Scripture: – “Hearken unto me now therefore, O ye children, and attend to the words of my mouth.” (7:24)
Observation: Solomon continues to warn his son about sins of the flesh, specifically sexual sins, but this can also be viewed as the personification of sin in general similarly to the personification of wisdom been in previous chapters of Proverbs.
Application: Sin is a choice. Some choices are made recklessly and can reap severe consequences that linger for a lifetime. I recall a time when I was much younger; I thought I was very knowledgeable… I suppose I would call that the folly of my youth, but in reality, it was the covert manifestation of the sin of pride. Because of that, I chose to indulge in sins that, in looking back, I regret greatly. Had I but listened to the wise counsel of my parents instead of my peers, I would have avoided a lot of grief in later years. Sadly, I did not choose wisely.
When seeking advice, it is imperative to be in constant prayer about the situation for which one seeks guidance. God does not fail to avail us of His wisdom when we ask. Sometimes He uses others to give us godly counsel, like a pastor or other mature believer. Regardless of whom we go to, it is vital to have great discernment in determining if the advisor is one whose beliefs align with Scripture. Then, and only then, do you listen, again, with discerning ears, to the counsel given. It is never wise to blindly accept advice regardless of who offers it. One must be diligent… like the Bereans in Acts 17:10-11… and determine if the advice aligns with the Bible. If the advice does not align with God’s Word, it must be rejected and counsel sought elsewhere. If it does agree with biblical concepts, there can be confident in taking action. That is choosing wisely!
Prayer: Dearest Lord Jesus, I praise You for Your wisdom. You know all things and You so generously dispense Your wisdom to those who ask for it. O God, please give me the wisdom to recognize sin and flee from it. I thank You so much for watching over me, caring for me, and then forgiving me when I was so reckless and sinful with my behaviors. Your goodness to me is overwhelming. Thank You for loving so much. Help me to honor You by making choices based on Your Word. In Your precious name, I pray. Amen.
I'd rather have Jesus than silver or gold,
I'd rather be His than have riches untold
I'd rather have Jesus than houses or land,
I'd rather be led by His nail-pierced hand
Than to be the king of a vast domain and be held in sin's dread sway
I'd rather have Jesus than anything this world affords today
(from “I’d Rather Have Jesus” by Jim Reeves)
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“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” – James 1:5
Yes, being diligent to always seek godly counsel based in His Word. I am so glad we do ‘t have to walk our paths alone.