The Proverbs Challenge - Notes

As I started this morning to catch up on my 9 chapters, I felt an sense of anticipation and excitement. I am encouraged by the fact that many of you have joined "The Proverbs Challenge" and feel a kind of "brotherhood (maybe sisterhood would be more appropriate!!)and connection, in spite the miles and cultures, in discovering God´s word together. It´s such a neat idea and I am thankful for a new "ump" in my bible reading... Lord knows I needed it!

As I read these verses, I am reminded that man is the same all over the world, country to country, culture to culture and from age to age. Yes, the heart of man is still confronted with the same temptations as in the beginning of time, which can be summed up into what I like to call the the basic 3: Power, Sex and Money.




In proverbs we are situated in where these 3 areas are exactly what Solomon is warning against.... , stealing from others, the wayward wife/prostitute and challenging the reader to be humble.

I discovered in Cap 3:27 a verse that really echoed in my spirit. "Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is your power to act."

I feel like this is my life´s motto ... my statement of faith if you wish. I have always had this drive, and now I realize that it is something that God has placed in me. I am glad to rediscover this verse and claim it as my own.

Do you not think that it is interesting that in Chap 6:16, Solomon says there are 6 things that the Lord hates and seven that are detestable to him... why is there a distinction between 6 and 7? Why does he not just write 7 and that´s it? I wanted to throw out that question!

Proverbs is the Holy Spirit constantly warning us to avoid roads that will lead us into sin.... and roads that lead to a depth of sin that means death in this life and the next.

But God will never leave us without His help. Wisdom is crying out in the streets so it is not hard to find if we really care about pleasing God. It´s not hidden or outside the realm of the possible. It is like God, in his love, sets up spiritual "traffic lights" to help us on our way.

Proverbs are the Bible´s version of traffic lights in our Christian walk.

This is Stop. Obvious. The Holy Spirit is saying don´t got there... don´t even think about it!

... orange for...watch out that might not be your best move...proceed with caution... have you spiritual senses on alert...

and then Green is: this is the way, walk ye in it. Full steam ahead.

With all this help we still have that still, small voice from behind whispering directions and truth like the entrusted coach, ever present, ever wise and ever faithful.

"But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin." I John 1:7