Just a reminder: Please check out my review of my friend, Martha Orlando’s excellent trilogy called The Glade Series at my other blog, Cycleguy’s Spin. You can access that review here.
I have mentioned a number of times about my practice of reading Proverbs every other month. One chapter= that calendar date. Today, for example: January 4= Proverbs 4. Maybe it is because I’m reading this year from the New Living Translation (NLT) or that I paid particularly close attention, but some seriously good stuff stuck out to me this morning. The whole chapter goes on about the importance of wisdom: Pay attention. Get it. Don’t turn your back on it. Prize it. Etc.
Beginning in verse 23 are some simple “rules of life” or “advice to live by” given. Here they are:
Verse 23- Guard your heart
Verse 24- Avoid perverse talk; stay away from corrupt speech.
Verse 25- Look straight ahead, fix your eyes straight ahead.
Verse 26- Choose the right path.
Verse 27- Don’t get sidetracked.
I thought I would give each a new heading, a new “wording” that might be easier to learn:
- Be careful what you expose yourself to.
- Watch your speech.
- Don’t let your eyes wander.
- Stay true.
- Stay focused.
Wise advice to follow today and every day. Choose wisdom. Then you will hear the ancient words: “You have chosen wisely.” (Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade) 🙂
I wish I could get number one under complete control. I was just thinking this morning that most of my sin is associated with what I say or how I say it or what I imply by what I say. James had it right when he said the tongue is untamable.
Excuse my French but “ain’t that the truth!” I’m right there with you Pam.
Wise advice, indeed, Bill. Proverbs contains so much wisdom from which all of us can benefit if we heed those words.
And thanks again for the mention! 🙂
“If we heed” is so critical Martha. And you are more than welcome. I am into #2 in the “Adventure” series. 🙂
Amen Bill. All of those things are easier to focus on when God is the Lord of your life, and He is truly first in your life. If you really want to know how often you push God aside and follow your own agenda, just go through your list and see how times you have failed at doing those things in the last week or so. That will make you realize why God gives us new mercy every day.
That is a great checkpoint idea Gail.
A solid reason why this is called the book of Wisdom… Can’t argue with any of those points… or the many that come before or after in regards to what to avoid and what to seek.
People often forget the wisdom of “the ages” as they go through life. They tend to see the past as old and dusty. As you state, this is proof why we must not forget.
Such great reminders as we head into this new year! Thank you, Pastor Bill.
You’re welcome Cheryl. I know I need to remember them often.