THE BOOK OF PROVERBS: MAY 2020 DEVOTION
An intricate analysis.
Thanks for accepting the call to corporately study and share. We will be doing one chapter a day. I encourage as many as can, to read, study, meditate and share a thought/s from your devotion. May the Lord bless our devotions. Key Verse: Proverbs 1:7 The [reverent] fear of the LORD [that is, worshiping Him and regarding Him as truly awesome] is the beginning and the preeminent part of knowledge [its starting point and its essence]; But arrogant fools despise [skillful and godly] wisdom and instruction and self-discipline.
Proverbs 14
Day 14 .
Thur May 14 2020 23:59:59 GMT+0300 (East Africa Time)
Overview
✳️ Verses: 35✳️ Theme: More Contasts Between the Wise and the Foolish
Highlights
1️⃣ Verse 1 - Wise woman versus the foolish one. The wise one builds her house, the foolish one pulls it down with her hands.
There is a "reality" of who we are in our sexes and gender that we must overcome. Especially the reinforcement of realities that contradict the word of God. For example, it is said women speak a lot! However, I have realized, with and in Christ, it is possible not to "speak" much. As we saw in proverbs 13:3, there is a wisdom when your words are few (see also Ecclesiastes 5:2). If we are aiming at conformity to His image (Romans 8:29), then some gender based habits and realities that are contrary to His nature will fall off. More so, those that contradict the fruit of the spirit. Same case with men.
Sometimes our sisters will say sooooo much about their husbands or homes then later wonder why people "talk badly" about the same issues they shared. May God help us all.
Ps. Brothers, may God mold us to create atmospheres where our women can find it easy to talk to us and overcome the push to go out and "pull down". . .
2️⃣ Verse 4 - if you see wealth, then you will also see the tools of creating wealth. You cannot show a harvest of maize and you have no shamba and ox!
The get rich mentality in our day has caused many to use illicit means of acquiring riches. Be sure to work for your wealth. God will teach us how to create wealth and because He values work, He will give us the tools!
3️⃣ Verse 14 Backslider in heart and the godly thoughts of a good man (Amplified Bible). <
Backsliding is not necessarily the visible error. It is what has been in the heart. It is possible to be backslidden at heart and no one knows except God! We therefore need to watch our hearts and keep engaging in godly thoughts. Even that "kanaughty" thought that we entertain could be the yeast that later leavens and brings us to rottenness.
4️⃣ Verse 23 Keep planning, keep seeking ideas, keep engaging, keep networking etc.. But while at it, be sure to engage in some labor. Ultimately it is the work of our hands that is blessed; not the words!
5️⃣ Verse 31 The poor always have a very special place in the heart of God. There is a level of being a "store house" that we will never enter into until we correct our attitude towards the poor.
Ps. May be we can define who the poor are. That person who at a particular moment in time is in need materially, emotionally and spiritually. That person who is unable to "satisfy" their basic needs due to some inability. What other definitions? What examples can we give? 🤷♂️🙏...
Baraka tele.
Commentaries
Ciruu Kiniti: Proverbs 14
Today as I was reading Proverbs 14, I was eagerly thinking of what to share…looking for points to share…I mean I have not struggled in reading Proverbs at all, but today for some reason, I have read 3 different versions but I could not see anything…and right there as I was rereading the CEV version; the Holy Spirit gently tugs in my heart and whispers “are you reading to get points to share or to have the Word engraved in your heart so that it can change you?” Heh heh! Tuseme niliingia kwa corner na nikanyenyekea. 😆And so I went back again, this time with the attitude I picked up from the previous interactions with Proverbs; Wisdom is from God, Godly wisdom comes with benefits, Godly wisdom protects!
So here is what I have gleaned – and today I have gleaned
- My life; how I live day to day demonstrates whether or not I respect the Lord. You know I am so guilty of blowing hot air to any one I perceive is disrespecting me because I am a woman. I used to be a radical feminist (but was delivered) I am now a feminist who is sober. Nothing wrong with feminism absolutely none. But I realized that for me any time a (man) “appears” (Very subjective test) to be treating me badly because I am a woman----waah I flip off the lid🙈🙈. I am so aware of this. So mkiweza muniweke kwa maombi pris! See how V.2 is very connected to this hapo kwa bad behavior!!
- I also see the Company we tend to keep affects our thinking, our reasoning and our general behavior. I am glad to keep company (even though it’s virtual) with such an amazing group of saints! God less you.
- Personal emotions are very personal—no one can really know how sad or happy you are. V10. Only God can and He is the best bet to express my emotions to.
- V.17 imeniabisha kidogo putting it in context of the first point I shared. Kwanza if you read it from CEV. I wanted to hide under the table. But I believe “ever in the process, making progress”
- I love the instructions on how we treat the poor. Sometimes it is easy to roll up your car window, or pass the poor by the street or in your community; but I have always asked myself what did I do to God to get to where I am? NOTHING! So then extending a helping hand becomes so easy, when I understand that there is nothing so special with what I have.
There are many lessons in today’s passage; I love highlighting what stood out for me.
My practical step today : Can I stop viewing every negative action by (man) as an underlying attack because of my gender?
Nancy Tshay: Goals!Goals! Goals let this word be engraved in our hearts we don't just end with pointless points.This has really ministered to me, thanks gal for sharing.
Ciruu Kiniti: Bless the Lord. Glad you were blessed 🙂
Obed Pastor: Selah. . . Waaaa. . Again, your candor is a blessing! 🙏🙏
Thank you for this. I relate with the first part 😁. And that part for thoughts...may God help us meditate upon His Word to keep us pure.
I wouldn't know who else to capture as poor...I think you've captured it...