Because May can be as busy as December,
we’re going to slow the pace:
not just so that more can keep up,
but so that we may see more.
It’s the difference between
speeding down a road and strolling down it.
You see so much more when you slow down!
Each day I’m going to ask you
“Where did you spy God
in the last twenty-four hours?”
Then contemplate how you have and
share it with your sisters!
It can be as simple as something you were thankful for,
for every good gift is from Him.
We’re going to delve into Proverbs,
looking at only one topic in May: friendship.
To approach proverbs wisely, we not only need some help
in how to interpret Proverbs, but we also
need the power to obey. Take, for example, this proverb:
One principle of interpretation of a proverb is seeing how often parallelism is used, and how it provides light. Slow down and ask: “How is a ring of gold in a swine’s snout like a beautiful woman without discretion?” And we may need to find out what “discretion” is. This is why we are slowing down!
Once we understand a proverb, we need the power to obey. We can’t just slap our hand when we lack discretion because we’ve had a potty mouth or talked too much, we need power from on high. All world religions have proverbs, but only Christianity can give power from on high.
Take my friend whom I’ll call Susi. Once she swore all the time. But after coming to Christ, He simply took that from her, and in that area she instantly became a beautiful woman with discretion. She knew the power was from Him. But usually, it is a process, like growth is a process. We need to keep coming to Him, asking for help, we need to keep abiding in the Vine, and one day we will see that He has pruned away the bad fruit, and grown in its place good fruit. He makes us beautiful women with discretion.
For those new to the “God Hunt,” here’s first, my reasoning on why you should develop the habit. When our children were little, Karen and David Mains taught us how to help them spy God. We often asked them to share at the dinner table. I now see how valuable that habit was. When God seems absent — we look back and see countless times of His presence in the past. So each day record a God Hunt — it could be as simple as a song or a scene that touched your heart, but here are 5 specific suggestions on where to look:
1. A specific answer to prayer
I pray Scripture for myself and for my children, and recently, that “the eyes of our hearts would be enlightened to know the hope to which we have been called” (Colossians 1:18) and have been seeing real growth and passion in some of my children!
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2. God’s Power or Artistry in Creation
I had hoped for daisies by Easter, instead, I got a giant ice shove from Lake MIchigan. It jumped over the protective rock wall my parents put in place in the 1970s. This has never happened before. (This is my friend Twila on top of the ice shove in my yard.) And while this is both a cause for prayer (against flooding and damage) it also puts me in awe of God’s power. For when I went to bed I had grass, and when I woke up I had a mountain of ice.
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3. Unusual Timing or Circumstances
Two years ago I agreed to do a retreat for a Methodist church in Georgia, and I thought: The Methodists need rescuing, I’m going to go rescue them. And though it is true many North American Methodist churches have lost their roots, this church did not need rescuing but instead rescued me. They were so alive that I asked them to help me film the video curriculum for The Jesus Who Surprises. They were wonderful, and were clear evidence that we belong to a Jesus who surprises!
4. Help To Do His Work in The World
How often help comes just when I need it as a widow. In trying to get to speaking engagements. how often I’ve been rescued from car trouble! And then there’s the way God confirms His will through the likemindedness of praying friends. It’s so exciting when the same Spirit says the same thing. When we prayed about who would share at the Christmas tea, God told three of us the name of the same woman.
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5. A Verse Becomes Radioactive
A passage jumps out at you, giving you conviction, wisdom, insight, or encouragement. This will happen often with Proverbs, which Tim Keller describes as “smelling salts to startle you into alertness.” I can still remember how Proverbs rescued me as a young mom, showing me I had better start disciplining my strong-willed child. This is the verse that did it from the original Living Bible: “If you refuse to discipline your son, you will ruin his life.” Proverbs 13:12
Sunday:
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
2. Where have you seen God in the last twenty-four hours? (Use one of the categories above or come up with your own.)
Monday: Parallelism in Proverbs
Before we look at friendship in Proverbs, a few basics for interpreting proverbs.
3. Where have you seen God at work in the last twenty-four hours? (Your God Hunt)
Key also in understanding proverbs is to understand the poetic use of parallelism. A truth if repeated, often, in a different way in a second phrase to give you additional insight. Or sometimes, a truth is contrasted to show you that proverbs are not promises, but probabilities and that you may need the Spirit to show you which response is the wiser one in a specific situation. (“a” refers to the first part of a verse, “b” the second part.)
4. Meditate on Proverbs 1:7.
A. In the first phrase (Proverbs 1:7a) what is the beginning of knowledge? Why do you think this is? Contemplate!
B. How is the truth of the first phrase of Proverbs 1:7 repeated in a different way in the second phrase (Proverbs 1:7b)?
C. When have you despised wisdom and discipline and reaped the rewards of a fool?
5. Where is an area of life where you would like to grow in wisdom? Ask God for it here.
Tuesday: The Source of Wisdom
6. Where have you seen God at work in the last twenty-four hours? (Your God Hunt)
In her study on Proverbs, Lydia Brownback warns against using the book of Proverbs as a “spiritualized means of self-improvement.” If we disconnect proverbs “from its divine source, it will prove hollow.” That’s what Solomon did, to his demise. Again and again, throughout Proverbs, you will hear the voice of wisdom calling out to you. Who is this voice?
7. Where is wisdom to be found, according to Colossians 2:2-3?
8. How can you glimpse Jesus in the following passages from Proverbs 8?
A. Proverbs 8:22-31 (Go slowly.)
B. Proverbs 8:32-36
9. Ask the Lord to give you wisdom for today, so that you might embrace life and not death. Be still before Him and write down what He impresses on your heart.
Wednesday: Proverbs are Probabilities and Not Promises
10. Where have you seen God at work in the last twenty-four hours? (Your God Hunt)
It is also important to know that the Hebrew word for Proverb means a “pithy saying.” Proverbs are not promises, but probabilities. For example, if you train up a child in the way he should go, he is likely to stick with it. But it isn’t a promise, he still has a free will. This means that we need to ask the Spirit for wisdom in applying the proverbs, for sometimes, what is right in one circumstance is not in another. There are times to speak, and times to be silent, as Proverbs 26:4-5 shows us.
11. Read Proverbs 26:4
A. Why might it be wise to be silent when a fool baits you, according to this verse?
B. Can you give an illustration of this?
12. Read Proverbs 26:5
A. Why might it be wise to speak up when a foolish thing is said by another?
B. How can we know when to speak and when to be silent in the face of foolishness?
Thursday: Proverbs Stress Listening to God
13. Where have you seen God at work in the last twenty-four hours? (Your God Hunt)
In many ways, as we saw yesterday, proverbs are riddles. But when we cry out to God for wisdom and listen, He will give us insight into how to apply a proverb. This is combining the Word of God with the Spirit of God, and together, they will put you on the right path.
14. Read Proverbs 1:1-4 and list what studying proverbs can do for you.
15. Read Proverbs 1:5-6
A. What does verse 5 tell us?
B. What are some ways you hear from the Lord’s Spirit?
C. Verse 6 says that proverbs are riddles. What is a riddle?
D. Why is it wise to ask the Spirit of God to help us understand proverbs?
Friday: Word Pictures to Penetrate the Heart
16. Where have you seen God at work in the last twenty-four hours? (Your God Hunt)
Proverbs are filled with word pictures to penetrate the heart.
17. Read Proverbs 1:20-33 and describe the scene, imagining drawing it, and describe some of the images that stand out to you.
Saturday:
18. What was your best God Hunt of the week?
19. What will you remember about this week and why?
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4. Meditate on Proverbs 1:7.
A. In the first phrase (Proverbs 1:7a) what is the beginning of knowledge? Why do you think this is? Contemplate! – The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. I think if we really want to live a Godly life, we will be in His Word finding out what is the right thing to do. Not so much because we are afraid of getting in trouble, but more because we want to please our heavenly Father and not disappoint him.
B. How is the truth of the first phrase of Proverbs 1:7 repeated in a different way in the second phrase (Proverbs 1:7b)? – It is saying it in the opposite way, that if we don’t fear the Lord and have knowledge, that we won’t care what we do or what the outcome would be if we made bad choices.
C. When have you despised wisdom and discipline and reaped the rewards of a fool? – When I have stepped out in a hurry and on my own without consulting with Jesus, I’ve made dumb comments that I regret in the end.
5. Where is an area of life where you would like to grow in wisdom? Ask God for it here. – Lord, you have heard me crying out to you about not liking my long drive to work. Please help me to know if I should just be content and stay where I’m at or look to find something closer to home. I’m so tired of the drive and how much time it takes up of my day, but I want to be in your will Lord and not my own.
Tuesday: The Source of Wisdom
6. Where have you seen God at work in the last twenty-four hours? (Your God Hunt)
In her study on Proverbs, Lydia Brownback warns against using the book of Proverbs as a “spiritualized means of self-improvement.” If we disconnect proverbs “from its divine source, it will prove hollow.” That’s what Solomon did, to his demise. Again and again, throughout Proverbs, you will hear the voice of wisdom calling out to you. Who is this voice? – I would think the voice calling out is God/Jesus/the Holy Spirit
7. Where is wisdom to be found, according to Colossians 2:2-3? – It can be found in Christ.
8. How can you glimpse Jesus in the following passages from Proverbs 8?
A. Proverbs 8:22-31 (Go slowly.) What I see in these verses is that Jesus was there from the beginning of time. In everything that was created He was put in to it. He was a part of it all along.
B. Proverbs 8:32-36 – He is where we listen to the Lord’s instruction. If we don’t listen he will not be with us.
9. Ask the Lord to give you wisdom for today, so that you might embrace life and not death. Be still before Him and write down what He impresses on your heart. – I will be still and listening.
Wednesday: Proverbs are Probabilities and Not Promises
10. Where have you seen God at work in the last twenty-four hours? (Your God Hunt)
It is also important to know that the Hebrew word for Proverb means a “pithy saying.” Proverbs are not promises, but probabilities. For example, if you train up a child in the way he should go, he is likely to stick with it. But it isn’t a promise, he still has a free will. This means that we need to ask the Spirit for wisdom in applying the proverbs, for sometimes, what is right in one circumstance is not in another. There are times to speak, and times to be silent, as Proverbs 26:4-5 shows us.
11. Read Proverbs 26:4
A. Why might it be wise to be silent when a fool baits you, according to this verse? – LOL Oh how I know I fall in to this. We need to watch what we say so others around us can see the glory of the Lord. When we speak without thinking it usually is not a good comment. Slow to speak, slow to anger.
B. Can you give an illustration of this? – For me I would have to say how I had been responding to my husband. Though what he did may have upset me, I need to not speak in a tone that is not Godly. I am trying to curb the tongue and calm down first before speaking.
12. Read Proverbs 26:5
A. Why might it be wise to speak up when a foolish thing is said by another? – I think if what we say back is defending someone from being hurt by them, we may make them realize what they said was not right. They may be able to learn from our soft response and not be so harsh the next time.
B. How can we know when to speak and when to be silent in the face of foolishness? – I think if we stop and decide what we are going to say might add fuel to the fire then we should not speak to what is being said, but if we can add insight and instruction on another way to look at the situation we can help those around us learn how to speak when confrontation is need.
Julie, you touched on a really important point: the tone of our voice. I can say something neutral in response, but the tone of my voice often speaks louder than my neutral or nice-sounding words.
Julie — like the thought to consider if you are adding wisdom or fuel to the fire. And, like Susan, tone of voice important.
10. Where have you seen God at work in the last twenty-four hours? When I was at work this Wednesday, I happened to see one of our hospital chaplains that I first met when we were both having orientation for working with our hospital’s home care agency. He’s truly a gem, so kind. At that time, he was working at our hospice care center, which is where my mom was transferred after her stroke, and he came and talked to me and my family when my mom was there. He also works at the hospital, so when I saw him, we chatted a few minutes to “catch up”. About an hour later as I was leaving work, I saw him again near the lobby, talking with someone, and he got my attention suddenly and asked me if I’d seen the baskets that are being raffled-off as a fundraiser. He said that he’d just put in ten dollars for one of the baskets, and said, “I’m going to put your name on the ticket, and if I win, you win….I want you to have it!” I started to protest, but he said, “No – you’re worth it!” So he told the lady to put my name on the ticket. Why do I think this was a God-sighting? Maybe God was trying to encourage me by lifting my spirits, because as I walked away, I was thinking “no, I am not ‘worth it’; if you only knew what I was really like, you wouldn’t say that or do that for me.” Sometimes I think God speaks to us through people. 11. Read Proverbs 26:4 A. Why might it be wise to be silent when a fool baits you, according to this verse? Because if you take the bait, you will become like him. For example, being drawn into a verbal argument, it can escalate and you may find yourself being just as harsh, nasty, or even swearing back at the person. B. Can you give an illustration of this? I used to tell my children, “don’t go down to their level”. I think that means about the same thing. 12. Read Proverbs 26:5 A. Why might it be wise to speak up when a foolish thing is said by another? If you don’t speak up, the fool may believe that by your silence, you are in agreement with him. B. How can we know when to speak and when to be silent in the face of foolishness? First, I believe that we have to resist the urge to open our own mouths immediately, as in reacting. The first thing that comes to mind to say is not always the best thing to say. We can pray right on the spot for help in knowing how best to respond.
Susan–YOU ARE WORTH IT! 🙂 I hope you hold on to those words from the Chaplain (and me!) and let it truly sink in that those are Jesus’ words to you. I have a lot of the same negative “self talk” as you–but I know that is the enemy and the Cross proves you are worth it! Did you ever read “Extravagant Grace”? I read it a few years ago, and it was good on this topic. I actually just started “Imperfect Disciple” last night by Jared Wilson and it seems really good too. Love you friend~
Awww Lizzy, thank you for your kind words of encouragement! That negative self-talk is on over-drive lately. I feel so inadequately prepared to handle some things; for instance, my daughter was in tears last night trying to navigate her “portal” for the college she has chosen to attend. I didn’t know she was up in her room doing this, but when she came downstairs in tears, she said there were all sorts of questions that she couldn’t answer, like what meal plan does she want, and her health insurance and history of vaccines. How did I ever go to college without a computer? Things have changed even since my boys went to college! So I told her that her dad and I will sit down with her tonight and we’ll go through everything. She’s also feeling emotional about leaving high school and the likely end of friendships as people go their different ways. I guess I took the safe route, living at home and attending the local college with some of my friends. I don’t remember feeling as she does. I feel so inadequate to help her; so different from when our kids were little and all we had to do was hold them and cuddle them until they felt better.
Susan–I still picture her as 12! I can’t imagine how hard this transition is for you both–but, even if you feel inadequate to help, she still comes to you–and that is worth a lot! I will pray for you both this morning.
Susan and Lizzy — love this between you two!
14. Read Proverbs 1:1-4 and list what studying proverbs can do for you.
You can gain wisdom and knowledge. You can learn how to live disciplined and successful lives. The simple can gain insight and the young will learn knowledge and discernment.
15. Read Proverbs 1:5-6
A. What does verse 5 tell us?
The wise will become wiser if they read theses proverbs and those with understanding will be guided.
B. What are some ways you hear from the Lord’s Spirit?
I hear through people who speak to me (if God wants to use them and I’m paying attention), I hear through scripture (just this morning I wondered if it was useful for me to pray for others because God doesn’t seem to acknowledge my prayers. Then, I got on the Bible app and the daily scripture was “…pray without ceasing!” That would be my God hunt for today as well).
C. Verse 6 says that proverbs are riddles. What is a riddle?
A riddle is a phrase that is not stated clearly; it is a puzzle of words to figure out.
D. Why is it wise to ask the Spirit of God to help us understand proverbs?
I think these puzzles are difficult to figure out so I definitely need to ask God to help me understand.
Laura, I’ve had the same question about prayer that you state here, about the “usefulness” of our prayers for others when it seems like God isn’t hearing anyway. Well, from different pastors I’ve listened to, I believe that our continuing to pray, even when we don’t see answers (for others), is also helping us, because we are continuing to dialogue with God. It is benefitting us and our relationship with Him. We are not backing away from Him and just giving up talking to Him, which is what Satan wants us to do. I know it is hard though when we don’t see any changes in the ones we’re praying for, and I suppose that we may not, in our lifetime, see them happen.
13. Where have you seen God at work in the last twenty-four hours? Honestly, I am not sure. Saying “in nature” seems like the easy answer, though I was noticing yesterday the warmth in the air and the flowering trees are in bloom; the earth is waking up! 14. Read Proverbs 1:1-4 and list when studying Proverbs can do for you. Proverbs can help me gain wisdom and self-discipline, help me in understanding God’s Word, know how to act rightly, justly, and fairly, gain knowledge and discretion and how to be prudent. 15. Read Proverbs 1:5-6 A. What does verse 5 tell us? In essence, “Listen up!” The wise person will listen (be teachable) and increase their learning, and you will receive guidance. B. What are some ways you hear from the Lord’s Spirit? When I am reading the Bible, the Spirit can speak to me because God’s Word is alive. Sometimes He just impresses something upon my heart, or a thought or verse from Scripture will come to mind at just the right time. Sometimes He speaks through other people. C. Verse 6 says that proverbs are riddles. What is a riddle? A riddle is like a puzzle that you must solve. It’s meaning may not be clear; you have to be like a detective, willing to search for clues and hidden meaning. D. Why is it wise to ask the Spirit of God to help us understand proverbs? Because He understands them already, and can make their meaning clear to us.
16. Where have you seen God at work in the last 24 hours? My son (11yo) is helping me with my study this morning. His God hunt is the tree outside the window because “God made everything, right?” My God hunt is His continued assurance that He has a plan for us. Trust and obey….
17. Read Proverbs 1:20-33 and describe the scene, imagining drawing it, and describe some of the images that stand out to you. I imagine this as a woman roaming the streets of a Biblical Mediterranean town calling out to people as they are in their doorways watching, or as they walk past on the dusty street. She is immune to the dust, and while she is not ravishingly beautiful she is not ugly, there is a calmness and peace about her and her eyes are captivating. Her face is smooth and kind, she is not naive nor is she embittered. She is confident and whole in heart and spirit. She has long flowing robes that seem to move and swirl of their own accord and not to the wind or to the disturbance in the busy street. She walks slowly but deliberately. She is not worried, hurried, or stressed. She does not plead with the people but merely calls out for them to partake of her wares – wisdom, guidance, encouragement. Most stare and continue on, very few stop to engage but when they do she smiles and is welcoming to them. The ones that speak to her have reassurance and peace bestowed upon them.
Love your word picture, Jill.
Susan – your comments regarding “worth it” remind me of a Keller sermon where he talked about our human need for the “why” behind love. “Why do you love me?” And that we melt in romances when one individual lists all these things about the other that are the “why” in love. This touches our heart but it is unBiblical! And actually very weak. A love that loves even when there is no “why” is a much stronger love because it just is, no conditions, it is unconditional. And while I would indeed whole-heartedly agree with Lizzy that there are beautiful things about you, Susan, I cannot refute the knowledge that you have done bad things (as we all have!!) BUT this does NoT define your worth nor God’s love. I used to ask my husband all the time WHY do you love me? I wanted to be convinced that I was worth it, it couldn’t be done…he would always answer I don’t know I just do and I would be so discouraged but after Keller’s sermon a lightbulb went off and I now see a choice to love as so much stronger and better! And that is God’s love for us. If He gives you a gift (like a raffle basket) then it is not a deception of your worth it is a proclamation of His love for you! Works-based righteousness despairs at how deep our sin/unworthiness goes Grace-based righteousness rejoices at how deep His love goes! I am just learning this myself through From Fear to Freedom. I digress…much love to you Susan. You are loved!
Absolutely love this: Works based righteousness despairs at how deep our sin and unworthiness goes. Grace based righteousness rejoices at how deep His love goes.
4.a. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and knowledge. Just as children need to have a respect for their teachers, we need to have respect for God. Without that fear and respect, we tend to not pay attention or respond positively. You can be in the classroom but not learn. I’ve also heard that you can look at the fear of the Lord personified in Jesus. As in, He is the reason we see God’s character and thereby reverence Him.
O, Lord, help me to learn everything You present to me in these days. Not just so that I don’t have to have it presented to me again, but so that You are pleased and I reap the benefits of having learned.
b. In the second half of the verse the truth is shown in its negative. The fool, the morally deficient one, despises wisdom and discipline. In my mind I see rebellion, trying to wriggle its way out of the ‘classroom’ and running away from God.
c. When have I reaped the rewards of a fool? Most recently in my diet. I was making some slow but steady progress. And then someone strongly suggested I go on an elimination diet. In response to that, I’ve been eating everything in sight. Does that mean I should do the elimination diet? I don’t know. But I know my reaction to it was foolish and only took me backwards. But I have hope now, as I was just somewhere they were serving cookies, which I love, and I walked past them.
5. Lord, I’m afraid to ask for wisdom about what I eat, afraid You’ll take away everything I enjoy. Afraid of how in the world I’d cook for my husband on all the restrictions. But maybe this whole diet thing isn’t even where You want to focus. Show me, Lord, where You want me to grow.
6. My God hunt. I’ve been emotionally wearing my son’s accident, worrying about his marriage. Taking it on, as it were. Then I read in Ann Voskamp’s blog: where you can’t repent enough, Jesus says, “Enough. It is finished.” I started to cry, realizing anew that God is bearing this and I don’t need to. Indeed, can’t do it to any good end. But God can.
7. Colossians says wisdom is found in Jesus. In Him are ALL the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
8.a. When I read these verses, here is what my minds eye paraphrases the to. Yahweh set apart a part of Himself to be the Son at the beginning of HIStory. The Son was made from eternity, from the same stuff God the Father and God the Holy Spirit are from. This happened well before man or the world began. Like an idea is given birth, the Son was given birth before there was land or water. The Son participated in creation as God’s craftsman. He was filled with delight and rejoicing over all that was created, including man.
b. Wisdom, or Jesus, calls to mankind to listen and to find the blessings of keeping His ways. Listening brings you more wisdom. Those who find Wisdom, those who come to Jesus, are blessed and find life. Those who refuse Jesus love death and harm themselves.
9. Having just come from hearing my mentee give a chapel talk about her struggle with depression and suicidal thoughts, and how she found You in it, this verse so resonates with me, Lord. To choose life. To embrace life. And this doesn’t mean constant enjoyment, does it Lord? It means seeing beyond the pain or the grind or whatever the situation is to where You stand on the other side of it. Looking to the joy and life that are You. Help me, Lord, during the rest of this day and the days to come, to fully engage in living. To be acutely aware of You. Listening and watching for Your signals. To really be in each moment, not wishing any of them away. To find You in each one and praise You always.
Mary, I was just struck by your comment that you are emotionally wearing your son’s car accident and afraid of his marriage. Yesterday, I listened to Warren Wiersbe’s message that TGC posted in remembrance of him. He passed away at age 89. Anyway, it was on the parable of the tares and wheat. In the course of his exposition, he said something that spoke to me as I, like you, often struggle with emotionally wearing my daughter’s situations. He quoted the verse, “Be still and know that I am God.” And he said that the word “Still” also means “hands-off”. Wow. It was powerful and a great reminder for me to trust God to take control. “Indeed, I cannot do it to any good end. But God can.”
Thank you, Bing. This will be a long road of continually giving it back to Him.
Great God Hunt from Mary:
My God hunt. I’ve been emotionally wearing my son’s accident, worrying about his marriage. Taking it on, as it were. Then I read in Ann Voskamp’s blog: where you can’t repent enough, Jesus says, “Enough. It is finished.” I started to cry, realizing anew that God is bearing this and I don’t need to. Indeed, can’t do it to any good end. But God can.
Friday
16. Where have you seen God at work in the last twenty-four hours? (Your God Hunt)
I went to Hobby Lobby and it was so refreshing to shop while hearing Christian music and surrounded by design signs filled with God’s Word…I felt surrounded by His presence!
17. Read Proverbs 1:20-33 and describe the scene, imagining drawing it, and describe some of the images that stand out.
I picture a town square where you enter through a gate and (she)wisdom is shouting and crying out to the crowds in the street and those gathered in front of the gate. Wisdom is asking them “how long will they, simpletons, insist being simpleminded, mockers, relish in their mocking, fools, hate knowledge and invites them to listen to her council, share her heart and make them wise. She goes on to say that she’s often called them, but they wouldn’t come. Reached out to them, but paid no attention. Ignored her advice and rejected the correction she offered. So she will laugh when they’re in trouble, mock them when disaster overtakes them, when calamity overtakes them like a storm, when disaster engulfs them like a cyclone, and anguish and distress overwhelm them. She won’t answer when they cry out for help. Though they anxiously search for her, they won’t find her. They hated knowledge and chose not to fear the LORD. Rejected her advice and paid no attention when she tried to correct them. Therefore, they must eat the bitter fruit of living their own way, choking on their own schemes. For simpletons turn away from her – to death. Fools are destroyed by their own complacency. BUT all who listen to her will live in peace, untroubled by fear or harm.”
10. My God hunt. Friends of ours were in town, so we got to have lunch together. We were able to share with them about our son, and because they have walked with their daughter through marriage difficulties, they were a huge encouragement to us.
11.a. Why is it wise to be silent when baited by a fool? If you take the bait you enter into their foolishness. You answer the wrong question. Jesus, when baited, so often said the wrong question was being asked. He implied that since the question they asked was foolish, He did not participate in it. Instead, He brought up the answer to a better question.
I’m reminded of how the question, when are you going to stop beating your wife, is tainted in such a way that you look foolish no matter how you answer it.
12.a. Wisdom speaks up when some clarity helps the person to a better understanding. Like when Jesus talked to the scribes and Pharisees about the woman at the resurrection that had been married to seven brothers. He didn’t enter their foolishness, but He brought clear teaching.
b. I really appreciate what someone here said earlier about thinking longer before responding, and asking if your speech will add fuel or water to the fire.
Mary B: so glad u were encouraged by your friends! It sounds like a tough road u are on ; & love the way the Lord reminded u that “It is finished”! Oh how often we carry loads that the Lord has not intended for us…may He keep you close to Him & comfort & strengthen your heart.
Fri: I’m not great with drawing or word pictures, but I see Wisdom standing at the gates & calling out; pleading with all the people of the city to come to her, to listen & receive instruction & sound advice. If they don’t listen & heed Wisdom they will suffer & die for lack of it. But if they will listen & humble themselves, they will have security & peace. Probably many gathered around; some listened & followed, some probably jeered at her, or were hostile & others just walked away. Similar to when Jesus was calling out to the people & teaching them.
My best God hunt this week: On thurs I was off, & I had a lovely relaxed long time to do this blog, pray & connect with the Lord. I laid all my weariness at His feet & felt refreshed by Him.I even wrote a couple of poems. I was praying & crying about when to visit my dad again in Aussie, as he has been grieving my mum’s death & has had been having such a hard time. I felt prompted to look into 1 st week of Sept & checked the calendar. Sep 1st is my twin’s & my b’day, & this year, it is also Father’s Day in Aussie (1st Sunday in Sep)!! I got excited & thought “wouldn’t it be awesome if my siblings & I could all celebrate Fathers Day with my dad, & also our b’day together! I reached out to my boss to just see if I could get 2 weeks off & all the doors flew wide open. She even asked dates I was thinking about & blocked them off on our work calendar! It moved way faster than I expected. All within same day. Now I have to be bold & tell hubby what I’m planning…& just do it! I will invite him but he never wants to go & he kind of resents me going. Please pray that his heart will be softened & understand that while I still have my dad I need to see him twice a year. Praise God!
I loved this week, thank you Dee. It is opening my eyes to look & expect to see the Lord working. As u say He loves to surprise us!!! 🙂
Oh wonderful God Hunt — excited to hear the rest of the story!
Thank you, Jenny. I pray that your trip will set many minds to ease.
Proverbs are filled with word pictures to penetrate the heart.
17. Read Proverbs 1:20-33 and describe the scene, imagining drawing it, and describe some of the images that stand out to you.
Wisdom is standing where she can be seen and people are just passing her by. They are not interested in what she has to say. They are so engrossed in themselves and what they are doing. I see pitfalls crop up in the image I am seeing with people oblivious to it. Like a while ago, they had a video of people looking at their cell phones and getting into mishaps. Like one hits a pole, another was about to fall into a manhole, etc-it was funny but sobering.
Saturday:
18. What was your best God Hunt of the week?
The timeliness of this study and how “proverbs stress listening to God.” I need to do a better job of listening.
19. What will you remember about this week and why?
The 5 ways we can do our God hunt. It is a very helpful tool to me and I plan to design a notebook for myself just delegated for God Hunt using Dee’s suggestions. In many ways, the prompts can “force” me (in a good way) to look around and see God at work.
16. Where have you seen God at work in the last twenty-four hours? (Your God Hunt)
We heard a motivational speaker at school yesterday; his life story was told to impress on the teens how working hard and getting up when you are down is the way to live your life. He became an artist and painted many paintings of his life story, including his spiritual life. He was inspirational and a blessing to me yesterday.
http://thesolstudio.com/Artists/richard-haynes/
Proverbs are filled with word pictures to penetrate the heart.
17. Read Proverbs 1:20-33 and describe the scene, imagining drawing it, and describe some of the images that stand out to you.
I imagine a woman (I wonder why a woman? I think we have talked about this before but I can’t remember why?) in a long dress wandering the streets in search of people who will listen to her speak. She offers wise words for those who need/want to. Many do not and they are riddled with sad lives. Those who listen are blessed in their lives. Her words encourage moral behaviors that are Godly in nature.
I’m not sure I like or understand the fact that those who don’t listen will be laughed at and mocked as well. Can’t they just be ignored? Why does wisdom need to “rub it in?”
Laura always has good questions I’m eager for others to answer. What is your response to this one?
I’m not sure I like or understand the fact that those who don’t listen will be laughed at and mocked as well. Can’t they just be ignored? Why does wisdom need to “rub it in?”
Laura, I think it is speaking of when they realize how foolish they’ve been, it will be them on the inside mocking at themselves for having been so stubborn and failing to respond to wisdom. I don’t think God or wisdom is rubbing it in. It is just a combination of consequences and the devil. Just like the final judgement. Those who have rejected God will not so much be punished by Him as punished by themselves when they can no longer deceive themselves and continue to deny Him and all He is.
“Wisdom does not laugh at disaster but at the triumph of what is right over what is wrong.” ~ Bruce Waltke
Mary, I was just struck by your comment that you are emotionally wearing your son’s car accident and afraid of his marriage. Yesterday, I listened to Warren Wiersbe’s message that TGC posted in remembrance of him. He passed away at age 89. Anyway, it was on the parable of the tares and wheat. In the course of his exposition, he said something that spoke to me as I, like you, often struggle with emotionally wearing my daughter’s situations. He quoted the verse, “Be still and know that I am God.” And he said that the word “Still” also means “hands-off”. Wow. It was powerful and a great reminder for me to trust God to take control. “Indeed, I cannot do it to any good end. But God can.”
13. Where have you seen God at work in the last twenty-four hours? (Your God Hunt) My husband and 2 sons left Thursday morning on a fishing trip and I had several half day training sessions to do for work…Wednesday and Friday. I had been trying to think of something fun to do for the weekend when I suddenly had an idea to look for a hotel where I was teaching on Friday so I could go down on Thursday and not be so rushed. I found a lovely old hotel and got a room and it was such a treat for myself and not something I would usually do…felt like the idea was God given!
14. Read Proverbs 1:1-4 and list what studying proverbs can do for you. Studying Proverbs offers you the chance to grow in wisdom, knowledge, discernment; gain instruction in wise behavior, righteousness, justice and equity; gain prudence in place of naïveté; and make one wise beyond your years (give knowledge & discretion to the youth).
15. Read Proverbs 1:5-6
A. What does verse 5 tell us? It says a wise man will hear and grow in learning and a man of understanding will acquire wise counsel (ask for guidance).
B. What are some ways you hear from the Lord’s Spirit? I hear in a variety of ways- when reading His word, when listening to music or teaching, through a godly friend, through nature, through that still, small, voice…but they all involve putting myself in a position to hear…being humble, asking for help, seeking.
C. Verse 6 says that proverbs are riddles. What is a riddle? I think of a riddle as being like a puzzle…you have to think on it, look for an answer…not usually in plain sight.
D. Why is it wise to ask the Spirit of God to help us understand proverbs? Because the answer to a riddle can be hard to discern we need the Spirit to help us rightly discern the answer. We need to humbly acknowledge that we do not have wisdom to know how to rightly live…we need the Spirit to guide and govern us.
Lucy…what a lovely treat for you to stay in that old hotel! I love mini adventures like that!! The Lord is so good to us & He is a God of extravagant Love & kindness. I bet He was smiling over you! 🙂
14. These beginning verses tell us to use Proverbs, this collection of them, to
attain wisdom and discipline
understand wise words
acquiring a disciplined and prudent life
doing what is right, just, and fair
helping the young and simple
15.a. It says that the way to add to wisdom and gain guidance is to listen. Makes me think of what was here on a previous week where it was pointed out that you can break down the word guidance into: God, u and I, dance. When we dance with someone, especially to dance well in their embrace, you have to be listening paying attention well to the subtle movements that are the guidance for what to do next. In my dance with God, especially if I want to be close in His embrace, I need to be alert to all the ways He gives me His guidance.
b. I hear the Lord in His word, by His still small voice, through the confirmation or rebuke of others, and what our forefathers called ‘providence’ – the was circumstances fall.
c. A riddle is something hidden that is meant to be found out, generally with a great deal of time or effort. There is a verse that says it is God’s glory to conceal a matter, but the glory of kings to reveal it. That’s why Paul could say that the mystery of God’s will was made known through Jesus; what was hidden in the Old Testament is revealed in the New.
d. When we try to figure out Proverbs without asking God and comparing to the whole message of the Bible, we can get it totally wrong. Since God wrote it through people, He is the One we should ask for meaning and clarification.
Just jumping back in to share my God hunt–and first I want to say how much I love it when Dee has us do this–I feel like I usually start the week struggling to see Him, and then as I read others’ “sightings”–my eyes are renewed at the many ways all day long, He shows Himself.
This is my big one for the week-I just returned from spending the last 24 hours on a personal retreat. Last summer, at the peak of my greatest trial, the Lord showed me this retreat home, nestled in the woods, an hour from my home,–it’s a beautiful home owned by this incredibly godly older couple who started it as a place of “respite” for weary Christians to come and be refreshed…no TV, no wi-fi..wonderful! This was my 2nd trip, and it so helped me to be away from distractions and just read, pray, write, walk in nature. Even if it can’t be overnight, just getting away in nature to be alone with Him, my soul needs to remember to do this often. So thankful He provided the time for me to do that now, as my oldest will be home soon, I needed to be renewed for my journey.
Oh Lizzy what a wonderful retreat for u!! Those times are so refreshing & we need to make time for them more often! 🙂
Dee, just to let you know, in the last 24hrs I’ve been kicked off the blog twice while posting. When I get back in, my post shows. Have never had that happen before. Anyone else having trouble?
16. God hunt. Was reading Song of Songs chapter four today. As I read, I could see God looking at me beyond the veil of this body. He sees to my innermost being, and for some reason He is pleased. He tells me that my inside is a garden, locked but full of wonderful plants. The beloved answers in verse16 that she wants the fragrance from her inner garden to be spread abroad. Corinthians says we are the fragrance of life to both people and God. Tend my garden, Lord, for Your purposes and pleasure. Root out the weeds and prop up that which is weak, so that in You it grows strong. Prune as You see fit.
17. Even in the busiest times and places, wisdom is calling out to us. She pleads with us not to hold on to the ways and thoughts of our own nature, our own flesh. She says she rebukes us so that we might turn away from our own foolishness. If we turn to her, we get more of the mind and heart of the Lord. When people refuse God’s offers to turn away from destructive ways, He lets us go and do our own thing. He allows things to overtake us, things that threaten to overwhelm us. So often when that happens, men will say they are returning to God. Maybe they’ll verbalize it, or make some kind of promise to God. Generally, they aren’t really looking for God. They make foxhole promises, show up at church or say they are turning over a new leaf. But they really have no intention of changing the way they live. It is our own waywardness and being complacent with that that brings us death. But when we correctly respond to Jesus as the God He is, in all His wisdom, we can rest in safety. We have the assurance that nothing that happens to us can ultimately take us from God. And that is the only harm we have to be concerned about.