July	Book	Read From	Read To	Devotional
20th	Proverbs	Chapter 1	Chapter 3	Change Your Mind: Biblical Wisdom Keepers

Memory Verses

⁵ A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels: ⁶ To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings. ⁷ The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:5-7 KJV

⁵ Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. ⁶ In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:5-6

¹¹ My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord; neither be weary of his correction: ¹² For whom the Lord loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth. Proverbs 3:11-12 KJV

Key people

Here is a list of key people found in today’s reading (in order of appearance) with bios from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Solomon. Also called Jedidiah. Was, according to the Hebrew Bible, Old Testament, Quran, and Hadiths, a fabulously wealthy and wise king of the United Kingdom of Israel who succeeded his father, King David.

Today’s Devotional Reading: Proverbs 1 – 3

Proverbs 1 Amplified Version (AMP)
Proverbs 2 Amplified Version (AMP)
Proverbs 3 Amplified Version (AMP)

From Matthew Henry’s Commentary

Those who read David’s psalms, especially those towards the latter end, would be tempted to think that religion is all rapture and consists in nothing but the ecstasies and transports of devotion; and doubtless there is a time for them, and if there be a heaven upon earth it is in them: but, while we are on earth, we cannot be wholly taken up with them; we have a life to live in the flesh, must have a conversation in the world, and into that we must now be taught to carry our religion, which is a rational thing, and very serviceable to the government of human life, and tends as much to make us discreet as to make us devout, to make the face shine before men, in a prudent, honest, useful conversation, as to make the heart burn towards God in holy and pious affections. In this chapter we have, I. The title of the book, showing the general scope and design of it, Prov. 1:1-6. II. The first principle of it recommended to our serious consideration, Prov. 1:7-9. III. A necessary caution against bad company, Prov. 1:10-19. IV. A faithful and lively representation of wisdom’s reasonings with the children of men, and the certain ruin of those who turn a deaf ear to those reasonings, Prov. 1:20-33 (Chapter 1).

Solomon, having foretold the destruction of those who are obstinate in their impiety, in this chapter applies himself to those who are willing to be taught; and, I. He shows them that, if they would diligently use the means of knowledge and grace, they should obtain of God the knowledge and grace which they seek, Prov. 2:1-9. II. He shows them of what unspeakable advantage it would be to them. 1. It would preserve them from the snares of evil men (Prov. 2:10-15) and of evil women, Prov. 2:16-19. 2. It would direct them into, and keep them in, the way of good men, Prov. 2:20-22. So that in this chapter we are taught both how to get wisdom and how to use it when we have it, that we may neither seek it, nor receive it in vain (Chapter 2).

This chapter is one of the most excellent in all this book, both for argument to persuade us to be religious and for directions therein. I. We must be constant to our duty because that is the way to be happy, Prov. 3:1-4. II. We must live a life of dependence upon God because that is the way to be safe, Prov. 3:5. III. We must keep up the fear of God because that is the way to be healthful, Prov. 3:7, 8. IV. We must serve God with our estates because that is the way to be rich, Prov. 3:9, 10. V. We must hear afflictions well because that is the way to get good by them, Prov. 3:11, 12. VI. We must take pains to obtain wisdom because that is the way to gain her, and to gain by her, Prov. 3:13-20. VII. We must always govern ourselves by the rules of wisdom, of right reason and religion, because that is the way to be always easy, Prov. 3:21-26. VIII. We must do all the good we can, and no hurt, to our neighbours, because according as men are just or unjust, charitable or uncharitable, humble or haughty, accordingly they shall receive of God, Prov. 3:27-35. From all this it appears what a tendency religion has to make men both blessed and blessings (Chapter 3).

WiSeekU Biblical Wisdom Keepers

The beginning of Wisdom is: get Wisdom (skillful and godly Wisdom)! [For skillful and godly Wisdom is the principal thing.] And with all you have gotten, get understanding (discernment, comprehension, and interpretation). Proverbs 4:7 AMP

When I was deep in depression in 2013, I was hospitalized after having severe suicidal ideations. While recovering on the psych ward, I began asking for a pencil and paper everyday. I started reading the Bible in my ward room. I wrote notes on the book of Proverbs.

Ultimately, I created “Biblical Wisdom Keepers” as a Bible study book club and leadership program designed to identify and train Bible-based teachers, counselors and prayer warriors. The curriculum is centered on wisdom as principally gained through the book of Proverbs. WiSeekU offers twelve levels of training based on the Biblical Wisdom Keepers Curriculum. Students complete 47 credits to graduate and receive the Biblical Wisdom Keepers Level 1 Certificate.

Level 1 Overview

• Theme: Consecration & Self-Help
• Color: Yellow
• Symbol: A yellow lantern
• Prerequisite: High school diploma or GED
• Daily Proverbs: Read (at minimum) Proverbs 1 – 3 every day
• Significance: Students at this level are showing potential for kingdom work; yet, they need spiritual and natural guidance to help spark the seed of leadership Students may or may not have yet accepted Christ as their personal Savior. If not, they should be first led to Christ.

Daily proverbs are to be read and reflected upon each day, for the duration of the level learning. Students should also journal thoughts and reflections as they are reading. The goal is to memorize the book of Proverbs by the time the student completes the 12^th (highest) level of Biblical Wisdom Keepers training. “Hrs.” is the suggested daily commitment in order to accomplish the goal (e.g. 1 hour devoted to each chapter, for a total of three study hours each day, repeated every day that the student is at the current level of study.

You will notice that the word “Wisdom” is almost always capitalized in the book of Proverbs. This wisdom is better translated as, “The Wisdom of God.”

Proverbs Chapter 1 Commentary

God loved Solomon even from birth (2 Samuel 12:24). How fitting that Solomon should one day become King and ask for God’s divine wisdom rather than riches and fame. Solomon had been born to a King, David, who was a praying man and a man after God’s own heart. We can conclude that the influence of King David was strong in Solomon’s youth. It is no surprise that Solomon walked in ways pleasing unto God (until strange women turned away his heart). From the lesson of David and Solomon we see the importance of parental guidance, and the need for consistent consecration to God, that we be not carried away with the lure of sin and lore of possession or pride of life. We also have an example of God’s longsuffering love, which was extended to both David and Solomon, even after they had sinned.

We know from II Chronicles 1:7-13 that when Solomon was on mount Gibeon and had made an thousand burnt offerings to the LORD, Solomon asked God for wisdom to judge the people over which God had made him king. God gave Solomon not only wisdom, but also great wealth.

II Chronicles 1:7-13

7 In that night did God appear unto Solomon, and said unto him, Ask what I shall give thee. 8 And Solomon said unto God, Thou hast shewed great mercy unto David my father, and hast made me to reign in his stead.  9 Now, O LORD God, let thy promise unto David my father be established: for thou hast made me king over a people like the dust of the earth in multitude.  10 Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people: for who can judge this thy people, that is so great?  11 And God said to Solomon, Because this was in thine heart, and thou hast not asked riches, wealth, or honour, nor the life of thine enemies, neither yet hast asked long life; but hast asked wisdom and knowledge for thyself, that thou mayest judge my people, over whom I have made thee king:  12 Wisdom and knowledge is granted unto thee; and I will give thee riches, and wealth, and honour, such as none of the kings have had that have been before thee, neither shall there any after thee have the like.  13Then Solomon came from his journey to the high place that was at Gibeon to Jerusalem, from before the tabernacle of the congregation, and reigned over Israel.

Wisdom is personified specifically as a woman [she] of great worth, exemplifying God’s divine plan for living and the sublime character of Christ His son. Wisdom belongs to God and issues from God. Having wisdom is no pedestal of boasting, as God gives and so can also take wisdom. He confounds the wise to instruct them in humility. He makes the foolish seem as the learned lest the learned should mock Him. No person should think him or herself acclimated by wisdom as if it were of his or her own power, because wisdom comes from God. It is more than knowledge that may be read from a book. Though we may read the proverbs of Solomon and learn what were the thoughts of his heart, we each need God to impart divine understanding to what we have read. God desires that we have understanding as the companion of wisdom, which is our principle goal (Proverbs 4:7).

In order to walk in wisdom. one must put away childish games of severe and casual injury to the spirit of humanity by insult and prideful conceit. Only when we humble ourselves before God can we find the path to patient wisdom, which loves not simplicity of mind but desires the augmentation of wisdom, accepting both council and reproof. Those who desire wisdom, will not run from correction, but rather will seek truth above reputation. Reputation is God’s responsibility. The wise are charged with keeping truth. Whatever then should be the just reward of the wise is in the hands of God. The truly wise will love the LORD God and reverence Him with Godly fear (a deep respect pertinent to God’s omnipotence), not being overly concerned with the reward.

Proverbs Chapter 2 Commentary

Deliverance is promised for the wisdom seeker. Those who set a trap for the godly wise will have their ways diminished as God increases the knowledge and understanding of those who are faithful to Him. Seeking wisdom will help you to add consistency to godly behavior. We know from that the effectual, fervent prayer of the righteous is highly profitable (James 5:16). Seeking wisdom is one practical way of becoming effectual and fervent. One way of seeking wisdom is through prayer – this is exactly what Solomon did.

A specific warning is given to avoid lasciviousness and those who promote such living.

¹⁶ [Discretion shall watch over you, understanding shall keep you] to deliver you from the alien woman, from the outsider with her flattering words, ¹⁷ Who forsakes the husband and guide of her youth and forgets the covenant of her God. ¹⁸ For her house sinks down to death and her paths to the spirits [of the dead]. ¹⁹ None who go to her return again, neither do they attain or regain the paths of life. (Proverbs 2:16-19 AMP)

Those who would be wise are take care in training their ears to recognize wisdom when it is heard, that they be not deceived. It is through wisdom that those who seek it come to understand the omniscience of God and how to hold Him in reverence (godly fear), which is the beginning of knowledge. Those who seek wisdom will be satisfied as they live according to God’s commandments. We cannot deny the source of knowledge and understanding, but must be aware that these come from God’s mouth, as such  it is not flesh and blood that reveals to our hearts and minds the true revelations of God, but it is the Holy Spirit who knows all things and imparts to us what God would have us to know.

The faithful pursuit of Wisdom tends to godly character manifested in righteousness (walking upright and in right standing with God). The manifold blessing of this lifestyle includes divine protection by the hand of God, from workers of iniquity and darkness. Wisdom will cause you to be preserved though turmoil and a snare is set for you by the enemy. God will deliver you from the path of evil and those with evil intentions.

Proverbs Chapter 3 Commentary

Mercy and kindness are key character traits that the wise should exemplify. In so doing, the wise shall find favor with God and good understanding. We must learn to trust in God with our whole hearts and rely in His Word rather than trusting in our own understanding. We can renew the issue of life in our natural bodies by trusting in God and remaining humble before Him. We must honor God with the first fruits of our wealth as well as that of our bodies, our lips, and all our labors. Happiness is found in the discovery of skillful and godly wisdom with understanding. Length of days, riches and honor follow those who follow wisdom. God has the power to give peace. He also ordains power in the now. If you can be a blessing to someone, right now is the time to bless them. Procrastination is the enemy of wisdom. Wisdom will bless you and your entire house.

The very God of all creation is a helper to the godly wise.

²⁶ For the Lord shall be your confidence, firm and strong, and shall keep your foot from being caught [in a trap or some hidden danger] (Proverbs 3:26 AMP).

Endure the necessity of chastisement from the LORD as this is a confirmation of your place in His kingdom: you are His child whom He loves if you are corrected when you err – this is to bring you back into right standing with Him, for there only can you be a joint heir with Christ. God will attempt to drive the iniquity from you, that you will not lose your inheritance in Him. Proverbs 3:19 says that the LORD founded the earth by skillful and godly wisdom; and that He has founded the heavens by understanding. By this verse we know that wisdom and understanding are not fly-by night characters of sorcery or some act of wishing and hit and miss chance.

Wisdom and understanding are powerful tools founded by God, respected and upheld by God, and when we pursue them wholeheartedly, we engender the grace and blessings of God. God wants to bless His children, those who are faithful in keeping His commandments and serving Him fully and not by lip service only. By the knowledge of God (Proverbs 3:20), the world was formed as God spoke not what He thought could maybe done, but what He knew was possible because of His own power. So God is both the will and the confirmation of divine intervention. When we seek wisdom, He sets His plan in motion according to His perfect and divine will.

By seeking God, we attest to our desire to circumvent God’s permissive will – in which we may ultimately get what we want, but will have trial and trouble therewith. Wisdom seeks her perfect work according to God’s perfect will, which carries no negative consequence, though we may have tribulation (because the world is evil), God will make everything work together for good by virtue of our heart’s intent – to do His will, His way. Godly wisdom seeks God’s will His way.

By keeping sound and godly wisdom and discretion, God will give a divine security, confidence, and hope when we trust in Him. It is God showing us a clear example of how to reach the world. A wise man once said, “You can have what you help others get.” If you seek wisdom, you become a beacon of peace. When you perceive that you are that beacon, look to the oceans (sinful world) and raise up the S.O.S. for the lost. God may be using you to channel His grace to the world.

John 20:23 says, whosoever’s sins you remit, they are remitted and the sins you retain, they are retained. The beacon of wisdom stands in the gap for the world, bridging the way through the darkness as a light leading the wayfaring in, holding out hope to bring souls into right relationship with God. Set up the lifeline and open a prayer channel to help others get on the wisdom train.

The book of Proverbs is psych software. Use it change your mind.

Reflection

As long as I saw myself as just another abuse victim in that hospital, I could not feel empowered. I would not have put my mind to use roductively instead of ruminating on my problems. I certainly would not have come up with Biblical Wisdom Keepers. I could not lift myself out of the rut that I was in. I was desperate and failing in life. After being released from the hospital, I started my road to recovery.

At home I would listen to Bishop T.D. Jakes’ sermons on my phone while I tried to go to sleep. One of the most effective messages was, “There is nothing as powerful as a changed mind.”

References

« The Amplified Bible
« The King James Bible
« Matthew Henry’s Commentary

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Image Source: 365 Seeds of Promise by Shenica Graham.

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