It's More Not Less

The recipe for understanding the knowledge of God.

Proverbs 2:1- My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee;

2- So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding;

First- one must be in the family V-1 "MY SON"

Second- one must be willing to receive God's Word V-1 "IF THOU WILL RECEIVE"

Third- one must be willing to keep what they received with them V-1 "HIDE MY COMMANDMENTS WITH THEE"

Fourth- one must be willing to apply their heart to understanding "APPLY THINE HEART TO UNDERSTANDING"

Just like any other relationship one must apply themselves. My goal should be as the song of old states.

More about Jesus would I know,

More of His grace to others show;

More of His saving fullness see,

More of His love Who died for me.

More about Jesus let me learn,

More of His holy will discern;

Spirit of God, my teacher be,

Showing the things of Christ to me.

More about Jesus; in His Word,

Holding communion with my Lord;

Hearing His voice in every line,

Making each faithful saying mine.

More about Jesus; on His throne,

Riches in glory all His own;

More of His kingdom’s sure increase;

More of His coming, Prince of Peace.

More, more about Jesus,

More, more about Jesus;

More of His saving fullness see,

More of His love Who died for me.

It's more not less!

THEN 

Proverbs 2:5

Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God.

Shinning Light

Proverbs 4:18- But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.

Here we read of a path. But not just any path it's the path of the just and it's a path that shines.

The Path, not a path but "the path."

PATH: A way beaten or trodden by the feet of man or beast, or made hard by wheels; that part of a highway on which animals or carriages ordinarily pass; applied to the ground only, and never to a paved street in a city.

The "just" man is one that is made righteous through the righteousness of Christ imputed to him; and who is created anew in Christ.

Here we read of trodden highway a well worn way.

Isaiah 35:8- And an highway shall be there, and a way,
and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein.

Those that have been made righteous by the Blood of Christ are now walking on this path. Others are watching and what they see are those who's walk is different and it's so much different it appears to shine. When something shines it is seen by others. But it goes further for we are told that it shines more and more as time goes by. What does that mean? Could it mean that the more we know about Jesus the more we are noticed? The more one know about Jesus the happier one becomes.

Psalms 1:1-Blessed (happy) is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, (they are happy because they are walking on a different path)

nor standeth in the way of sinners, (They are happy because they are not standing around listening to those who are in this worlds market place.)

nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. (They are happy because they realize when you sit you stop moving forward.)
If you aren't walking your progress stops, for we were told that a path was well trodden. In order for a path to be well beaten it has to be walked on.

Noticed what the very first thing that stopped, the walk; "walketh not." When the walk stops, its impossible to well trodden. When the walk stops neither does it shine.
 So the question I must ask myself is my walk putting out a glow that
shines and lights up Jesus? What do those around me see or better yet do others see Christ in me?

Treasure by Accident

Proverbs 2:5- Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God.

"FIND THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD."

Find- Literally, to come to; to meet; hence, to discover by the eye; to gain first sight or knowledge of something lost; to recover either by searching for it or by accident.

As I read that definition and compared it with verse 5 my minds eye at first disagreed with the last part; "to recover either by searching for it or by accident." Does anyone find the knowledge of God by accident? I said no way! But then I began to think, is it possible to find a hidden treasure by accident? Then I began to think back, did I not find the greatest treasure of my life by accident? Yes I did. On one Sunday morning in April I entered into a Church building and set down. There was some singing I'm sure although I can't remember, I'm sure someone prayed, but I can't remember that either. A man got up to preach and I can't remember his name, what he looked like or what he preached. Sounds like a wasted day doesn't it? Oh no it was far from that for you see on that day without any planning I found the greatest treasure of my life. For it was on that day the Holy Spirit dealt with my heart and I accepted The Lord Jesus as my Personal Savior. Without searching or even knowing that a great treasure was even in my presence. I left that Church that day changed for eternity. I didn't go looking for a treasure, nor did I go to recover a treasure of have any knowledge of a treasure being there. Could that day be classified as a treasure found by accident? Not on God's part but on my part? Thank you Ken for spending your time for talking me into going to Church; for you knew what a great treasure awaited me there. Never think you are wasting your time inviting others to Church. For they may find the greatest treasure of their life there. 

A Wise Son Gathers in Summer

Proverbs 10:5- He that gathereth in summer is a wise son: but he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame

In order for something to be harvested there has to fist be something planted.

I get the picture of a field that is ready for harvest. I read of two sons one wise the other lazy. One willing the other unwilling; one shows up the other doesn't. I think the picture here is much deep, I'm sure our Lord is not teaching a lesson on being good farmers; or is He?

The teaching here goes much deeper. Could the field here be a local Church? Could the wise son be the one who shows up for what is offered? Could the field be quiet time with The Lord on a daily basic? Could it be that the wise son shows up and allows The Lord to speak to him or her?

I can easily see how the picture broadens as I step out of the box and look at what's being taught. How can I harvest what The Lord has for me if I fail to be where I'm suppose to be; Church. How can I learn what The Lord has to teach me from His Word if I fail to open it? How can I hear what The Lord has to tell me if I refuse to let Him speak to me? In order to harvest one must go to the field; one must put forth the effort

Something else I noticed, it’s not recorded how much was harvested, just that the wise son was there at the time of gathering. Which tells me that there was something there for him to pick up? This tells me that he now has more than he did

Something else I noticed no one made him go to the field he went on his on accord.

Ecclesiastes 3:2- A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted

Did I miss the time, did I miss the harvest. Was I wise this day? Did I gather what The Lord had for me? Am I better off for it? Or did I sleep, did I race through the day, did I think I was in charge

A wise son gathereth in summer!

Generation...............

 Webster tells us that generation is;

A single succession in natural descent, as the children of the same parents; hence, an age.

Proverbs 30:11- There is a generation that curseth their father, and doth not bless their mother

There is a Generation that curses their father and will not say a kind word to or about their mother

I had just graduated from High School and a bunch of us went to Panama City Florida. I will never forget the phone conversation I heard. One of the young men that were with us called home I guess to let his mother and Dad know he was there and maybe give them the Motel and room number. The first word out of his mouth were curse words running his Dad down then he began to curse at his mother using the most awful words; yes he used that word too. Although none of the rest of us would even consider talking to our parents that way, I'm not sure that the generation of this day wouldn't. Why would I make such a statement? Because parents use curse words frequently around their children and the T.V programs have numerous curse words peppered all the way throughout. The movies go to a higher level using every known curse word and action that depraved minds could imagined. Why? Because that is what most people want to see. In the last 40 years I have only been to the theatre 3 or 4 times. I went once to see a G rated movie about Pete Maravich; "The Pistol." when I sat down and my eyes got adjusted to the darkness I noticed that there were only a small; and I do mean small few that were there to watch this movie.  Could it be that the last generation as a whole lost sight of what's right? And has produced a generation that not only curse their Mother and Father but think them also pure and lift themselves up? I would like to think not but the words that come from Dad's and Mothers an their children were words that my parents would have never been tolerated

I just believe the Bible way

Exodus 20:12 Honour thy father and thy mother:that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.

Knife to the Throat

In Proverbs Chap. 23 it began by warning the reader about his appetite. We are told not to be given over to an appetite

Proverbs 23:2- And put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to appetite

We are told in pretty drastic measures "put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to appetite.

If someone were to place a knife upon my throat I would be in immediate danger. Could the picture here be that my appetites could be harmful to me as well as others? What could happen, sitting at a table with others? There's danger of a loose tongue. Loose tongues can lead to shame, anger, embarrassment, destruction of another and separation of friendships.

As we come to the close of this chapter we are given an example of one who has given to their appetite

Proverbs 23:29- Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes

 One that has given in to their appetite and the results follow

Proverbs 23:30- They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine

Giving into their appetite caused them to terry long and then to seek. It starts with the eyes then to the desire then to longing then to the action then to the downward results

Here the appetite is alcohol and what the end destruction is; it’s an uncontrolled appetite. But this appetite can be many things it could be anger; anger is a trap and when you fall into that trap you are giving place to the devil in your life. It's not wrong to be anger it wrong to hold on to that anger

Ephesians 4:26- Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath

Don't let the sun set on your anger. Why not? The next verse tells why

Ephesians 4:27- Neither give place to the devil

If I stay angry, harbour my anger then I give the devil a place in my life.  I don't want the devil to have place in my life. I must view anger as a knife to my throat. For if I harbour anger danger is near, for I'm giving place to the enemy of my soul and he will use that for destruction. The enemy will use my anger to destroy friendships, destroy families, and create havoc in businesses, Churches. Once I allow the enemy in through anger he then began a root system that will cause bitterness and use it to destroy others. 

Safety

Proverbs 21:31- The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the Lord

PREPARE to fit, adapt or qualify for a particular purpose, end, use; to make ready; to make one's self ready

The Lord is preparing a place for those who have put their trust in Him

John 14:2- In my Father's house are many mansions:if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you

Putting to much confidence in something other than our Lord; that could be self, it could be another person, it could be wealth, it could be a lot of things that I put my confidence in on the day of battle. None of the things I put my confidence in can bring real peace and safety but I read that "safety is of The Lord. Once again I see that word "IS" many things will fail in the day of battle but there is safety in our Lord.

Psalms 33:17- An horse is a vain thing for safety: neither shall he deliver any by his great strength

Proverbs 18:10- The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe

Proverbs 29:25- The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe.

Wine

Proverbs 20:1- Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise

Wine"IS" we are not told that wine might be, could be, will be but told that wine is, present tense.

Is what? "A MOCKER" makes light of, laughs at, deceives, disappoints.

"STRONG DRINK" Having physical active power, or great physical power; having the power of exerting great bodily force;

A drink that has the ability to change

"IS RAGING" Violent anger accompanied with furious words, gestures or agitation; anger excited to fury

"WHOSOEVER "any one, any person

"DECEIVED" mislead

IS NOT WISE" not having knowledge; not having the power of discerning and not judging correctly.

 Wine will disappoint because it has an active power that will change with great bodily force.

One can be deceived that wine is good for you

In a study of more than 32,000 men in France, those who got more than half their alcohol consumption from wine had a lower risk of death from heart disease and several different cancers. NYDailyNews.com/health July 22, 2013

When deceived one becomes not wise to the facts of what God says.

One drink is too many and a 1000 is not enough. Be wise and stay away from it altogether. Oh you may have a lower risk of heart disease but you also might have a lower risk of heaven.  It's a strong drink.

Pay Attention

 Proverbs 19:17- He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord; and that which he hath given will he pay him again

He that shows mercy upon the needy, weak joins themselves unto The Lord; and The Lord will repay.

How do I treat those I come I contact with daily? Do I offer a helping hand? It's not always money they need; I must not forget the teaching of the Good Samaritan.

Luke 10:30- And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead

The Priest saw, the Levite looked, both of these men observed, but neither did nothing to help this needy person.

Luke 10:31- And by chance there came down a certain priest that way:and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.

32- And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side

Then there comes a Samaritan an we are told that he is on a journey. But when he sees this man in need he stops what he is doing to help. When he saw how he had been treated and what had been done to him he had compassion. His compassion drove him to his aid. His compassion had him share what he had. His compassion caused him to spend time with him. His compassion caused him to give money to help. His compassion caused him to make a commitment to another for him

Luke 10:33- But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was:and when he saw him, he had compassion on him,

34- And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.

35- And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee

I must asked myself; do I have mercy and show compassion on those in need? Or do I pass by? Is this an appointment The Lord has placed in my day? Am I in such a hurry that I miss my God set appointment

I must remember my military training; pay attention to what's going on around you so that you don't lose your life and the lives of those around you.

The answer to Cain's question would be yes

Genesis 4:9- And the Lord said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: Am I my brother's keeper?

Preparation for the Race

 There's Preparation

Proverbs 16:1 The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the Lord

   Preparation: The act or operation of preparing or fitting for a particular purpose,use, service or condition; as the preparation of land for a crop of wheat; the preparation of troops for a campaign; the preparation of a nation for war; the preparation of men for future happiness. Preparation is intended to prevent evil or secure good

I must PREPARE my heart to prevent evil or secure good. In order to do that I must know the sins that most easily drawn me

 Hebrews 12:1- Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us

In that verse I picture an arena in my mind, as I look up into the viewing area I see it full of people. I see the runners dressed in light weight clothing; but wait there's more to it than the look of the runner. Has the runner prepare himself for this day? Or has he let other things easily draw him away from preparing for this moment? The runner has joined the team, he has dressed well for the race, he has also entered the race. The runner looks the part of the team but the results of the runner will be seen when he begins to run the race. If there has been poor preparation for the race the runner will  stumble, crumble and fail; why? Failure to prepare for the upcoming oncoming avent.

 If I fail to acknowledge the sins that easily draw me and captivate me, if I do nothing to work at overcoming them I will fail and be in bondage by them

2 Corinthians 10:5- Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ

Just as a runner prepares himself for the race before him I too but prepare for the day that is before me

If I allow myself to be drawn away from Bible study, pray time and mediation time then I start a day unprepared. No preparation, I might not hear the gun go off.

Happy or Troubled

Proverbs 15:16- Better is little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure and trouble therewith

The word "FEAR" is mentioned 14 times in the book of Proverbs before chapter 15 and it is mention two times in this chapter

Webster says "FEAR" means Fear is accompanied with a desire to avoid or ward off the expected evil. Fear is an uneasiness of mind, upon the thought of future evil likely to befall us

It's better to have little with the fear of the Lord than to have great treasure with trouble. It is better to obey The Lord than to disobey The Lord to get more things. If I have to tell a small lie to sale an account than I didn't fear The Lord when He said "THOU SHALT NOT LIE!

Exodus 20:16- Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour. So I didn't  have an uneasiness of mind. Then the question arises did I also steal from that person or persons I lied to

The next time we read the word fear in this chapter is i

Proverbs 15:33- The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility

Fear of the  Lord brings instruction and with that fear comes wisdom. It may seem like one has little but after thinking about it one really has much

Fear of The Lord not only will make one honest, it will also make them become trustworthy  because of their humble spirit. When there is freedom from pride then one  is aware of their unworthiness in the sight of God and becomes under submission to His divine will. Then I can say

Psalms 146:1- Praise ye the Lord. Praise the Lord, O my soul

Psalms 146:5-  Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God

It's happy with little or trouble with great treasures and it has to do with that four letter word "FEAR."

Sin is my Enemy

Proverbs 1:6- To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings.

We are told here if we want to understand a Proverb and the Interpretation; the words of the wise and their dark sayings.

Fear The Lord:

Proverbs 1:7- The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Hear Instruction:

Proverbs 1:8- My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother:

Watch out for Enticement:

Proverbs 1:10- My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.

Watch out for Greed:

Proverbs 1:19- So are the ways of every one that is greedy of gain; which taketh away the life of the owners thereof.

Don't love Simplicity:

Proverbs 1:22- How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge?

The chapter closes with a simple response:

Proverbs 1:33- But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.

Whoever listens to me will live without worry and will be free from the dread of disaster.

Thoughts for myself:

I know without doubt The Lord loves me but am I at the point that I have a Godly fear?

Am I hearing the instructions from The Lord or do I think my way is better?

Am I allowing others to Entice me?

Does Greed ever enter my heart?

Am I guilty of being Gullible?

Sin is my enemy with enjoyment for a season!

Hebrews 11:25- Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;

No Delight

Proverbs 18:2- A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself

An idiot has no joy in knowing or understanding but that his heart may discover itself

Could this phrase help make more sense?

"Just need to find myself."

I googled it and think this is the best answer

If you say it for yourself, as "I'm going to find myself", you mean you're going to remove yourself from your current situation, head off in a new direction (either physically or socially or emotionally), and see if you can discover who you really are, what you want out of life, who you want to become. You're making a major change in your life situation

Could we have here a person for whatever reason not happy with what he or she has in this life and by excluding themselves and heading off in a new direction. They think that they will discover something about themselves they didn't know

The first problem I see with this line of thinking is a person thinking things or something better than what they already have will make life better. This is not true. Paul said it plainly

Philippians 4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want:for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content

Paul is saying learn to happy with what yo have

Quit chasing dreams of something you'll never have or be, improve what you already have.

Second thing I find wrong is the going; where are you going to go? Running from problems will never solve them they must be dealt with. Hiding only gives the enemy holding ground.

Galatians 5:1- Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage

When I asked Christ to save me He did. When I asked Christ to forgive me all my sins He did

So therefore I must stand fast in that which I was made free from if I don't then I can expect to be once again entangled with bondage.

Doubt of what Christ has done will cause bondage

Matthew 14:31- And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt

Third thing I see that causes a problem is the phrase "may discover itself." My heart can't discover itself

Jeremiah 17:9- The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked:who can know it

Psalms 28:7- The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.

There's the anwer My Heart trusted IN HIM, THE LORD IS MY STRENGH, I AM HELPED, THEREFORE MY HEART GREATLY REJOICE.

Proverbs 16:20- He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the Lord, happy is he.


RU Ready

Honor:

Proverbs 15:33- The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.

I am interested in that phrase "before honour is humility."

Honor- The esteem due or paid to worth; high estimation; any expression of respect or of high estimation by words or actions;

Humility- In ethics, freedom from pride and arrogance; humbleness of mind; a modest estimate of one's own worth.

In theology, humility consists in lowliness of mind; a deep sense of one's own unworthiness in the sight of God, self-abasement, penitence for sin, and submission to the divine will.

Before one is given an expression of high respect there must come a deep sense of one's own unworthiness.

Luke 14:11    For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth (not proud, ranking low) himself shall be exalted.

Men not thinking of themselves run into battle to save another from harm. The President, in the name of Congress, has awarded more than 3,400 Medals of Honor to our nation's bravest Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen since the decoration's creation in 1861.

The Bible says I'm a solder

2 Timothy 2:3- Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

2 Timothy 2:4- No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.

A Soldier is to endure hardness. A Soldier should expect to be in battle.

When this life is over and all the battles fought and we stand before the Commander and  Chief will I receive awards or will I suffer loss?

1 Corinthians 3:13- Every man's work shall be made manifest:for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.

1 Corinthians 3:14- If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.

1 Corinthians 3:15- If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss:but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

The battle is on, the enemy is out to destroy, the ambushes have been set and the traps have been blended into the terrain. The question today; am I ready for what's ahead, have I prepared myself for the day? Will I return a victor or will I be a casualty or will I have become a prisoner of war? It all depends on how well I'm prepared and am I listening to and following the commands of the Holy Spirit!

My Mouth

Proverbs 13:2- A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth: but the soul of the transgressors shall eat violence
Proverbs 13:3- He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction

Here we read of the fruit of the mouth and are told that a man will eat what is good. The next verse may give us the clue to why good things are flowing from this mouth. We are told he keeps his mouth. Are we being taught here that the good things are flowing from his mouth because he thinks before he speaks? Will the words I'm fixing to say will they hurt or build up? Will they be words of encouragement; words that enlighten? Words that comfort? Words that help
Galatians 6:10- As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
I am to do good unto ALL MEN when the opportunity arises! Am I thinking and awaiting the opportunity or do I have loose lips? Is the fruit from my mouth good or rotten? Am I keeping watch over my mouth? How many opportunities have I missed? Have I just opened wide my mouth and allow destruction to come flowing out like a bulldozer in soft ground
I have the choice in what I say so therefore it's a must to think before I speak.
The Question; will the way I'm about to use my mouth help this person? Encourage this person? Build up this person? Enlighten this person? if not then I may need to rethink what is about to come out of my mouth. That's thinking before I speak.

Treasure

In Proverbs 8 the words for wealth pop up

1- Silver

2- Gold

 Proverbs 8:10- Receive my instruction, and not silver

and knowledge rather than choice gold.

3- Rubies

Proverbs 8:11- For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.                            

4- Riches

Proverbs 8:18- Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness.

5- Gold

6- Fine Gold

7- Choice Silver    

Proverbs 8:19- My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver.

8- Substance

9- Treasures

Proverbs 8:21- That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance;and I will fill their treasures

It's talks about receiving Instruction and Knowledge and Wisdom how they are better than all the things that we could desire

Proverbs 8:11 (all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.)

Compared to what or in this case whom? I believe it's talking about our wonderful Savior Jesus Christ. The wealth of this world is nothing compared to the wealth in Christ Jesus. We may store up great treasures in this world and live like kings but have nothing stored above. Remember the wealthy man in Luke 16 he had great wealth but when he died it was worthless. Then there was the farmer in Luke 12 who had a great harvest and was going to have to build bigger barns to store his crop. But on the eve of HIS big plans God calls him a fool and he dies leaving it all behind

Treasures here an now or lay them up in heaven

Matthew 6:19- Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal

20- But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:

No Remedy

Calamity comes suddenly

Proverbs 6:15- Therefore shall his calamity come suddenly; suddenly shall he be broken without remedy

CALAMITY: Any great misfortune, or cause of misery; generally applied to events or disasters which produce extensive evils, as loss of crops, earthquakes, conflagrations, defeat of armies, and the like. But it is applied also to the misfortunes which bring great distress upon individuals

Before this misfortune in this person’s life we are told why it occurred.

The Calamity was brought on by

#1- their mouth v-12

#2- their eyes v-13

#3- their heart v-14

#4- their sowing v-14

The sad thing is, we are told there's no remedy. If we don't get control of our mouth we'll say things that not only will hurt us but words we can never get back. It's like the bullet that leaves the barrel and hits a person it can never return to the gun; the damage is done

I see the progression; the mouth opens words fly out the wondering eyes effect the heart which in return cause me to sow seeds I really don't want to grow.

Be careful for once it said, seen, simmered and sowed there's no stopping its growth.

Galatians 6:7- Be not deceived; God is not mocked:for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.

Sentimental

Proverbs 3:1- My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments

Proverbs 3:21- My son, let not them depart from thine eyes

keep sound wisdom and discretion

Proverbs 3:26- For the Lord shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken

I'm interested in the word "KEEP" Webster 1828 says it means

To hold; to retain in one's power or possession; not to lose or part with

Strong says it's; to guard

But in verse 26 Strong says that the word use for keep means; to hedge about, guard, to protect

In order not to forget one must place Gods Word in a safe place; their heart. There's more to it than just putting Gods Word in the heart and that is keeping it there. One does that by retaining; a lake is made by retaining water and that is done by building a dam, if there's no retaining there no lake. Same thing if we are going to have wells of Godly wisdom we are going to have to retain Gods Word within our heart

Psalms 119:11- Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee

In order to keep sin out of our lives we must hide, keep, retain, possess, God's Word within our heart. We can't hide something we know nothing about.

In  Proverbs 3:26 For the Lord shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken

The Lord shall be our confidence, and The Lord shall guard and protect and not allow our foot or standing from being caught.

As we clean, there’s something we throw away for they are nothing but trash. Then there are other things which are worth little to others but hold great sentimental value. Then there are other things that are priceless and those are the things we put in a safe place to protect

In my life there have been some trash, I don't want to keep or retain.

Philippians 3:13- Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended:but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind,

There are something I do want to retain and put in a safe place

and reaching forth unto those things which are before

Philippians 3:14- I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus

Oh yes I almost forgot those things that have great sentimental value, those things that mean little to others but have great value to me as an individual.

The day The Lord save me. The place The Lord first spoke to me, the day The Lord  call me into His work, the day The Lord placed me Into his work, those The Lord placed into my life to help me, to teach me, to mentor me. All the people the Lord has helped, made strong, given wisdom by using me.

It all because of seeing the value and retaining and placing God's word in a safe place; my heart. That I too can run upside the chariot of others and ask "Understandest thou what thou readest?"  And hear them respond "How can I, except some man should guide me?" All that is possible because of the day The Lord saved me. Sentimental!!!!!

 

Understanding

Apply thine heart to understanding!

Proverbs 2:1- My son, if thou wilt receive my words,
and hide my commandments with thee;
2- So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom,
and apply thine heart to understanding;

 It appears that one must allow three things to happen first.
     1- Receive Gods Word
     2- Hide Gods Commands within you
     3- Give your attention to hearing Gods Wisdom.
Before I can have understanding I must trust in where the understanding is coming from; in this case Gods Word. Then I must take what I have placed my trust in  and hide it within my self. Now by doing this it will give me the ability to hear and understand what I am hearing. Therefore I will become wise in what I here and will increase in what I am learning.

Proverbs 1:5- A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:
QUESTIONS FOR MYSELF:
What have I placed my trust in?
What have I hide within?
What am I giving my attention to?
It will come out in my life in my desires; what am I hungering for? Who am I listening to and what am I really doing?

Street Talk

Proverbs 1:20 Wisdom crieth without; she uttereth her voice in the streets

The Cry in the Streets:

1- Is to know Wisdom, Instruction and Have Understanding.

Proverbs 1:2- To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding

2- Is to Be Careful for Sin will Invite you.

Proverbs 1:10 My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not

Choice number one go and do that which is right and Godly.

Proverbs 1:23- Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you

The Result of Following Gods ways:

I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you.

Choice number two follow wrong people and wrong ways.

Proverbs 1:24- Because I have called, and ye refused;I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded

25-But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof:

The Result of Following wrong ways:

Proverbs 1:26- I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh;

Today choice number 2 may look inviting but I must remember tomorrow is coming and although choice number two may be exciting and inviting it has a price.

Romans 6:23- For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

With a look into the future I choose number one. 

Trust Him

Proverbs 30:5- Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him

I know Gods Word is pure for I read in the Psalms these words

 Psalms 12:6- The words of the Lord are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times

Psalms 119:140- Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it

But I never noticed the next word after "pure" the personal pronoun "he." That word tells me that the Word of God is more than words printed on the pages of my Bible

John 1:1- In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God

John 1:13- Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God

A shield is used for protection but that shield becomes useless if it is never trusted. What would you think of a warrior fighting in a battle for his life yet his shield is not in the battle with him? He left his shield back at camp or at home; would you think he had trust in his shield? I think not. As the arrows and spears came his way he would have no protection from them, his chances of being wounded in the battle just increased and also did his chances of death on the battle field. What was the problem? It was a trust problem, the solider didn't trust in his shield.

The very first time I read the word "shield"  in my Bible it is in reference to God

Genesis 15:1- After these things the word of the Lord came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram:I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward

Also the second time

Deuteronomy 33:29- Happy art thou, O Israel: who is like unto thee, O people saved by the Lord, the shield of thy help, and who is the sword of thy excellency

and thine enemies shall be found liars unto thee; and thou shalt tread upon their high places

Not only is the Word of God my Protection it's also become my reward and it also brings happiness into my life.

Great is The Lord my shield and greatly to be praised. Seems like I've heard that before

Psalms 48:1- Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in the mountain of his holiness

As I leave to go into the battle field this morning I must ask myself who and what have I placed my in trust in?