16). Truthfully speaking, the fact that God does not do evil, but that He only does what is good and right, should encourage whoever cares to listen, to plunge into His truths, and also into His wisdom- and that must be through Jesus Christ, and also through the Holy Spirit, the Eternal Spirit ( 1 Corinthians 5:10; 2 Corinthians 3:5). The nuggets of truths, in this Proverbs 4, like others, are godlike precepts and instructions that are incomparable, good and right for the human soul, and for the spirit man, the hidden man of the heart, - and that mainly refers to the recreated human spirit. They are facets of biblical truths that are encouraging and also excellent for the godly type of life that many are craving and thirsting for ( Psalms 1:1-3, Psalms 37:4; Ephesians 1:17). Interestingly, depending perhaps on what background, a Christian comes from, the fact is that for the really genuine and committed type of Christian, a time will or must come that he will come into the knowledge that this God of Israel, the Father of our LORD Jesus Christ deserves to be magnified, glorified and worshipped; for there is none like Him ( John 4:23; 1 Peter 1:25). Thus, the place of wisdom, in the lives of whoever desires and dares to love and honour the Living God ( John 1:12; 3:16). He is, all that matters- and when you and I key into His love and faithfulness, He will do great wonders through us to the glory of His name. In view of these and many other things vis a vis the Word of God, wisdom dictates that we give ourselves committedly unto the LORD, and to His Word ( Matthew 6:33,34). There are challenges upon challenges that confront us, as individuals, and that is why, these truths and instructions, as contained in Proverbs, and throughout the pages of the Holy Writ, demand that we be faithfully committed to them. Remember, we have been accepted, into the family of the Beloved, and that refers to Jesus Christ ( John 17:3; Romans 8: 15; Ephesians 2:18; Galatians 4:16,1; Hebrews 9:14; 1 John 4:3; 5:13). And that is where the grace of God comes on board; His grace is more than sufficient ( 1 Corinthians 15:10; 2 Corinthians 3:5; 2 Corinthians 12:9). God has abilities no matter what task or assignment He has called you and I for. When you commit yourself to God's dictates and function in line with them, Angels will go on assignment for you ( John 15:7; James 4:16.). There are levels and degrees of encounters with God, that we can't get into except through daily obedience and practical submission to the Word of God. In fact there is nothing, as far as I know that can surpass what God has given. He has given Jesus Christ, who is referred to biblically, as the Wisdom of God, - and that is for the salvation and redemption of humanity. And when you belong to Him through the agency of the new birth, you automatically become joint heirs with Him. And with that you are sorted if you know how to walk or function in love, and then take advantage of what He has given through Christ Jesus, the Saviour of the World. The essence of these is that we should give attention to wisdom, embrace it, reflect upon it, and practice it. God's instructions and precepts demands heartfelt obedience ( Psalm 119:6; John 14:15; John 15:120; 1 Corinthians 7:19; 1 Peter 1:25; 1 John 5:3). It says whatever you do in word and deed, do it heartily as unto the LORD. Hence, in the things of the Spirit, and that refers to the Holy Spirit, high level of commitment should be the norm, and that is because God cannot lie, - and His Word is forever infallible ( John 1:1-14; Hebrews 4). Truly, God is forever trustworthy.
wisdom is the principle thing , first we should get wisdom and understanding , wisdom comes from God according to prov 2 chapter,if get wisdom and understanding from the God then only we will live righteously,and good doctrin is keeping his Law through jesus christ.
Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life...let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee. Proverbs 4:23,25.
I was listening to a woman sing in a worship gathering on television. Behind her were the leading men of the organization. They were standing as she was singing.
The television camera would show her singing, and behind her the men were visible too. What struck me, was their eyes. I am not judging their behavior, but, I could not help but notice their eyes. They would look at her at times as she sang. It was the way they looked. I am not sure if they were guarding their hearts, or if they were peeping from their hearts. I am reminded of the words of King Lemuel (symbolic name of Solomon meaning belonging to God) that his mother taught him: It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong wine. ( Proverbs 31:4)
Maybe they were not drinking wine; maybe a cup of wine was there; maybe it was pure wine, maybe the wine was red in the cup. ( Proverbs 23:31)
Knowing the cunning devices of Satan, let every man examine his own heart and make sure there is no serpent in the cup. ( Proverbs 23:32)
I HAVE TO WATCH OUT FOR MY WEAKNESSES,especially being tired.THAT IS A TIME I AM MORE VULNERABLE TO SUGGESTION.BEING honest with myself is a big key to RECOGNIZE satans schemes .THANK JESUS CHRIST of NAZARETH for LIGHT....
The corresponding chapters for this chapter is of Psalms of David is chpt. 32, 72 and 127. You haven't left your kids anything worthwhile unless you follow what David did. David taught and put these images in the Heart of Solomon and the Lord added to them. David also mention in the Psalms his prayer for Solomon and that he is the son of Jesse. What a legacy to leave your kids. David gave Solomon the design to build the temple in Chronicles and left him much of the money to build it. More than that he told him to be courageous and do it.
This Chapter is the very basic princiiple of perfect living. An inch away from these instructions, and we are doomed. May the Lord give us the will-power to stick to HIS Words of Wisdom
"And the same day Pilate and Herod were made friends together: for before they were at enmity between themselves." ( Luke 23:12)
What precedes wars and fightings? As Karl von Clausewitz analyzed war, his observations can be carried over into that which is beyond military combat.
His definition of war is "war therefore is an act of violence to compel our opponent to fulfill our will." He says, "War is always a serious means for a serious object."
James says, "From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members? Ye lust, and have not, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war,yet ye have not, because ye ask not. Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts." ( James 4:1-3)
James speaks of lust, Clausewitz said, "Everything which appears an advantage may be the object of a combat..."
The heart manifests lust, envy, hostility, and hatred unto war.
Have quickly hostility can manifest in the heart. A close examination of one's heart could show hostility. Hostility towards a comment made, or an action committed or omitted. It may not manifest itself into an open battle, but the hostility can remain in the heart. A polarity [Clausewitz] now exists (whether hidden in the heart, or openly manifested). Enemies are made.
Now enemies (polar opposites) with hostile hearts, war is declared (whether verbal or silent). You don't like that person, that person does not like you. The hostility can burn and enflame into hatred and the desire to kill. (whether with words, actions, or the desire for supremacy).
There may be many battles; many words and actions that convey hostility.
Sometimes action in the war can be suspended, without the war ending: circumstances may dictate an inaction. [Cluasewitz] Maybe you don't want someone to see or hear your hostility so you take it underground for awhile. Maybe you decide the place or time is not advantageous for you to get the advantage so you wait for a more advantageous moment. But, the hostility is still there; it's just being put on hold.
You may feel hostility, but recognize the person has superior power that could do you harm; so you hold off attacking; but, not because the hostility is gone; but, because you access the situation is not to your advantage.
Hostility remains in the heart.
Clausewitz speaks of "reciprocal action." Also, reciprocal action of reciprocal action. One hostility begats another hostility...."Thus a continuance of action will ensue which will advance towards a climax."
If war is "a continuation of policy by other means", to have war there must be two or more opposing policies. If there are ten people sitting at a table and all ten have ten different policies (things they believe) anyone who speaks differently could be viewed hostilely. Everyone can be seeking to hold their policy, and hold their position as superior with hostility towards anyone who does not submit to their view.
Now as toward truth, we know we are to obey God (His policy). We are to speak the truth in love; but, even then, Jesus has said, "If they hated me, they will hate you." There will be those who do not want Jesus to be over them. They will not want to obey His Words (policy). They will be hostile toward Him, toward His Word, and toward His servants. They are hostile toward God, and at war with Him.
But, we who are the Lord's, if not careful, can harbor hostility in our hearts. We are admonished to "Keep thy heart with all diligence..." ( Proverbs 4:23)
We are to "follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled..." ( Hebrews 12:14-15)
Cain, Esau, Pharisees, scorners, etc. manifested hostile hearts.
John says, "...whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother." ( I John 3:10)
Our hearts will either condemn us or commend us. If the heart manifests hostility, that hostility must be in opposition to something. If hostility remains, murder can be its climax.
Cain rose up against Abel in the field and slew him; why? because Cains works were evil and Abel's were righteous. Cain was hostile toward God and toward his brother. His hostility continued unto hatred and murder.
The "her and she" that Steve E. Brown ask's of on 9/10/2011, in my opinion,is the word of God,God Himself. Because in John 1:1,"The Word was God", it's like the Right Hand of God is the Power, not a hand!I don't mean to be all-knowing, just oppionated,just trying to clarifi...
The key is Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it [are] the issues of life.
Protect your eyes,ears,tongue,place,time which keeps thy heart with all diligence
Reading the Word of God as often as possible is where we need to be. "let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart" memorization of scripture is key to our growth and understanding or our God. God is good that He takes the time to teach and lead us as induviduals. Thank you, Lord Jesus.....
proverb 4 differetiate between good-that is following God's instruction and evil-not obeying God's instruction.Good will attract good while evil will attract calamity.NO two ways about it.
Wisdom does not lead us into a straitened path, vs.12 "THY STEPS SHALL NOT BE STRAITENED". Any doctrine that puts one in a tight stress of living is not of God. Paul said "You are not "STRAITENED" in us but in your own bowels or 2 Cor.6:12. Wisdom delivers us from that dark path of stress into the path of the just the shinning light, that shinneth more and more unto the perfect day. vs. 18 No more tense, tight, stressful living "Praise the Lord"!
I believe that Gods Word is our instruction book and pertains to us in every way. Proverbs 4 and all the other chapters are instructions for us to live a Godly and long life. Thank you God for your loving Word
Ecclesiastes 12:13," Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: fear God and keep hIS commandments: for this [is] the whole [duty] of man." Exodus 16:28 And the LORD said unto Moses, How long refuse ye to KEEP MY COMMANDMENTS and my laws? Exodus 20:6 And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and KEEP MY COMMANDMENTS. Leviticus 22:31 Therefore shall ye KEEP MY COMMANDMENTS, and do them: I [am] the LORD. Leviticus 26:3 If ye walk in my statutes, and KEEP MY COMMANDMENTS, and do them; Deuteronomy 5:10 And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and KEEP MY COMMANDMENTS. also ( 1 Kings 9:6; 2 Kings 17:13; Nehemiah 1:9; Proverbs 3:1; Proverbs 4:4; Proverbs 7:2; John 14:15; John 15:10) Matthew 7:21," Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord,shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
Matthew Henry's comment mentions that the writer is speaking of his earthly parents but is it possible he was speaking of his father in heaven who had written and given the law to man?
I was listening to a woman sing in a worship gathering on television. Behind her were the leading men of the organization. They were standing as she was singing.
The television camera would show her singing, and behind her the men were visible too. What struck me, was their eyes. I am not judging their behavior, but, I could not help but notice their eyes. They would look at her at times as she sang. It was the way they looked. I am not sure if they were guarding their hearts, or if they were peeping from their hearts. I am reminded of the words of King Lemuel (symbolic name of Solomon meaning belonging to God) that his mother taught him: It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong wine. ( Proverbs 31:4)
Maybe they were not drinking wine; maybe a cup of wine was there; maybe it was pure wine, maybe the wine was red in the cup. ( Proverbs 23:31)
Knowing the cunning devices of Satan, let every man examine his own heart and make sure there is no serpent in the cup. ( Proverbs 23:32)
What precedes wars and fightings? As Karl von Clausewitz analyzed war, his observations can be carried over into that which is beyond military combat.
His definition of war is "war therefore is an act of violence to compel our opponent to fulfill our will." He says, "War is always a serious means for a serious object."
James says, "From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members? Ye lust, and have not, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war,yet ye have not, because ye ask not. Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts." ( James 4:1-3)
James speaks of lust, Clausewitz said, "Everything which appears an advantage may be the object of a combat..."
The heart manifests lust, envy, hostility, and hatred unto war.
Have quickly hostility can manifest in the heart. A close examination of one's heart could show hostility. Hostility towards a comment made, or an action committed or omitted. It may not manifest itself into an open battle, but the hostility can remain in the heart. A polarity [Clausewitz] now exists (whether hidden in the heart, or openly manifested). Enemies are made.
Now enemies (polar opposites) with hostile hearts, war is declared (whether verbal or silent). You don't like that person, that person does not like you. The hostility can burn and enflame into hatred and the desire to kill. (whether with words, actions, or the desire for supremacy).
There may be many battles; many words and actions that convey hostility.
Sometimes action in the war can be suspended, without the war ending: circumstances may dictate an inaction. [Cluasewitz] Maybe you don't want someone to see or hear your hostility so you take it underground for awhile. Maybe you decide the place or time is not advantageous for you to get the advantage so you wait for a more advantageous moment. But, the hostility is still there; it's just being put on hold.
You may feel hostility, but recognize the person has superior power that could do you harm; so you hold off attacking; but, not because the hostility is gone; but, because you access the situation is not to your advantage.
Hostility remains in the heart.
Clausewitz speaks of "reciprocal action." Also, reciprocal action of reciprocal action. One hostility begats another hostility...."Thus a continuance of action will ensue which will advance towards a climax."
If war is "a continuation of policy by other means", to have war there must be two or more opposing policies. If there are ten people sitting at a table and all ten have ten different policies (things they believe) anyone who speaks differently could be viewed hostilely. Everyone can be seeking to hold their policy, and hold their position as superior with hostility towards anyone who does not submit to their view.
Now as toward truth, we know we are to obey God (His policy). We are to speak the truth in love; but, even then, Jesus has said, "If they hated me, they will hate you." There will be those who do not want Jesus to be over them. They will not want to obey His Words (policy). They will be hostile toward Him, toward His Word, and toward His servants. They are hostile toward God, and at war with Him.
But, we who are the Lord's, if not careful, can harbor hostility in our hearts. We are admonished to "Keep thy heart with all diligence..." ( Proverbs 4:23)
We are to "follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled..." ( Hebrews 12:14-15)
Cain, Esau, Pharisees, scorners, etc. manifested hostile hearts.
John says, "...whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother." ( I John 3:10)
Our hearts will either condemn us or commend us. If the heart manifests hostility, that hostility must be in opposition to something. If hostility remains, murder can be its climax.
Cain rose up against Abel in the field and slew him; why? because Cains works were evil and Abel's were righteous. Cain was hostile toward God and toward his brother. His hostility continued unto hatred and murder.
The heart of the matter is the heart.
Protect your eyes,ears,tongue,place,time which keeps thy heart with all diligence