1 A sterling reputation is better than striking it rich; a gracious spirit is better than money in the bank.
3 A prudent person sees trouble coming and ducks; a simpleton walks in blindly and is clobbered.
Proverbs 23
10 -11 Don't stealthily move back the boundary lines or cheat orphans out of their property,For they have a powerful Advocate who will go to bat for them.
11:23 - Buy truth—don't sell it for love or money; buy wisdom, buy education, buy insight.
"As you live more wisely, you will be inclined to regard a life well lived as an end in itself and to believe that making wise choices will reliably fill your soul with meaning and joy. It won't." 66 LL. I feel that after reading Proverbs. I want to go and "do" right. But this is all about being human be-ings not human do-ers. Colossians 1:29 - there is an Energy inside of every Christian. It is an outrageous power at work. "To this end I labor with His Energy so powerfully at work inside of me." So, Whose Energy am I living in this day?
3 A prudent person sees trouble coming and ducks; a simpleton walks in blindly and is clobbered.
Proverbs 23
10 -11 Don't stealthily move back the boundary lines or cheat orphans out of their property,
I agree, Bev. It's hard to read Proverbs and not think, "if I just do things right then my life (or marriage or finances or relationships or kids) will turn out better (or godly or right or perfect)."
ReplyDeleteI so appreciate the perspective in 66 LL; otherwise, this particular book would feel like a left turn in what God is showing me! I also appreciated the fact that Crabb gave voice to one of my issues - after seeing how Solomon lived in previous books, it's hard to want to heed his advice in Proverbs.
Choosing to trust the God within me today!
BTW, my baby Meredith is one year old today. I'm thanking my gracious God for his precious gift to me!
I am inclined to read these Proverbs thinking they are a formula for smooth sailing. We all want a formula, I guess.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate the 66LL reminder "Let the wisdom of Solomon guide you to the narrow road that will expose your foolishness, crush your arrogance, whet your appetite for holiness, release your love, and fill you with hope."
Happy Birthday to your precious daughter, Cici!
PS I also thought it ironic that Crabb said "Solomon collected more women than Tiger Woods has golf balls."
Observe people who are good at their work—
ReplyDeleteskilled workers are always in demand and admired;
they don't take a backseat to anyone.
I am an "observer". I learn best when I watch others doing it right. Just last night at yoga I was feeling like I didn't fit in with the people who can wrap their legs behind their back. I just sat there and observed! I usually play better tennis and golf when I play with people "above me". I got to thinking back to the time when I pushed my kids into the advanced classes. They didn't test into them, but sometimes I thought it was best for them to be with other "good" kids. I haven't regretted it for a second. I love to spend time with people who are Godly. I admire you all!
Happy Birthday, Meredith!
I guess I have to be nice here, but Solomon sure hits hard about sorry women...warning men to stay away from them.
ReplyDeleteI know that's true.
But I feel a little provoked about this topic.
Am I being too sensitive?
I would love to hear him say something good about women. I know Proverbs 31 is coming up, but I still feel like he's picking on women. And not giving us credit for the good women who daily make good, wise, godly impact on lives.
Anyone count how many times Solomon uses the word "wh*re?"
Either women are conniving, wicked or sexual predators.
How do men ever trust women?
I'm not perfect, none of us are, but I know some very fine and precious women who are the very picture of grace. I have a hard time with the stereotypes men put on women. We have a hard time being firm and setting boundaries without coming across as evil and wicked.
Sorry, but this was my day for being a little testy about this subject.
Ladies, you shine! You are an awesome influence on the people you come in contact with every day. You have a right to be heard. You have a right to be loved. You have a right to be more than a trophy in your home and in your family.
God made you to be one of his most glorious creations. I can just see him taking the time to decide how Eve's hair would fall down her back, and how her eyelashes would be a mile long. How her skin would be so soft and glowing. And her smile would be like the sun rising. And her tender heart, so pure and innocent. HE made woman. And He saw that she was very good.
Why, Solomon? Why the hatin'?
And Happy Birthday to sweet Meredith! Imagining her and her cake, Cici! Lots of cleaning up afterwards, I'm sure...
ReplyDeleteHappy Happy Birthday Sweet Meredith! Aw! I remember Britt's first birthday---he liked the wrapping paper as much as what was in the presents. And his favorite present unexpectedly was a plastic piggy bank. Enjoy every minute of this gorgeous day. I remember well the day she was born.
ReplyDelete