7 AM.
I finished the book of Proverbs - again.
I'm ready to re-read, and re-meditate on Proverbs, beginning in chapter one.
Proverbs has become part of the rock that keeps the ship of my soul anchored.
The main concepts in Proverbs are:
• Proverbs are general statements that affirm godly values and virtues.
• There are two ways, and the way of wisdom is to be chosen over the path to destruction.
• Wisdom is the foundation of a godly life.
• We show wisdom in the way we speak and the way we interact with others.
(From Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible, Kindle Locations 137220-137223)
From Proverbs 1:1-7, Passion translation.
1 Here are kingdom revelations, words to live by,
and words of wisdom given to empower you to reign in life,
written as proverbs by Israel’s King Solomon, David’s son.
2 Within these sayings will be found the revelation of wisdom
and the impartation of spiritual understanding.
Use them as keys to unlock the treasures of true knowledge.
3 Those who cling to these words will receive discipline
to demonstrate wisdom in every relationship
and to choose what is right and just and fair.
4 These proverbs will give you great skill
to teach the immature and make them wise,
to give youth the understanding of their design and destiny.
5 For the wise, these proverbs will make you even wiser,
and for those with discernment,
you will be able to acquire brilliant strategies for leadership.
6 These kingdom revelations will break open your understanding
to unveil the deeper meaning of parables,
poetic riddles, and epigrams,
and to unravel the words and enigmas of the wise.
7 How then does a man gain the essence of wisdom?
We cross the threshold of true knowledge
when we live in obedient devotion to God.
Stubborn know-it-alls will never stop to do this,
for they scorn true wisdom and knowledge.