October 8, 2015

Proverbs 2:12-22

Rachel Workman: Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men,
    from men whose words are perverse,
13 who have left the straight paths
    to walk in dark ways,
14 who delight in doing wrong
    and rejoice in the perverseness of evil,
15 whose paths are crooked
    and who are devious in their ways. Christ is wisdom.
16 Wisdom will save you also from the adulterous woman,
    from the wayward woman with her seductive words,
17 who has left the partner of her youth
    and ignored the covenant she made before God.[a]
18 Surely her house leads down to death
    and her paths to the spirits of the dead.
19 None who go to her return
    or attain the paths of life. Harsh words huh? That's exactly what happens when we leave our first love who is Jesus. If you follow anything other than Christ there is no return.
20 Thus you will walk in the ways of the good
    and keep to the paths of the righteous.
21 For the upright will live in the land,
    and the blameless will remain in it;
22 but the wicked will be cut off from the land,
    and the unfaithful will be torn from it.
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Mike Grimm:  12 Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men,
    from men whose words are perverse,
13 who have left the straight paths
    to walk in dark ways,
14 who delight in doing wrong
    and rejoice in the perverseness of evil,
15 whose paths are crooked
    and who are devious in their ways.
We must not do wrong actions, when evil thoughts test us. The devil even tested Jesus (Matthew 4:1-11). But Jesus did nothing that was wrong against God. God gives his wisdom to us. His Bible teaches us how we should live.
16 Wisdom will save you also from the adulterous woman,
    from the wayward woman with her seductive words,
17 who has left the partner of her youth
    and ignored the covenant she made before God.
18 Surely her house leads down to death
    and her paths to the spirits of the dead.
19 None who go to her return
    or attain the paths of life.
If we turn from God, this is like leaving our husband or wife. When we became a Christian, we promised to follow God. Evil thoughts may still tempt us. Other religions may tempt us. Sex may tempt us. We must not break our promise to God! Jesus said, ‘I am the way. The only way to the father (God) is through me.’ (John 14:6)
20 Thus you will walk in the ways of the good
    and keep to the paths of the righteous.
21 For the upright will live in the land,
    and the blameless will remain in it;
22 but the wicked will be cut off from the land,
    and the unfaithful will be torn from it.
As Christians, our land is not this world. We are only visitors, because we belong elsewhere. Our real home is in heaven (Hebrews 11:13-16). We must follow God. He will lead us to heaven. He has prepared a place for us in heaven (John 14:1-4).
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Tomorrow's reading for Proverbs 3:1-10. Monday we'll start the book of Mark.

My child,[a] never forget the things I have taught you.
    Store my commands in your heart.
If you do this, you will live many years,
    and your life will be satisfying.
Never let loyalty and kindness leave you!
    Tie them around your neck as a reminder.
    Write them deep within your heart.
Then you will find favor with both God and people,
    and you will earn a good reputation.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
    do not depend on your own understanding.
Seek his will in all you do,
    and he will show you which path to take.
Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom.
    Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil.
Then you will have healing for your body
    and strength for your bones.
Honor the Lord with your wealth
    and with the best part of everything you produce.
10 Then he will fill your barns with grain,
    and your vats will overflow with good wine.

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