"Wisdom will multiply your days and add years to your life." Proverbs 9:11
Everyone wants this verse to be fulfilled in their life. If wisdom multiplies our days and adds years to our life, how do we acquire wisdom? The answer to this question is found in the previous verse (10)
"Fear of the LORD is the foundation of wisdom."
Fear: this is where the pursuit of wisdom should start. Not a fear that is unhealthy or causes us to be afraid of God but a healthy reverence for Him that causes us to be in awe of Him. Today's proverbs are full of the benefits of wisdom. Wisdom is personified as a woman. We learn what she hates and what she loves; who belongs to her and who does not. The bounty of fruit from Wisdom's words are so ripe it is difficult to process all her counsel in one sitting.
Solomon's counsel in chapter 10 is ripe, too. His counsel is quite bold and to the point. The word godly in the latter part of the chapter captured my attention. I want to be godly. What characterizes a person as godly? Perfect attendance at church? All the blanks completed in a Bible Study book? Singing in the choir? Teaching Sunday School for 25 years? Carrying your Bible the correct way into church every week? Is this characteristic something obtainable by an ordinary woman like me? After further study, I discovered it is obtainable for the everyday me and you.
The word godly is righteous in the NASB and ESV. Righteous sounded almost as intimidating as godly but it isn't. It means just, lawful, and righteous, righteous meaning acting upright, moral, characterized by morality and just meaning fair. I have the warm fuzzies inside knowing that me, the sinner that I am could be considered godly. Did you notice what happens to the godly?
~ Their hopes will be granted.
~ Their foundation will last.
~ Their hopes will result in happiness.
~ They will not be disturbed. (shaken in the ESV-you have to read the definition for shaken)
~ Their mouths give wise advice.
~ Their lips speak helpful words.
How and when this transformation happens is not answered. My assumption is the transformation to godly does not happen over night. It depends the strength of our foundation: our fear and reverence for the LORD, which if we are honest, wavers. The challenge today is to fear the Lord always for it is the beginning of a good and perfect things. Then our key very will be manifested in our life.
Solomon's counsel in chapter 10 is ripe, too. His counsel is quite bold and to the point. The word godly in the latter part of the chapter captured my attention. I want to be godly. What characterizes a person as godly? Perfect attendance at church? All the blanks completed in a Bible Study book? Singing in the choir? Teaching Sunday School for 25 years? Carrying your Bible the correct way into church every week? Is this characteristic something obtainable by an ordinary woman like me? After further study, I discovered it is obtainable for the everyday me and you.
The word godly is righteous in the NASB and ESV. Righteous sounded almost as intimidating as godly but it isn't. It means just, lawful, and righteous, righteous meaning acting upright, moral, characterized by morality and just meaning fair. I have the warm fuzzies inside knowing that me, the sinner that I am could be considered godly. Did you notice what happens to the godly?
~ Their hopes will be granted.
~ Their foundation will last.
~ Their hopes will result in happiness.
~ They will not be disturbed. (shaken in the ESV-you have to read the definition for shaken)
~ Their mouths give wise advice.
~ Their lips speak helpful words.
How and when this transformation happens is not answered. My assumption is the transformation to godly does not happen over night. It depends the strength of our foundation: our fear and reverence for the LORD, which if we are honest, wavers. The challenge today is to fear the Lord always for it is the beginning of a good and perfect things. Then our key very will be manifested in our life.
13 Comments:
Good Morning Ladies,
You would think that getting up at 5 am would assure me some time not to be disturbed...my quiet time alone with God and reflection with "Wendy and Friends" each morning. The study of Proverbs is wonderful, fascinating, breath-taking, etc. Yet, as I try to soak it all in, the dog needs let outside, the cat runs in, my son get up and wants to go into work with me today, etc. lol
Karen, I enjoyed your advice to Kristen, yesterday. As we all seek to grow into Godly women, it really doesn't happen overnight(as Wendy so eloquently stated)it is really important to remember that life's challenges are draining and we need to be filled daily with his word so that we can grow in His wisdom.
Wow, I really enjoy the study of Proverbs.
Nancy
Wendy, I spent time last night researching the meaning of "godly" too for my post today! ;o) I certainly haven't "arrived" (or doubt I will this side of heaven), but I believe my feet are walking the right path.
The verse that jumped off the page at me, and you referred to here was, "The hopes of the godly result in happiness..." Proverbs 10:28
In order to even consider my hopes resulting in happiness, I had to first define 'godly'. Then, my thoughts ran to my 'hopes'. I know I can't claim this verse as a promise (you reminded us of that on Wednesday), but the possibility is there. Solomon did observe a consistancy in this general truth.
Last night fresh hope was breathed into my heart. A window of opportunity just might be opening in regards to my Dad's long-term care. Although we have been informed to expect at least an 8 month stay at this present, unpleasant location, through a phone call we have been given hope that just maybe...maybe...a move could take place much sooner. Oh friends, will you join me in praying for God to move mountains on our behalf. What happiness it would bring to have Dad settled in a place that would be good for him and for us and this part of our journey over.
I realize these are circumstantial hopes that are conditional, however, properly placed hope comes with a guarantee. ALL hope can result in happiness when placed in the Lord because regardless of the outcome we can know the joy of the Lord.
"I wait for the Lord, my soul waits and in His Word I put my hope." Psalm 130:5
Love to you all,
Joy
Hello to all and a great sunny morning here in Illinois...finally some much needed sunshine!
I loved so many of the verses this morning...too many to list here but did so in my journal.
Here's a couple that spoke to me...
"The wise are glad to be instructed, but babbling fools fall flat on their faces." and...
"
Too much talk leads to sin, Be sensible and keep your mouth shut."
Ouch...I love to talk. LOL I bet you can't tell from my long posts. LOL. God is always calling to me..."Be still and know that I am God!"
I also loved....but the godly have a lasting foundation. It's has been so important in my life, especially the valley times to have that foundation in which to build upon. And that foundation is knowing God through Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. That foundation allows me to turn or return to Him when the "storms of life" hit hard. It is a firm foundation that cannot be shaken.
Joy, Keep holding on to that life rope of HOPE! All things are possible in Him who gives us that firm foundation! Thinking of you!
Love from Debbie in Illinois
Goodmorning All,
'To God be the Glory, great things He has done!!' Thank you for all the prayers that went up on my behalf this week, it was greatly appreciated. The surgery went well and I am now at home, for the next seven weeks, resting and believing for total healing and recovery.
Wendy, your insights are devine, thank you for them. I focused on three of your words in particular this morning; live longer and godly. Both were clearly defined and described in your writing. Just another example of how God provides clear and concise instructions and guidance to us through His word. All we have to do is read or hear the word and obey!!!
Be Blessed All!!
Chanan
Bahamas
p.s Joy, you and your family are in my thoughts. All is well Diane, faith is the key!
Ladies,
Please pray for me, it is one of those days I catch my breath. My world feels like it is falling apart. I know that God is bigger than all of it, but it is just wearing on my soul.
Diane
Just got caught up and back on track with my readings this morning! Praise God! Starting of summer and changing my work schedule had me behind quite a bit. Thank you all for your insight and for sharing your life with us. Thank you, Wendy, for the clarification of the difference b/w proverbs and promises - as I read I really had some questions about that and after getting online and reading the blogs - I understand much better!
Yes, these reading have truly challenged me - I pray to do away with my manipulation of people and trying to put a "godly" name to it - it is what it is and God will be the one to work in someone else's life - it is not my responsibility and it is sinful! This is especially true of things I do and thoughts I have toward my husband, yet I wonder why God will not answer my prayers for a pure, loving and truthful marriage. God's word is so trustworthy to expose my sin! Hallelujah!
Love the comment earlier this week quoting 2 Peter 1:3-10. God's divine power has given us EVERYTHING we need for life and godliness! Amen!
Praying for you, Diane. Don't let any lies of the enemy pentrate your mind and just release to God and continue to search his word for your answers and your peace and your joy! He is there and will keep your path straight!
I had a wonderful time catching up this am and praying for all you gals. Praising God and celebrating with you, Chanan! Please know that you all have changed my life by your encouragement to be in the word daily and by sharing your struggles.
A beautiful day here - about to watch LSU baseball game with my family! Geaux Tigers!
Sheryl
There are so many on this forum that are hurting in so many areas and it is hard to understand what Paul meant in Romans 8:28 when he said, " All things work together for good..." so I want to copy what David Jeremiah said on his devotion this morning.
"When we experience pain, it's difficult to believe that anything good could come of it. But if, in those difficult times, we can reflect upon the life and cross of our Lord Jesus, it may be easier for us to see that God truly does have a plan and purpose for pain in our life. That purpose may not be clear when we are blinded by the pain and sorrow, but we can rest assured that in the end we will be able to say, "Thank you Lord, for my hurting." "
I hope this gives some of you some encouragement. I've hurt, too, and wondered how it could be true...all things work together for good...how could any good come out of my hurt, caused by another, terrible hurt, but those are the times I really rely on Him. I am praying for all of you everyday, that you can keep focused on Him in the midst of your pain and problems.
The Proverbs are so full of nuggets of gold, how can we possibly glean in one day all that the Lord has for us. I look forward every day to reading what all of you glean from His Word.
Jan TN
Diane...praying for you. I hate it when our world crumbles...but His won't. May the Lord replace your weary with His rest. Yoked together with you my friend.
Hugs,
Joy
Ouch, Sheryl, your words are very true, "...my manipulation of people and trying to put a "godly" name to it..." The godly must truly draw from the wisdom God offers, lest we think we are too smart for our own britches :)
10:25 "When the storms of life come, the wicked are whirled away, but the godly have a lasting foundation." I can surely relate to this one - and my testimonies are built on that Foundation!
But it was another Proverb that caught my attention today. 10:3, "The Lord will not let the godly go hungry, but He refuses to satisfy the craving of the wicked."
It doesn't say the wicked won't get an abudance of whatever they want; but no matter how much they receive, they will never be satisfied. They will be left empty, never content, always wanting more, searching... the craving will never be satisfied, until that have tasted the Bread of Life.
I may not get what I want, but God will provide what I need... only He can satisfy my craving. "I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content..." Phil 4:12
Good Afternoon,
Well, I chuckled when I read "your long post comment" Debbie...I was so excited to share some of God's Glory this morning, when I was finished...I pushed "publish"...and it rejected my comments (!!!) saying they were too long! I won't tell you how many words I wrote! Ouch! So much I want to say and not enough space dear sisters.
I have to say that I just love each one of you to pieces and I wish I had the space to let each know how much your words help me EVERY SINGLE day!
As I was talking to God this morning he whispered your comments, Debbie, from yesterday:
"teach me Lord to see what your will is in every situation or circumstance." Dear Girlfriends...our sufferings, our "d.'s," our situations, our circumstances are meant to be a part of our days. When Satan throws us a thought, or allows our big tow to begin the slippage into the pity party-mode"...we NEED to say, 'get-behind me!" You are talking to a God fearing person! Don't you remember Satan, I'm God's little princess. My God is bigger than you! I revere my God! I"m on his side. See ya later Satan. I'm choosing to praise and thank my Father so you're just wasting your time! :)
I'm so in awe right now of my BIG GOD. The Glory He has shown me this week is only something He could have accomplished. And, Sheryl what you said about God being the one to work in others' lives...This hit me hard! How I want everyone to be a Christian in my family. God's timing. Waiting on Him. Doing what HE sets before us and "rejoicing before the LORD your God in everything you put your hand to." Giving up the control and letting God be the leader.
One more thing, Wendy, when you mentioned the verse, "Wisdom will muliply your days..." God showed me that He multiplies our minutes in our days WHEN we are in HIS WILL. He let's us get the things done that are necessary, when we put Him first. Thank you for the verse! God is filling you up with good stuff!
Catch my prayers ladies...and extra ones coming your way dear Diane! Joy, you continue to bless my socks off with your daily insight. Praying for doors to swing wide open for your dad. Looking up at the sky this morning, I saw clearly, as blue as it was, that we all serve a BIG GOD. A God that truly does have our best interest at heart!
Lori- AZ
Another observation of 10:28, "The hopes of the godly result in happiness, but the expectations of the wicked come to nothing."
We need to be careful not to confuse happiness with pleasure. Pleasure is momentary, while happiness is a sustained emotion.
Pleasure is a moment of happy in an experience. Like riding a roller coaster; when the ride is finished, the pleasure is gone.
Happiness is an attitude that even though the ride is over, I had fun and hope to do it again. However, if the ride made me sick then my attitude is not a happy one! lol
Not really sure I'm explaining this right - but hopefully you get my meaning. I need to run so can't process my thoughts on this some more :/
Enjoy your weekend!
Susan
Ladies, what a blessing to read all your comments today. I have had a super busy day so I have tried to stop in off and on and read what has been posted. Love all your insights and Wendy your leadership in this journey. Prayers for all of you right now. I know so many have heavy hearts and tough situations. I am seeking God in things in my own life as well. Learning to give things up even more than I have in the past and trust in His timing, knowing that it will not be mine, but all His for His glory.
{{Hugs and Prayers}}
Brandee, TN
Sweet Friends, thank you so very much for all your sweet prayers and words of encouragement. To me, they were like a hot bath I could soak in to relax and renew.
I am loving the Proverbs too, but for some reason I want to share with you the verses I believe we can all stand to read today. They are the ones I am holding onto.
"The one who calls you is faithful and HE will do it." (1 Thes. 5:24)
"In Him and through faith in Him we may approach God with FREEDOM and CONFIDENCE." (Eph. 3:12)
"Telling you, 'You're my servant, serving on my side. I've picked you. I haven't dropped you.' Don't panic. I'm with you. There's no need to fear for I'm your God. I'll give you the strength. I'll help you. I'll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you." (Isa 49:9-10 in The Message)
Lifting you all up in hugs and prayers. Hang in their sweet sisters. His mercies are new every morning!!!!
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