Due Diligence in Distinguishing Dialects (Proverbs 9:13-18)

We have covered the call of wisdom in this chapter, and as we end this chapter we will cover the call of foolishness. I tis interesting, as we will find, that Solomon translates the call of foolishness the same as eh does the call of wisdom. I visited this idea in the blog entry, "Distinguishing Dialects".

"The foolish woman is noisy; she is simple and open to all forms of evil; she [willfully and recklessly] knows nothing whatever [of eternal value]." Proverbs 9:13, Amplified

It is not necessarily the words of either wisdom or foolishness that we need to immediately concern ourselves with. Rather the actions of either will be sufficient in determining which path to follow. Wisdom prepares a place of long term lodging, she gets things ready for us. Wisdom sends her servants out to invite us all to a feast. Foolishness, however, is loud and obnoxious. She cares nothing about the eternal value of things and she is focused solely on evil. There is no mistaking foolishness and wisdom when we take heed to the action that each one takes in life. But if we do not perform our due diligence, then we too are in danger of being ensnared by the wiles of foolishness.

"For she sits at the door of her house, or on a seat in the conspicuous places of the town, calling to those who pass by, who go uprightly in their way..." Proverbs 9:14-15, Amplified

Foolishness is lazy and expects others to complete the tasks of evil and frivolity for her. She sits at the door of her own house and calls to those who pass by. But everyone is not her demographic. she targets those who go uprightly in their way. Those who have already been ensnared by the wiles of the devil have no need for foolishness to seek them out. She targets only those who are on a different path, a better path. It is like those new commercials on television for MGD 64. There are only 64 calories in this particular beer, but if you were to get only 64 calories in any other drink, then you would really receive nothing. So please drink this beer, because it is healthier than any other alternative and you get a whole bottle's worth. Marketers know how to market and push their product. They speak in a language that certain consumers can understand. They appeal to a certain mindset. This commercial is geared toward those who are health conscious but wish to have a more fun social life. MGD 64 promises to bring that fun, without the hassle of weight gain.

"Whoever is simple, wavering and easily led astray, let him turn in here! And as for him who lacks understanding, she says to him..." Proverbs 9:16, Amplified

This is where we must put two and two together. The message of wisdom and folly are identical (though in this version of the Bible they differ slightly). It is the action of the two that we must pay heed to, then make a decision and follow the voice of the one that we choose. I pray that the choice will always be for wisdom. But the message of foolishness does not end here.

"Stolen waters [pleasures] are sweet [because they are forbidden], and bread eaten in secret is pleasant." Proverbs 9:17, Amplified

There is something alluring about doing what is wrong. The forbidden things in life seem to be all the more sweet because of the nature of sin. I will have to say that in my own experience I have to say that this is a very true statement. There have been times that I have felt the pleasures of sin in secret and enjoyed every minute of it because it was taboo. But what foolishness refuses to disclose, is that emptiness fills the soul of one given over to sin. It soon becomes a race to fill that void with stolen bread. It is impossible. Wisdom, however, has a feast where there is meat and wine available to the consumer. There is substance to the things that wisdom offers, whereas foolishness will offer nothing of her own invention.

"But he does not know that the shades of the dead are there [specters haunting the scene of past transgressions], and that her invited guests are [already sunk] in the depths of Sheol [the lower world, Hades]." Proverbs 9:18, Amplified

If our due diligence is not performed when both wisdom and foolishness call, then we can expect to fall into the clutches of foolishness. It is our nature to turn in a different direction than God. All who have partaken in certain lifestyles that sin offers have died, but the pleasures of the moment overcome the stories of the past. Sinners partaking in sin do not think that the same end will come upon them, but I am here to say that things have not changed in a long time. When we think of Sodom we think of sexual sin, am I right? But the true sin of Sodom was listed for us in Ezekiel, "Look, this was the iniquity of you sister Sodom: She and her daughter had pride, fullness of food, and abundance of idleness; neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy. And they were haughty and committed abomination before Me; therefore I took them away as I saw fit." (Ezekiel 16:49-50, NKJV) This sin that is normally attributed to Sodom is actually listed very last.

The point that I am trying to make is that foolishness will distract in anyway possible. As long as you are better than the next guy, then you are not that bad. To partake in any of the stolen water or bread of folly is truly a mistake. Pleasures last a moment, but the teachings of wisdom last a lifetime.

Forget Film Franchise Fear (Proverbs 9:10-12)

When we think of fear in this day and age I feel that we go straight to the things associated with fear. Freddy Kruger, Jason, Michael Meyers from the various horror film franchises. But true fear begins in the heart with the Lord. This fear is not like you would find in the movie theater where your date holds your hand simply because she is scared. This fear is a respect, a reverence. This fear is very personal as we will see in today's reading.

"The reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord is the beginning [the chief and choice part] of Wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight to understanding." Proverbs 9:10, Amplified

Wisdom begins in the fear of the Lord. If we respect our teachers in life, we are more prone to listen to what they have to teach us. The same thing can be said of the Lord. To respect the Lord is to read His Word, pray everyday and take what we have received from Him and apply it in our lives. Jonah was a man who at one time did not fear the Lord. He became defiant, so much so that he ended up at the bottom of the ocean in the belly of a fish. Is this where our lack of fear needs to take us before we really understand? The Lord does not desire to have us all in the belly of fishes. He would much rather we go to our Ninevites and complete the task that is given to us. When Jonah finally got to his destination, the entire nation received what the Lord had to give them as well. Are we too selfish to share what the Lord is giving to us? Respect the Lord with everything that is within you for you never know how you might be used to affect the world, or just a single life.

"For by me [Wisdom from God], your days shall be multiplied and the years of your life shall be increased." Proverbs 9:11, Amplified

With wisdom from God comes a longer life. Wisdom from God creates a cleaner living environment for ourselves. Better choices are made for ourselves. Notice the theme right now. It is very personal, very me centered. Our walk with the Lord does not include anyone else. It is like this bubble that no one else can enter. My fear, my respect effects my relationship with the Lord, and the same can be said of you and yours.

"If you are wise, you are wise for yourself; if you scorn, you alone will bear it and pay the penalty." Proverbs 9:12, Amplified

This fear that we have will bring with is longer life and a multitude of days and I alone will benefit. However, if I scoff at the gentle rebukes and kind instruction of the Lord I will have no one else to blame but myself. AS I stated before, our walk with the Lord is very personal, the choices we make in that walk are blessings, or curses, that we alone will have to deal with. Either respect the Lord and live, or scorn the Lord and pay the penalty. Decide today.

Rebuke, Reproof, Correction (Proverbs 9:7-9)

There are two types of people in the world, the wise and the foolish. Both exist simultaneously and the Christian has interaction with the both of them. Correction, however, is not for both the fool and the wise. A fool can never receive the correction that I wise man can because he fool will never see (nor can he see) the error of his ways. A wise man understands that there may be times when his path is not correct, that his feet are not planted on the assuredness of God's Word.

"He who rebukes a scorner heaps upon himself abuse, and he who reproves a wicked man gets for himself bruises." Proverbs 9:7, Amplified

The foolish is never ready to listen or the understand the errors of his path. The scorner will divert the energy of the rebuke back upon the rebuker. The sinner must feel good about himself, so turning the attention of the people away from his error is the best tactic.

"Reprove a scorner, lest he hate you; reprove a wise man and he will love you." Proverbs 9:8, Amplified

The scornful will only harden their heart at the words of rebuke. The Bible in no way is telling not to rebuke the fool or the scorner or the sinner. It is merely giving us an understanding as to what we are up against when we want to correct the worldly minded. The sinner lives in darkness, therefore he cannot stan the light of rebuke. A cover of hate must flood out the words of rebuke.

The wise on the other hand enjoy the words of rebuke. That joy may not be apparent at the time, but in the end it will be evident. The like minded in Christ must keep each other like minded in Christ. For that, love and appreciation will be administered through the rebuke and the acceptance of that rebuke.

"Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser; teach a righteous man - one upright and in right standing with God - and he will increase in learning." Proverbs 9:9, Amplified

It seems a little oxymoronic to teach a wise man anything. But in truth the wise man understands his need for more wisdom. The righteous man's heart is always open to new understanding of the ways of God. The wise and righteous man's hearts must be open to this newness to really understand the rejection put forth by the foolish man. Daily knowledge for the wise man is gained through the reading of God's Word and the practical application of that same Word.

Distinguishing Dialects (Proverbs 9:1-6)

Wisdom and folly have a similar agenda, both wish to convert humanity. What I mean by this is that either one calls out desiring to grab hold of our hearts. We must then learn how to distinguish between the two. It is like having a gentleman from England and a gentleman from Australia standing in front of you. Not knowing where either is from, can you determine the home land of either? The process may be difficult, but it is possible. Each accent differs from the other. Wisdom and folly are the same way, only the message differs slightly.

"Wisdom has built her house, she has hewn out out and set up her seven [perfect number of] pillars." Proverbs 9:1, Amplified

Wisdom has prepared a place for humanity to reside. The house is built on seven pillars, perhaps on center pillar with six peripheral pillars, each one dependent on the other. Seven is the number of perfection or completion. Seven days complete one week; seven color make up the rainbow - white light breaks down into red, orange, yellow, green, blue and purple. But what are the seven pillars that make up the house of wisdom? "But wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy." (James 3:17, NKJV) I do not believe in coincidences in the Bible, I believe that James wrote under the inspiration of the Spirit and this Easter egg was placed here for us to find.

"She has killed her beasts, she has mixed her [spiritual] wine, she has also set her table." Proverbs 9:2, Amplified

There is a feast being prepared for the recipients of wisdom. A certain reward awaits humanity when it heeds the call of wisdom. But even before the call goes out to humanity, wisdom prepares the feat. True wisdom prepares, how many can someone expect to heed the call of wisdom? It is unknown, yet wisdom takes the opportunity to prepare.

"She has sent out her maids to cry from the highest places of the town, Whoever is simple [easily led astray, wavering], let him turn in here! As for him who lacks understanding, [God's] Wisdom says to him, Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the [spiritual] wine which I have mixed." Proverbs 9:3-5, Amplified

In the New King James version of the Bible, verses 4 and 16 are identical. This is where we need to differentiate the dialects. Both calls appeal to the simple. Both calls cater to those who do not understand. It is the result of heeding the call that separates the two. I will not give away the result of heeding folly, yet. However, if the call of wisdom is heeded then a feast ha already been prepared for humanity to partake in. Time and effort has gone into this preparation as well as skill and care.

"Leave off, simple ones - forsake the foolish and simple-minded - and live! And walk in the way of insight and understanding." Proverbs 9:6, Amplified

When the call of wisdom is heeded, a lifestyle change must take place. Notice how those who heeded are not called wise as of yet. She tells the simple to "leave off". Wisdom takes time to cultivate in the hearts and minds of men. But to initiate that cultivation one must begin with some outside influences. Forsake the simple-minded around you. There are those who are not as like-minded as you and would throw stumbling blocks in your path. To forsake the simple-minded leaves all the more room for the voice of wisdom. Less static translates to better reception.

Blessing of Wisdom (Proverbs 8:32-36)

There is a certain blessing that comes to a man when he obtains wisdom. Life seems to get better with the wisdom that he has found. However, when that same wisdom is denied by man, his life will go down a slippery slope. You see the way of wisdom is an upward progression. If one were to choose the way of folly there is only one other direction to travel, downward.

"Now therefore listen to me, O you sons; for blessed - happy, fortunate [to be envied] - are those who keep my ways." Proverbs 8:32, Amplified

Happy and fortunate is the man who not only find the way of wisdom, but also keep it. There is a certain care that goes into "keeping" something. One can find a number of things in life, but until one takes the time to keep it, then it truly has no value for that individual. "For where your treasure is there will be you heart also." (Matthew 6:21, NKJV) The cultivation of wisdom is the key here. Keep it, take care of it, love it but do not forsake it.

"Hear instruction and be wise, and do not refuse or neglect it." Proverbs 8:33, Amplified

A part of truly becoming wise is the acceptance of instruction. Instruction is not necessarily synonymous with discipline. One can receive instruction without discipline. I currently work in a school and daily I am in a class helping to instruct. I do not go into the children with a belt or whip in my hand. Instruction is never forced, it must be received. I try to have the gentle hands needed to guide the impressionable minds of these young children. They have the option to neglect what I am trying to teach them. It is solely their responsibility to either accept or reject the instruction that I have. In truth, the instruction of myself or their teachers will ultimately leave them in a better position than when they first started the day.

"Blessed - happy, fortunate [to be envied] - is the man who listens to me, watching at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors. Whoever finds me [Wisdom] finds life, and shall draw forth and obtain favor of the Lord." Proverbs 8:34-35, Amplified

There are those who seek wisdom out on a daily basis, waiting for any morsel that may fall from her table. Blessed are those who find those morsels. If wisdom cannot be found where we are the we must go to it, we must seek it out. The intensity of the search reveals the desire of the heart. In finding wisdom one comes into life and favor with the Lord. This is not a coincidence or a hope, it is a promise.

"But he who misses me or sins against me wrongs and injures himself; all who hate me love and court death." Proverbs 8:36, Amplified

We must understand this one spiritual truth, if we are not for the Lord then we are against Him. There is no neutral ground here. To not love wisdom is to hate it. This word hate used by Solomon is speaking of a personal hatred. It is like that one person that you do not like just because. When asked why you hate, no definite answer can be given. To not love wisdom is to treat it in the same fashion. As I stated earlier, if we are not traveling in the upward direction of wisdom then we are traveling in the other direction. To turn your back on wisdom is to turn and face death.

Wisdom Predates Creation (Proverbs 8:22-31)

Even before the creation of the world, wisdom was with the Lord. This is a really complicated thought. If the Lord created wisdom what was He before its existence? The creation of wisdom was not for the Lord, rather for man. Our God is omniscient, all-knowing. The Lord created wisdom as a tool of creation and as a way for man to identify with the Creator through the study of creation. Wisdom riddles creation.

"The Lord formed and brought me [Wisdom] forth at the beginning of His way, before His acts of old. I [Wisdom] was inaugurated and ordained from everlasting, from the beginning, before ever the earth existed." Proverbs 8:22-23, Amplified

Wisdom was instrumental in the creation of the world. The Lord ordained wisdom to be a key factor in the creation of the world. There is a scarlet thread that runs through the Bible. From the beginning to the end of the Bible we can find Jesus on every single page, the plan of the Lord in every single book. Without intelligence and wisdom, our God would have never been able to do this. The Lamb of God was slain even before the foundation of the world was laid.

"When there was no deeps, I was brought forth, when there were no fountains laden with water. Before the mountains were settled, before the hills I was brought forth; while as yet He had not made land, or the fields, or the first of the dust of the earth." Proverbs 8:24-26, Amplified

On the third day of creation the Lord created the dry land. Wisdom led the Lord to separate the light from the darkness even before creating the dry land. The firmament was created before the dry land as well; these were the waters above the waters. It is believed that this was a blanket of precipitation that worked in the same fashion as a green house and were also instrumental in the destruction of the earth. Before the first, second and third days wisdom stood steadfast with the Lord.

"When He prepared the heavens, I [Wisdom] was there; when he drew a circle upon the face of the deep, and stretched out the firmament over it, when He made firm the skies above, when He established the fountains of the deep, When He gave to the sea its limit and His decree that the waters should not transgress [across the boundaries set by] HIs command, when He appointed the foundations of the earth; Then I [Wisdom] was beside Him as a master and director of the work; and was daily His delight, rejoicing before Him always, rejoicing in His inhabited earth and delighting the sons of men." Proverbs 8:27-31, Amplified

By wisdom the Lord set limits to the waters of the seas. Jeremiah the prophet wrote, "'Do you not fear Me?' says the Lord. 'Will you not tremble at My presence, who have placed the sand as the bound of the sea, by a perpetual decree, that it cannot pass beyond it? And though the waves to to and fro, they cannot prevail; though they roar, yet they cannot pass over it.'" (Jeremiah 5:22, NKJV) it is interesting because the Lord was comparing His people to the sea. The sea had a limit placed upon it, and it could not and would not pass. If a mindless body of water obeys the Lord, then what of the human heart? Why is it so hard for the heart of man to remain true to the Lord. Wisdom delights our Lord. Can we not then also delight our Lord through the application of wisdom?

The Possessions of Wisdom (Proverbs 8:12-21)

In this particular chapter we had the call of wisdom. She told us what she could do for us. Now in this section of the chapter wisdom is going to shows us her wares, if you will. After answering the call of wisdom, something happens inside of us all. It is when we possess wisdom that we begin to see as it see and hate as it hates and love as it loves.

"I, Wisdom [from God], have made prudence my dwelling, and I find out knowledge and discretion." Proverbs 8:12, Amplified

To be prudent is to act or show care for the future. Wisdom is a planner always looking toward the future and preparing us. In that preparation comes the search for knowledge and discretion which is always found by wisdom. I guess the next question to ask would be are we prudent in our lifestyles? If not, then we must ask ourselves why. Why am I not living prudently? If wisdom makes its home within prudence, then we too should become familiar with the application of prudent living.

"The reverent fear and worshipful awe of the Lord includes the hatred of evil. Pride, arrogance, the evil way, and perverted and twisted speech I hate." Proverbs 8:13, Amplified

Living prudently also includes the fear of the Lord. Now this is not the kind of fear found in a horror film. it is a reverent fear, it is a worshipful fear. In looking out for the future, one must realize that there are certain things that one cannot entangle himself with. To live prudently one must expel all evil from his life. Wisdom calls out four different things by name:

• Pride - By pride the devil fell. Now remember that pride is not how highly that one thinks of himself, it is how often. "For all that is in the world - the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life - is not of the Father but of this world." (I John 2:16, NKJV) Pride has no part in the Father so it too can have no part in us. Prudence will think of others first.
• Arrogance - This is another form of pride, but by definition it means, "having or revealing an exaggerated sense of one's own importance and abilities." Arrogance steal the spotlight and allows no one else the opportunities that you may fulfill. In other words, arrogance will never share the glory. It is possible to take too much on to oneself with every good intention, however, we must be careful where we place the glory. Prudence takes the humblest seat in the house.
• The evil way - Now this is obvious, or is it? Wisdom hates any other way in life that is not leading toward the upward calling of Jesus Christ. We should all share that same distaste for life which does not include our Lord. The narrow gate is the prudent path.
• Perverted and twisted speech - This is a particularly ensnaring thing. How do we address one another? What kind of jokes are we telling each other? We must be careful of our speech, because it is one of those things that as we get comfortable it becomes easier and easier to speak a certain way. Prudence nor wisdom will afford us to turn one away from God because of our speech. Prudence has a gentle tongue.

"I have counsel and sound knowledge, I have understanding, I have might and power. By me kings reign, and rulers decree justice. By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges and governors of the earth." Proverbs 8:14-16, Amplified

Counsel and knowledge belong to wisdom, so wisdom should have its place within the political realm. In America today, this seems like a less likely scenario. Our judiciary system does not seem like it acts either in prudence or wisdom. But I must remind, even myself, "Let every soul be subject tot he governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God." (Romans 13:1, NKJV) This included Caesar Nero in the early Christian era, who would ride naked in his garden to the light of burning Christians.

"I love those who love me, and those who seek me early and diligently will find me." Proverbs 8:17, Amplified

There is a promise to those who seek for wisdom. If wisdom is sought out, it will be found. Now the qualifier to that statement is that the search must be diligent. There is a certain blessing in being persistent and a satisfaction when what we look for if found. Think of it as young children looking for Easter eggs. All search for the pastel treasures, but one will emerge victorious. That one child will be the victor because he (or she) found the most. Their search was more diligent, their hunger and appetite was stronger. The same can be said of wisdom and the search for it. Will you search like you will be the victor? Will you emerge the winner having more in your basket than the others? The good thing about wisdom, however, is that there is not a shortage out there. There is no inventory of wisdom, all can be diligent and search out wisdom and emerge victorious for themselves and their families and their God.

"Riches and honor are with me, enduring wealth, and righteousness [that is, uprightness in every area and relation, and right standing with God]. My fruit is better than gold, yes, than refined gold, and my increase than choice silver." Proverbs 8:18-19, Amplified

Solomon knew this truth first hand. He was asked by God what he wanted when he became king of Israel. Solomon chose wisdom to rule the people of Israel over riches and fame and everything else. Gold and silver and precious stones cannot comfort the soul the way that wisdom can. Nor can riches solve the problems of life, only postpone the outcome of certain events. But wise and prudent living will make for a joyful life.

"I [Wisdom] walk in the way of righteousness [of moral and spiritual rectitude in every area and relation], in the midst of the paths of justice, that I may cause those who love me to inherit [true] riches, and that I may fill their treasuries." Proverbs 8:20-21, Amplified

Wisdom will never deviate from the righteous path. To follow and pursue wisdom, one must walk the righteous path as well. Prudence and wisdom, hand in hand, will lead us to true riches, and that s our Lord and Savior Jesus.

Wisdom Cries Out (Proverbs 8:1-11)

Everyday, wisdom calls out to man. It is the duty of wisdom to ensure that man is well equipped to sustain himself in life. Too many times, however, man has ignored the call of wisdom. Wisdom is excellent and she desires to bestow her gifts upon man, but he must first heed the call.

"Does not skillful and godly wisdom cry out, and understanding raise her voice? [In contrast to the loose woman.] Proverbs 8:1, Amplified

I am not sure if this is the idea that Solomon was trying to convey, but the translator of the Amplified Bible seems to think so. It is interesting how the loose woman of chapter seven was discrete and walked around searching out the simple. If chapter seven and eight are one continues proverbs, then yes I would agree with the translation of this translation.

With all the other translations that I have read over the years I have never interpreted this verse in quite this fashion. Wisdom has always been calling out for man. Within one century man went from driving in horse drawn carriages to flying to the moon. Advances in medicine are being made everyday. All this wisdom is given by the Lord, but the true wisdom that Solomon is speaking of is the moral wisdom of life. How is one to live his life on this earth. Morally and ethically. I believe that not all Christians have truly heard and heeded this call of wisdom. But the day is coming when all will understand, and all will know. Wisdom cannot and will not be ignored forever.

"On the top of the heights beside the way where the paths meet, stands Wisdom, skillful and godly..." Proverbs 8:2, Amplified

Did you catch that? Wisdom stands by the way where the paths meet. In other words, Wisdom stands at the cross roads in life. There are certain junctures in life where wisdom makes herself available. When you have two doors open for career opportunity, pray for wisdom. Finances are tight and you have one of two bills to pay, pray for wisdom.

Wisdom also makes her stand in the heights. she is hidden from no one. There are no secret hand shakes, no elusive quests. Pray for wisdom, listen for the cry of wisdom. Wisdom will be found by any who seek it out.

"At the gates of the city at the entrance of the town, at the coming in at the doors she cries out..." Proverbs 8:3, Amplified

The city gates is where the elders would sit and all important decisions would be made. When reading the book of Ruth, the finale takes place at the gate of the city. If a man were to seek out wisdom, it is there that he would go.

I love the Lord. He is making painfully obvious that wisdom is readily available to everyone who will heed the call. Not only is that wisdom available, but also where to find wisdom.

"To you, O men, I call, and my voice is directed tot he sons of men. O you simple and thoughtless, understand prudence; and, you [self-confident] fools, be of an understanding heart." Proverbs 8:4-5, Amplified

Wisdom call out and first states to whom she is addressing herself. She is calling to all men and all generations. She is calling out to the simple and the foolish. To both she calls for an understanding. The heart is where all growth begins. In the parable of the Sower in Matthew 13, Jesus speaks of the four different types of soils and only one is ready to hear and understand and receive the Word which will bring forth either a thirty, sixty or a hundred fold of what was sown. "Wisdom and knowledge will be the stability of your times..." (Isaiah 32:6, NKJV) Today is a day of wisdom.

"Hear, for I speak excellent and princely things; and the opening of my lips shall be for right things." Proverbs 8:6, Amplified

What wisdom speaks is excellent and right. She even speaks princely things. This tells us that we will receive the same wisdom as royalty. Wisdom does not change nor is it biased. The prince and the pauper receive the same wisdom. The thief and the priest receive the same wisdom. Right and excellent is the way of wisdom.

"For my mouth shall utter truth, and wrong doing is detestable and loathsome to my lips. All the words of my mouth are righteous - upright and in right standing with God; there is nothing contrary to truth or crooked in them." Proverbs 8:7-8, Amplified

Wisdom is in this place of right standing with God. We cannot pull it down to our level, rather we must step up into wisdom. As we heed the call of wisdom, all wrong doing will become detestable and loathsome to ourselves. In heeding the wisdom of God, we begin to take on the traits of that wisdom. We become in right standing with God. We come to a place in our walk where we are no longer living contrary to God, nor is the path of our feet crooked, rather straight and narrow.

"They are all plain to him who understands [and opens his heart], and right to those who find knowledge [and live by it]." Proverbs 8:9, Amplified

Once we come to a place of openness, we come to find that the truths and ways of wisdom are very plain. In Greek mythology, for a hero to find wisdom he had to subject himself to fantastic tasks. It seemed impossible, and was intended to do so. Man was never intended to receive the knowledge of the gods. But our one God desires for us to have that wisdom, to live decent and prudent lives. Once that acceptance of the heart comes, then we can live out wisdom through practical application. As we live out this wisdom in our lives one can find there is no wrong found in right living.

"Receive my instruction in preference to [striving for] silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold; for skillful and godly Wisdom is better than rubies or pearls, and all the things that may be desired are not compared to it." Proverbs 8:10-11, Amplified

Riches and wealth and the acquisition of stuff cannot be compared to rubies or gold or silver. How is a ruby supposed to help you in making a moral decision? It cannot. As a matter of fact, it has been proven throughout the years that riches have corrupted the heart. True wisdom has no price on it. It is free for all who seek for it and it is priceless for those who find it. "But where can wisdom be found? And where is the place of understanding? Man does not know its value, nor is it found in the land of the living. The deep says, 'It is not in me.'; the sea says, 'It is not with me.' It cannot be purchased for gold, nor can silver be weighed for its price." (Job 28:12-15, NKJV)

The call of wisdom is not finished. Wisdom has more to say.

Be Inclined to Decline Her Ways (Proverbs 7:24-27)

After Solomon tells the story of himself looking through the lattice as the young man goes to the harlot, he again reiterates the one main theme of the book of Proverbs. "Keep my words." It is any child's worst nightmare to have his or her parents constantly tell them "Listen to what I have to say," "I know what I am talking about," or "I've been there already." As the child grows it becomes more apparent that he indeed should have listened to his parents, and he is now the one in the shoes of the parent telling his own child the same things. This is what he Bible does for us. It is a book of wisdom from God urging us to listen and follow its instructions.

"Listen to me now therefore, O my sons, and be attentive to the words of my mouth. Let not your heart incline toward her ways, do not stray into her paths." Proverbs 7:24-25, Amplified

Listen, therefore. Whenever we see a therefore we must find out what it is there for. Solomon had just finished a long discourse on watching a young man go down the oath of a harlot. Because of the outcome of the situation, Solomon is urging his sons to listen to his words. No longer is Solomon just telling them about the dangers of sin, but he has cited an example of what that sin might and will do to them.

It is interesting to note that the Amplified Bible translates verse twenty-five as "incline" to the path of the harlot, whereas the original King James reads, "decline". There is not much difference between the two words. The inclination would be a "favorable disposition toward someone or something," whereas the decline would be an actual downward motion. In the original text the words means to "deviate from duty." Our duty as good Christian men is to not deviate from the path prescribed to us by our Lord and Savior. Take the narrow gate.

"For she has cast down many wounded; indeed, all her slain are a mighty host." Proverbs 7:26, Amplified

Many strong men have been brought down by women. We see this in the political scene almost daily know as married men give themselves over to women. Despite all the good that Bill Clinton did in office, his most remembered act would involve a blue dress, a cigar and a young intern. Solomon was also one of these strong men who was brought down by women. "Did not Solomon the king of Israel sin by these things? Yet among many nations there was no king like him, who was beloved of God; and God made him king over all Israel. Nevertheless pagan women caused even him to sin." (Nehemiah 13:26, NKJV)

"Her house is the way to Sheol [Hades, the place of the dead] going down to the chambers of death." Proverbs 7:27, Amplified

There can be nothing good that comes from a relationship with a harlot. In the end it will be death. Maybe not a physical death, but we have seen many different politicians die a professional death as they have been caught in compromising situations. if one must be discrete in a relationship, then the relationship should probably not be.

But Solomon's language here is pretty adamant. Her ways lead to hell. "Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God." (I Corinthians 6:9-10, NKJV) Do not be deceived, nothing is hidden from the eyes of the Lord. The Word of God is living and powerful. It is true, was true and will continually be true for the rest of eternity.

Through the Lattice (Proverbs 7:6-23)

This next portion of the proverbs is a story of a young man who was enticed by a harlot. I am not sure if it is allegorical or actual, but it seems to me that Solomon had observed this happening. Up until now, Solomon has been drawing on life experience, why be allegorical now? Remember that wisdom is knowledge gained through experience. So I would have to assume that this entire event played out in front of Solomon.

"For at the window of my house I looked through my lattice, and among the simple [empty-headed and empty-hearted] ones, I perceived among the youths a young man void of good sense, sauntering through the streets near the [loose woman's] corner; and he went the way to her house, in the twilight, in the evening; night black and dense was falling [over the young man's life]." Proverbs 7:6-9, Amplified

As Solomon was sitting at the window of his house he was observing his subjects. Among his subjects he observed a young man. This particular young man was walking near the house of the woman in question. Now youth brings many different things like stamina and excitement and curiosity, but it also brings a lack of wisdom and pride. Solomon understood this. For this very reason, Solomon recorded the proverbs for his son to draw wisdom from.

But this young man was walking near her house, near her corner. If this woman was indeed a harlot then many people would know that this particular corner is where she could be found. Though this young man was void of understanding, he was full of the deceit of lust. It was in the evening, in the twilight when he began his trek to her house. Under the cover of darkness, sin is easier to commit. We want out bad deeds to remain under lock and key where nobody knows, but in truth there is always someone watching.

"And lo, there met him a woman dressed as a harlot, and sly and cunning in heart." Proverbs 7:10, Amplified

Who knew that when the young man walked near her house that he would be met by a harlot? I think that he did. You see sin will always be a convenient thing. It is readily available. Sin can be likened to room service. Don't bother getting out of bed in the morning, just pick up the phone and order what you like. In a few minutes your meal comes to your door ready and hot and someone will even come into the room and set it up for you. This is a wonderful thing, but in the end the cost is high. It costs the wallet too much for room service just as sin costs the soul too much.

But this woman came to the young man dressed as a harlot. If sin were not enticing then we would all be perfect Christians. Sin dresses herself up to appeal to our wants and desires. A definitive moral choice must be made when confronted with sin, a hard choice.

"She is turbulent and willful; her feet stay not in her house; now in the streets, now in the market places, she sets her ambush at every corner." Proverbs 7:11-12, Amplified

Have sin, will travel. Sin has no problem coming to you. It lurks everywhere. The man given over to lust has an opportunity to sleep with different women in every city, state and country. The same can be said for pornography or drugs or any other vice. It lurks, it lies in wait and sin is very patient in waiting for the perfect victim.

"So she caught him and kissed him, and with an impudent face she said to him, sacrifices of peace offerings were due from me; this day I paid my vows." Proverbs 7:13-14, Amplified

The woman caught him and kissed him. Sin desires to catch us off guard.

It is interesting that this woman spoke to this young man in a way that he would understand. This young Jewish man would identify with sacrifices and peace offerings. "Here she seems rather to be hypocritically using the peace offerings required of Israelites as a further inducement to the young man. These offering implied that she was at peace with God and thus her invitation was quite appropriate." (Henry Morris)

"So I came forth to meet you [that you might share with me the feast from my offering]; diligently I sought your face, and I have found you." Proverbs 7:15, Amplified

Sin will make you feel special. She told him that she came out to meet him, she was seeking him out, he was the one chosen. Everyone desires to feel special. But she sought him out for the purpose of feasting. "The flesh of the sacrifice of his peace offering for thanksgiving shall be eaten the same day it is offered. he shall not leave any of it till morning. But if the sacrifice is offered as a vow or a voluntary offering, it shall be eaten the same day that he offers his sacrifice; but on the next day the remainder of it may also be eaten; the remainder of the flesh of the sacrifice on the third day must be burned with fire." (Leviticus 7:15-17, NKJV)

She was inviting him to partake in the feast of the peace offering sacrifice, but there was also a sense of urgency in that it needed to be eaten within the first two days. Better hurry before the opportunity leaves.

Remember too, that in the Eastern cultures, eating is a very intimate time.

"I have spread my couch with rugs and cushions of tapestry, with striped sheets of fine linen of Egypt..." Proverbs 7:16, Amplified

This couch that was decorated was what they were going to be lounging on as they dined. What she ultimately promised the young man was a luxurious experience. She had also draped her couch with sheets from Egypt. Egypt will always be a symbol of bondage in the Scriptures.

"I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes and cinnamon." Proverbs 7:17, Amplified

Do you see the progression? The interaction goes from the street, to the couch, to the bed. Sin is never satisfied until you are pulled in to the fullest.

Notice, as well, that sin appeals to the senses. First a meal was offered. The way to a man's heart is through his stomach. But look at the bed, it is covered with myrrh, aloes and cinnamon. Myrrh is a very powerful herb that has a very pungent and beautiful scent. Aloe is soothing to the touch. Cinnamon is a spice for food. These spices could be found in the far east and were very luxurious. When confronted with sin, for me, I always feel that what if this was a one time opportunity, what if I miss out? But in truth, sin is an all time opportunity. Turning our backs on that sin may be the last opportunity that we have before we pass away.

"Come, let us take our fill of love until the morning; let us console and delight ourselves with love." Proverbs 7:18, Amplified

See what sin does? First she seeks you out, she wants to seduce you. Then the opportunity before you is to be an active participant with sin, a mutual effort. "Let us take our fill." Remember that sin is a whore. She is coming to take you down, not to dine with you or make love to you, but to destroy you.

"For the man is not at home, he is gone on a long journey; he has taken a bag of money with him, and will come home at the appointed day - at the full moon." Proverbs 7:19-20, Amplified

I just had an interesting thought. Could this be in reference to Jesus? I know that for this time period it does not include Jesus, but the spiritual implications. But look at what is being said, the man is gone, he will come back on the appointed day. Jesus is gone, but He is coming again. Until then, do we have the opportunity to sin like we want or should we still live circumspect lives?

Sin is an admitted whore. The man is gone away, we have time to sin together. Three words of advice: Don't Do It.

"With her much justifying and enticing arguments she persuades him, with the allurements of her lips she leads him [to overcome his conscience and his fears] and forces him along. Suddenly he yields, and follows her reluctantly, like an ox moving to the slaughter, as one in fetters tot he correction given to the fool, [or as a dog enticed by food to the muzzle]..." Proverbs 7:21-22, Amplified

When we give sin a chance to justify itself, it seems to be a more and more practical solution to fill a need that we have. To walk down its street, to allow it to ambush and entice us is to give in to it. As sin enters the mind, expel it before it enters the heart. Any action that needs justification must first be questioned. If an action is questionable then it probably should not be done.

Giving in to sin is giving in to death. In the end, sin will destroy you, it takes everything from you and leaves nothing.

"Till a dart [of passion] pierces and inflames his vitals; then like a bird fluttering straight into the net, he hastens, not knowing that it cast his life." Proverbs 7:23, Amplified

We have an opportunity that this young man did not. We have Jesus as our Lord and Savior. We do not have to be like the ox going toward the slaughter, or the fool to the correction of the stocks or like the bird going toward the net. We can make to choice to not sin. My freedom in Christ allows me the freedom to not sin. I am justified I do not have to justify.

Keeping the Words of Wisdom (Proverbs 7:1-5)

I find it interesting that the Lord constantly prompted Solomon to remind his son to keep the words of knowledge. It seems that in every chapter so far Solomon reminds his son to keep his words close to his heart. I think what a child fails to understand at times is that a parent does not speak repetitively just to hear themselves speak, but to cause the child to remember. Solomon is going to suffix this idea of keeping the the words of knowledge close to heart by talking about a young man that he saw who was seduced by a harlot. That story will be covered tomorrow, but for today we will focus on keeping the words of knowledge.

"My Son, keep my words; lay up with you my commandments [for use when needed] and treasure them." Proverbs 7:1, Amplified

I work in a Christian school and every day I hear the children going over their memory verses. One of the keys to memory is repetition. When it comes to the Word of God if we were just faithful to read the Word for ourselves daily, then that remembrance would come to us like it were a second nature. "Now when they bring you tot he synagogues and magistrates and authorities, do not worry about how or what you should answer, or what you should say. For the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say." (Luke 12:11-12, NKJV)

But from what knowledge will the Holy Spirit draw from? The well of your heart must be filled from an outside source.

"Keep my commands and live, and keep my law and teaching as the apple (the pupil) of your eye." Proverbs 7:2, Amplified

The pupil of the eye is extremely sensitive. When anything is coming toward the face, a person will close their eyes to protect the pupil. It has been said that the eye is the widow to the soul. Could it be that Solomon is suggesting to keep that door maintained, uncluttered?

"Bind them upon your fingers, write them on the tablet of your heart." Proverbs 7:3, Amplified

The is familiar language with a new twist. We have heard twice now to bind the commandments around the neck. Today, however, we are told to bind them upon our fingers. Our hands should always be busy doing something. As we go about during the day with the Word bound to our fingers, everything that we do will be blessed, for it will be touched by God. Not that I am God, but I am that vessel that He has chosen to use. Idle hands are the devils playground, be busy with the Lords work.

"Say to skillful and godly Wisdom, You are my sister, and regard understanding or insight as your intimate friend; that they ay keep you from the loose woman, from the adventuress who flatters and makes smooth her words." Proverbs 7:4-5, Amplified

We are promised that if we keep the Word of God, then the Word of God will keep us. Hide the Word in your heart and that same Word will publicly protect you. Make a stand for the right thing. Become so familiar with the Word that any form of sin will be extremely foreign and uncomfortable. Keep and be kept. Ignore and be left. Guard and be guarded. Abandon and feel abandoned. These are all spiritual truths.

Recompense (Proverbs 6:30-35)

It is funny how the human heart works. There is some transgression that is tolerated because the person has want or need, like stealing. What happens if you are caught stealing though. You must replace what was stolen up to seven times the value. But there are some things that are just not stolen, like a woman from her husband. A man may steal to satisfy actual hunger, but there is not justification for stealing to satisfy a sexual hunger.

"Men do not despise a thief, if he steals to satisfy himself when he is hungry; but if he is found out, he must restore seven times [what he stole]; he must give the whole substance of his house [if necessary to meet the fine]..." Proverbs 6:30-31, Amplified

Stealing to satisfy hunger is a tolerable transgression. A man must survive. But if he is found to be a thief then recompense must be made. This verse seems to be a little paradoxical. It seems as though it is condoning the sin of stealing up until the thief is caught. This is not the case. Solomon is stetting the stage for a bigger picture.

"But whoever commits adultery lacks heart and understanding - moral principles and prudence; he who does it is destroying his own life." Proverbs 6:32, Amplified

The one who commits adultery is a man who lacks understanding. It is justifiable when a thief steals to fill his belly. But there is no justification for stealing to satisfy sexual hunger. Any man who commits adultery is inevitably destroying himself. This destruction is not just spiritual but physical as well.

"Wounds and disgrace will he get, and his reproach will not be wiped away." Proverbs 6:33, Amplified

The adulterer will be branded for the remainder of his life. There is no way to pay restitution for adultery. A thief must pay back seven times the value of what he stole. But how does one place value on the sanctity of marriage? There can be no price placed on monogamy.

"For jealousy makes [the wronged] man furious; therefore he will not spare in the day of vengeance [upon the detected ones]. He will not consider any ransom [offered to buy him off from demanding full punishment], neither will he be satisfied though you offer him many gifts and bribes." Proverbs 6:34-35, Amplified

As I asked before in the previous verse, how can one place a price on the sanctity of marriage? Jealousy and redemption are the tools at the disposal of the wronged husband. No gifts can satisfy his thirst for payment, just like no other woman seemed to satisfy sexual craving except for this married one.

The Word is a Light to a Darkened Path (Proverbs 6:20-29)

Commandments, instructions and directions are placed in our lives to give us a path to follow. Parents do this by means of experience, the Lord does this by means of wisdom. It is the job of those above us to ensure the safety of our walk. The Lord wants to see us walk without stumbling, however, if we do happen to stumble that we have a reference to correct whatever made us stumble.

"My son, keep your father's [God-given] commandment, an forsake not the law of [God] your mother [taught you]." Proverbs 6:20, Amplified

Again, Solomon urges his son to listen to what it is he has to say. I remember there was a time when my parents did the same thing to me. I was convinced that I knew more than hey did, or that it would be a different outcome than before. To be honest, most every situation ends in a similar fashion whether it be your father, grandfather or great grandfather. Sin is sin and it will destroy every time. Paul encourages the Ephesians in this concept, "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 'Honor your father and mother,' which is the first commandment with promise: 'that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.'" (Ephesians 6:1-3, NKJV)

"Bind them continually on your heart, and tie them about your neck." Proverbs 6:21, Amplified

This was covered in chapter three in verse three a few devotions ago. The interpretation is still the same. If the Word is bound to the heart, it becomes a filter for what enters the heart as well as what leaves the heart. Binding the commandments around the neck is like placing a weight around the neck. It is a constant reminder, hanging, pulling. We begin to garner strength because of its existence in our lives. We must begin to force ourselves to look up, to look forward.

"When you go, [the Word of your parents' God] it shall lead you; when you sleep, it shall keep you and when you waken, it shall talk with you." Proverbs 6:22, Amplified

There are three states of being for the average human. Going, sleeping and waking. As we read the Word and continually commune with the Lord , that same Word will begin to be with us always. It is like the instruction to putting a piece of furniture together with the instruction. Step by step, as we follow, the piece of furniture becomes more and more defined. It will be the same outcome for us. As we go about our lives the Word of God will lead us where we need to go as the Holy Spirit brings to remembrance different Scriptures to guide us. Even in sleep, the Word of God will keep us. But to waken to the Word of God, this is a wonderful thing. It is important to have a morning devotion. To have the Word of God talk to us in the morning begin to mold and shape our hearts and get us ready for the day ahead of us.

"For the commandments is a lamp, and the whole teaching of the law is light, and reproofs of discipline are the way of life, to keep you from the evil woman, from the flattery of the tongue of the evil woman." Proverbs 6:23-24, Amplified

This is a dark world that we live in today. The only light that we can depend on is the Word of God. It is ever unchanging. The light of the Word will never go out, we will never have to change the bulb, or replace the existing bulb with a brighter one. From the moment of its inception, the Truth has shone brightly exposing all lies.

Solomon also revisits a subject that is near and dear to all men, the flattery of the opposite sex. It is a difficult thing at times to keep one straight on the path of righteousness if he has not immersed himself into the Word of God. It is impossible to remain enlightened if we first do not turn that light on in our hearts. The only way to do this is to read the Word, bind it on our hearts and around our necks, and allow the Word to guide us by it's light.

"Lust not after her beauty in your heart, neither let her capture you with her eyelids. For on account of a harlot a man is brought to a piece of bread, and the adulteress will stalk and snare [as with a hook] the precious life of a man." Proverbs 6:25-26, Amplified

The language of this verse is a little cryptic. What can it mean that a man will be brought to a piece of bread? The man will be easily devoured by the adulterous woman. Jesus spoke of this during His sermon on the mount, "But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust after her has already committed adultery in his heart." (Matthew 5:28, NKJV) It all starts in the heart, hence the need to bind the word to the heart. No man wishes to be devoured, however, if we are involved in sin then once that realization comes about it may just be too late. Adultery will destroy a man, take his life and his everything. Lord keep my eyes straight and narrow focused on You and my wife alone.

"Can a man take fire into his bosom and his clothes not be burned? Can one walk upon hot coals and his feet not be burned?" Proverbs 6:27-28, Amplified

This is a rhetorical question. The answer to both question is of course, "No." This is a spiritual truism, you play with fire and you will be burned. The interesting thing about fire is that it is a scar that will remain with you for the remainder of your life. Fire can be disfiguring. Fire can severely main and still not destroy.

"So he who cohabits with his neighbor's wife [will be tortured with evil consequences and just retribution]; he who touches her shall not be innocent or go unpunished." Proverbs 6:29, Amplified

The man who sleeps with his neighbor's wife is the man who has taken fire into his bosom. She will be his undoing. You may ask, "Who is my neighbor?" A certain lawyer asked Jesus the same question in Luke 10. Jesus went on to teach His parable of the Good Samaritan. In truth, everyone in our neighbor. Every man's wife is off limits. Fire will always be fire and it will always burn.

Hate is Such a Strong Word (Proverbs 6:16-19)

In life, we were always taught that hate is a powerful word. Never use the word hate. But in reality, it is a word that the Christian needs to be affiliated with. If the Lord hates, then we too must also hate. We are commanded to love as Christ loved, so why not hate as the Lord hates?

"These six things the Lord hates; indeed, seven are an abomination to Him..." Proverbs 6:16, Amplified

It was once said to me that this was contains six different items that the Lord hates, but the seventh is an actual person and this is why the Lord does not hate it. I am not quite sure if I completely subscribe to this view, but when we get to the sixth and seventh items we will cover this more.

"A proud look [the spirit that makes one overestimate himself and underestimate others], a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood..." Proverbs 6:17, Amplified

Let us look at each item individual and understand why the Lord hates these things:

• A Proud Look - Pride is a wall built by man that is designed to separate himself from others. This wall also separates himself from the Lord. When Peter wrote his first epistle, he stated, "God resists the proud, but gives grace tot he humble." (I Peter 5:5, NKJV) James also reiterates this concept and adds, "Therefore submit yourselves to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you." (James 4:7, NKJV) Pride does not allow the Lord the ability to work in our live the way He wants to. Remember that pride is not how highly one thinks of himself, rather it is how often one thinks of himself.
• A Lying Tongue - Lying is never going to be reflective of God. The word Christian was generated by the Romans as a derogatory description of those who followed Christ and literally means "Little Christ". I could not think of a better description that we would want to be associated with, however, is this the description that best fits us? Lying does not allow the work of a truthful Lord to be evident in our life. Jesus Himself sated, "I am the way, the truth and the life." (John 14:6, NKJV) As children we learn how lying might be beneficial to get one out of trouble, but the Lord calls us to responsibility.
• Hands that Shed Innocent Blood - Never are we called to attack the innocent or the weak, but we are always called to defend them. "Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and keep oneself unspotted from the world." (James 1:27, NKJV) Jesus constantly looked out for those who could not look out for themselves by loving the unlovable, touching the untouchable, defending the defenseless.

"A heart that manufactures wicked thoughts and plans, feet that are swift in running to evil..." Proverbs 6:18, Amplified

• A wicked heart - A heart that is constantly manufacturing wicked thoughts has no time for anything else. It cannot focus on the Lord because it is constantly focused on itself and the wickedness thereof. The heart is reference ninety-nine times in the New Testament. In particular I would like to focus on something that Paul wrote to the Corinthians. "Clearly you are an epistle of Christ, ministered by us, written not with ink but by the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of flesh, that is, of the heart." (II Corinthians 3:3, NKJV) A wicked heart slowly turns to stone and the ability for the Lord to write on a tablet of flesh narrows ore and more each day.
• Swift Feet - Swift feet show no hesitation. This can either be a blessing or a curse. Our feet should be swift to spread the Gospel. The prophet Isaiah wrote, "How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who proclaim peace, who bring glad tidings of good things, who proclaim salvation, Who says to Zion, 'Your God reigns!'" (Isaiah 52:7, NKJV) To have feet that are swift to run towards evil are not quite as beautiful. The paths that man chooses clearly reveals his heart.

"A false witness who breathes out lies [even under oath], and he who sows discord among the brethren." Proverbs 6:19, Amplified

• A False Witness - Is Solomon writing of the actual witness or the person who is witnessing? This is the conundrum of this particular verse. Can the Lord hate the witness or the words that he is speaking? Any any sense, a false witness, or testimony, is a lie. A false witness has the capacity to bring down great men. Jesus fell into the hands of man because of false witnesses. Later in the book of Proverbs Solomon will write, "For my mouth will speak truth, wickedness is an abomination to my lips." (Proverbs 8:7, NKJV)
• One Who Sows Discord - This abomination to the Lord is the actual person who is sowing the discord. Discord is a little tool the devil uses to bring division. "But He knowing their thoughts, said to them, 'Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and a house divided against a house falls.'" (Luke 11:17, NKJV) If a Christian were against a Christian, how then can the Gospel go out? The Lord chose us to deliver His message, let us be worthy of that calling.

The End is Already Written (Proverbs 6:12-15)

There are certain people in this world that are continually devising evil things. Their thought processes tend to sway toward evil. They continually make choices that are contrary to God. It seems as though these people eat, drink and breathe evil and wickedness. Though they seem to prosper, their end is near.

"A worthless person, a wicked man is he who goes about with a perverse [contrary, wayward] mouth." Proverbs 6:12, Amplified

To call a man worthless is quite a harsh thing to say. What would make a man worthless? Something that is worthless is something that has no value. But even this idea of value can be viewed two different ways. First is the monetary value placed upon the item. A car for instance; lets say that a person goes out and buys a brand new Corvette. They drive this Corvette all over then decide to park it. Let us say for the sake of argument that this person parks his car next to my Mazda. My Mazda was given to me for one dollar. It is not the prettiest car in the world but she does get me where I need to go. Any person walking by our two vehicles can look and place a value on both cars. They would automatically assume that the Corvette was the more valuable of the two vehicles and they would be right.

Secondly, there is a value placed on things simply because they are important to the person. My comic book collection is not the most intricate or most expensive, but to me, it has tremendous value. I have spent a lot of time and effort to acquire these comic books and have constantly tracked their value. To me they are valuable because they are a passion of mine. I love my comic books.

Now the worthless man would fall into both categories. He was neither bought with the blood of Jesus nor is there any intimacy between him and the Lord. The Lord has not spent any real time with the worthless man for Him to have placed any value on him. The man's own wickedness has kept that value from being placed on himself.

"He winks with his eyes, he speaks by shuffling or tapping with his feet, he makes signs [to mislead and deceive] and teaches with his fingers." Proverbs 6:13, Amplified

Even the very body language of the worthless and wicked man. The wicked man does not even need to speak to lead someone astray. Winking with the eye has always been linked to deception. Shuffling or tapping of the feet speaks of a person way of life; where they go and what they do. The making of the signs is something not mentioned in the original text, the wicked man also teaches with his finger. He points and directs people astray, not with words but with gestures.

"Willful and contrary in his heart, he devises trouble, vexation and evil continually; he lets loose discord and sows it." Proverbs 6:14, Amplified

Again, this is a reiteration of verse twelve. Evil is a constant part of his lifestyle. But we have something new added. He sows discord. Discord is a form of confusion; it is taking two like minds and turning one against the other. Just think of it like that one friend who has driven a wedge between you and another friend vying for your attention.

"Therefore upon him shall the crushing weight of calamity come suddenly; suddenly shall he be broken and that without remedy." Proverbs 6:15, Amplified

Though the wicked man seems to be prospering, know that his end is already written. A man who devises evil continually will soon be consumed by it. This is a truism that even nonbelievers know and understand. His end is soon. I think of a couple individuals in the Bible when ever I read this verse and others like it. Ahithophel was King David's chief advisor, he was also the grandfather of Bathsheba. (II Samuel 11:3, II Samuel 23:34) When Absolom took the kingdom from David, Ahithophel also followed Absolom. Ahithophel advised Absolom on how to overcome his father. However, David had friends on the inside still and soon Ahithophel's advice was not being heeded anymore. Ahithophel killed himself, an end without remedy. Another person that comes to mind is Judas. After betraying Jesus, Judas hung himself for what he had done. An end without remedy.

Use My Hands (Proverbs 6:6-11)

Everything in nature expresses an attribute of God. He has created everything for His own desires and own purposes. It was for His delight that man was created. Somewhere along the line we have lost that ability to see God in everything. Human nature is clouding spiritual perception. Our own nature overcomes us so that we fulfill the lust of our own desires. We fill ourselves with empty promises; the void inside the heart grows larger and larger. Our psychologists of today call it a self preservation. We comfort ourselves. But true self preservation includes hard work. I am not speaking of spiritual works like different religions and cults around the globe. I am talking about hard work in the regular common life. The apostle Paul understood the precept and wrote, "For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat." (II Thessalonians 3:10, NKJV)

Solomon saw this nature in the ant. Work, work, work.

"Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise; which having no chief, overseer or ruler, provides her food in the summer, and gather her supplies in the harvest." Proverbs 6:6-8, Amplified

Sluggardness is a cankerous sore on our society today. It is eating away at our youth. Have you ever seen an ant sitting under an umbrella sipping a Mai Tai? When ever you see the ant, no matter how irritating they may be, they are always one the move. They are unlike any other insect in the world today. Call it what you will, either laziness or sluggardness, one must admit the observation that I have made is true. It seems that the elders of our society have failed to pass down fundamental values that made our country great. Just two generations ago, men got up every morning and went to work while the women stayed home tending to their families. Where have those values and ethics gone? Go tot he ant. Work, work, work.

"How long will you sleep, O sluggard? When will you rise out of your sleep?" Proverbs 6:9, Amplified

This is not a rhetorical question. How long will the sluggard sleep? Idleness is something that a Christian is warned against. There is a great proverb (not from the Bible) which states, "Idles hands are the Devils playground." In other words, hands that are not at work will be used for something else. The Christian who refuses to do the Lord's work will not reap the spiritual benefits. His hands will cause him to fall. I know from personal experience that if my hands are not being used for the Lord's work then they will be providing for my pleasure. I woke up recently. I went to the ant. Work, work, work.

"Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to lie down and sleep; so shall your poverty come as a robber or one who travels [with slow but surely approaching steps], and your want as an armed man [making you helpless]." Proverbs 6:10-11, Amplified

This is not the last time that Solomon will use these words. In Proverbs 24:33-34, Solomon will reiterate this same idea. One thing that I have learned is that if the Lord chooses to repeat Himself, it must be very important.

One sometimes says to himself that he needs a little rest, a break. I know that I took a break from school. After graduating High School, I wanted to take a short break before I went to college. My short break turned into 15 years. There is a certain personal understanding that I have with this verse. During my break from school, I had no intention of never going, time just came and went. Things happen at the speed of life and slows down for no man. I never got my career going, I have been working to make ends meet for a very long time.

We are in danger of the same things happening in our spiritual life. Idle hands do not make for a beautiful Christian. I must work. I must do. I was at the place of spiritual bankruptcy; it is a sad and demented place to find yourself. For one moment you live in the kings house dining on exquisite treats; the next moment you are sleeping with the pigs eating slop. No more sleeping. No more slumbering. No more resting. Work, work, work. Go to the ant. Use my hands.

Friendship and Finances (Proverbs 6:1-5)

There are times when we stick our neck out for a friend. It may be that you have a job and you give a good report to your boss about your friend. But what if your friend wants to buy a car or a house. Should we have the same attitude? Should we write our name on the dotted line and become a cosigner? The answer is no. The Lord does not encourage us to do this at all. This kind of attitude toward finances can destroy relationships. Solomon explains why.

My son, if you have become security for your neighbor, if you have given your pledge for a stranger or another, you are snared with the words of your lips, you are caught in the speech of your mouth." Proverbs 6:1-2, Amplified

Oaths and pledges are hard things to break because our reputation is on the line. But Solomon states that if we have opened our mouths in pledges or shaken hands (NKJV) then we are snared or trapped. We feel that we must continue on this path we have paved for ourselves simply because we said we would do it. What Solomon is going to prescribe for us is a way to get out from under that oath. Essentially there are only two ways out of an oath: your friend releases you or the task is complete. Solomon would prefer neither.

"Do this now [at once and earnestly], my son, and deliver yourself , when you have put yourself into the power of your neighbor; go, bestir and humble yourself, and beg your neighbor [to pay his debt and release you]." Proverbs 6:3, Amplified

Solomon suggests, no commands, that we go to our friend and ask to be released. What will be said about this subject later in the Proverbs is that your bed will be taken from you if your friend refuses to to or cannot pay. In todays economic state, I would not guarantee anyone to be a cosigner, not even if we were at the peak of our economy again.

"Give not [unnecessary] sleep to your eyes, nor slumber to your eyelids; deliver yourself as a roe or gazelle would from the hand of the hunter, and as a bird from the hand of the fowler." Proverbs 6:4-5, Amplified

In nature, animals resist being trapped. But when we look at this subject, it seems that more humans are prone to simply walk into the net. Go and deliver yourself. Resist that trap. If you have not already become security for a friend, then never do it. I would much rather risk the friendship than my finances. Why, for the sake of my friend, should I put my family in jeopardy? I should not have to.

Live Like You Believe (Proverbs 5:21-23)

The Lord scrutinizes our paths on a daily basis. He understands where we are going and what we are doing even more than we ourselves do. Nothing is hidden from Him. Realize as well that He is not a part of why we fall, it is our own desires that entangle us, our own lusts that bewitch us.

"For the ways of man are directly before the eyes of the Lord, and He [Who would have us live soberly, chastely and godly] carefully weighs all man's goings." Proverbs 5:21, Amplified

Our whole lives are visible to the Lord. Every action or motivation, the Lord sees. He would desire for us to live very clean lives. As Christians the Lord expects more from us; the Lord views our lives through blood stained spectacles. Even Job understood tis concept. He said, "Does He not see my ways, and count all my steps?" (Job 31:4, NKJV) "For His eyes are on the ways of man, and He sees all his steps." (Job 34:21, NKJV) Even the writer of Hebrews understood this concept of the Lord's omniscience. He stated, "And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account." (Hebrews 4:13, NKJV) For today, I feel that this concept is lost on most Christians. Everything that we do is scrutinized, recorded and accounted for when the time comes. The end of the age is coming soon. The signs of the times are upon us, live like you believe.

"His own iniquities shall ensnare the wicked, and he shall be held with the cords of his sin." Proverbs 5:22, Amplified

The man whose life is scrutinized by the Lord will be ensnared by his own sin. "But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed." (James 1:14, NKJV) It is because of the sinful nature of man that we will be drawn away. One of the fruit of the spirit is self-control. The Lord desires for us to live controlled lives, Christ-like lives. Our lives are not only scrutinized by the Lord but also by the world that we live in. We deceive ourselves, we ensnare ourselves.

"He will die for lack of discipline and instruction, and in the greatness of his folly he will go astray and be lost." Proverbs 5:23, Amplified

Lack of discipline and instruction is no excuse for a filthy lifestyle. "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him." (James 1:5, NKJV) WE have access to God. Open your mouth and ask. If we do go astray it is our own folly. If we fail it is because we chose not to ask. it is just like in school, when you did not understand a question, you asked for guidance from the teacher. Why can we not do the same with the Lord? He is our Instructor in life. Without His wisdom, instruction, direction and guidance we are doomed to go astray, to be lost, to die alone.

Monogamy (Proverbs 5:15-20)

Some people have said that a test drive is needed to know if you can really be with this particular woman for the rest of your life. This is the justification needed for premarital sex. In reality, this sneak peek is more destructive than some realize. The courtship is the test drive, the time of getting to know the other personally and intellectually. But once the vows are spoken you are hers and she is yours for the remainder of life. It is important to remain monogamous, allowing your love for each other to never dampen. Do your best to keep those flames of love roaring.

"Drink water out of your own cistern [of pure marriage relationship], and fresh running waters out of your own well." Proverbs 5:15, Amplified

It is interesting that Solomon uses the word picture of water to explain marriage and the importance of monogamy. Each one, it seems, is given a cistern. It is their cistern and theirs alone. A cistern is nothing more that a large pit dug into the earth to collect water. This cistern should be used to only refresh yourself and no one else; it should also be refreshing enough to refresh more than any other might. The one problem with the cistern is that it may just be drinking the same kind of water over and over and over again. How boring could that be? Then go to your well. Fresh new water can be drawn out of the well on a daily basis. The marriage itself does not have to be a collection of the same events over and over. The same can be said of the marriage bed. The Lord gave a man and a wife to each other for the purposes of companionship and procreation as well us just plain pleasure. "Marriage is honorable among all, and the marriage bed undefiled..." (Hebrews 13:4a, NKJV)

"Should your offspring be dispersed abroad as water-brooks in the streets?" Proverbs 5:16, Amplified

I have read over this particular verse many different times and have never read it like the Amplified Version has stated it. In the New King James it speaks of your fountain being dispersed. It is kind of sexual to think of it in this light, but it really is speaking of your offspring. What Solomon is trying to get at here is this: as you become unsatisfied with your own cistern or well you may go abroad. The problem with seeking out other cisterns and wells is that you just may leave a little of yourself behind. Solomon is going to get really in depth with his allegory. if I offend with my interpretation, please for give me.

"[Confine yourself to your own wife] let your children be for you alone, and not the children of strangers." Proverbs 5:17, Amplified

Solomon is still speaking of the bastard children of an adulterous relationship. He knows that it would be best if children were confined to the marriage relationship. Next is where Solomon gets a little more rated "R" in his allegory.

"Let your fountain - of human life - be blessed, [with the rewards of fidelity], and rejoice with the wife of your youth. Let her be as a loving hind and a pleasant doe [tender, gentle, attractive]; let her bosom satisfy you at all times; and always be transported with delight in her love." Proverbs 5:18-19, Amplified

The fountain that Solomon is speaking of is semen. Plain and simply put, your fountain produces semen during a sexual relationship. Should that relationship be with anyone other than your wife. We men should all rename our fountains: Old Faithful. Keeping the sexual relationships in your life confined to one person blesses your fountain. In now way can your fountain be polluted in a monogamous relationship. Love your wife and only your wife. Allow her breasts to be the only satisfaction that you need. Sex in marriage is one of the only things in this life that is truly your own. People share your children and are blessed by them as well as your home, vehicles or talents. But the sexual relationship should only be shared between a husband and a wife. Be blessed by that.

"Why should you, my son, be infatuated with a loose woman, embrace the bosom of an outsider, and go astray?" Proverbs 5:20, Amplified

Solomon ends this section with a question. Why is it that a loose woman should enrapture the heart of a man? Is it the fact that she is loose and easy? If this is the case then I suggest that we look at it from another angle. That loose woman is a cistern that has the potential of being polluted. There is none drawing out of the cistern, only depositing. Is that the kind of refreshment that we need? Have you ever tried to be refreshed by anything other than pure water? It is so much work to have to search out other cisterns and wells when you have one in your home daily. It is so much work to try and cover the fact that you drank from another well. Embrace your wife, let her nakedness satisfy you and you alone, allow your fountain to be for your wife alone. Monogamy. The answer is monogamy. It is safer, it is truer, it is purer.

Walk, Run, Get Away! (Proverbs 5:7-14)

The lesson in adultery continues. First Solomon spoke about the effects of adultery on the individual. Now Solomon couples that idea with how it effects the relationships we have with the world around us. Adultery is not one of those sins that solely effects the adulterer and adulteress. The Lord will not allow either to be blessed in any facet.

"Now therefore, my sons, listen to me, an depart from the words of her mouth." Proverbs 5:7, Amplified

Even before we fall, we have the choice to walk away. "No temptation has overtaken you except such is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it." (I Corinthians 10:13, NKJV) Every temptation is lines with the opportunity of escape. The biggest things that am man can do is walk away. Depart from the words of her mouth.

"Let your way in life be far from her; and come not near the door of her house - avoid the very scenes of temptation..." Proverbs 5:8, Amplified

One specific action that we can take in dealing with temptation is to stay as far away from it as possible. If drugs are a weakness then stay away from those friends who use them, stay away from the parts of town that you used to score. If alcohol is an issue, then do not go into the liquor store. If pornography is the problem then stay away from those liquor stores that you know sell magazines; and even more subtly, stay away from those movies that contain nudity. It has been said that if you hang around a barber shop long enough you will eventually get a hair cut. This is the truest saying that I have heard in a long time. "Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies. Test all things; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil." (I Thessalonians 5:19-22, NKJV)

"Lest you give your honor to others, and your years to those without mercy; lest strangers [and false teachings] take their fill of your strength and wealth, and your labors go tho the house of an alien [from God]; and you groan and mourn when your end comes, when your flesh and body are consumed, and you say, How I have hated instruction and discipline and my heart despised reproof!" Proverbs 5:9-12, Amplified

If we give ourselves to sin, we will reap the consequences. It seems as though that when one gives himself over to adultery, however, that the danger is more imminent. Your honor, or grandeur, will be given over to others who have not worked for it as long and as hard. Think of it like working from the ground up at a company. You have worked hard through many different promotions and gotten to the place you are now simply because of sweat and tears. If you were to commit adultery and got fired, another would be set in you place, one who has not worked as hard as you. You honor will be given to one who is not deserving of it, but somethings has to be done. All your years of hard work are going to be taken away from you with one bad decision. Strangers, or those not familiar with your God, will benefit more from your life than you ever did.

But there will come a day when you will come to realize the errors of your way. That day will be too late. Hindsight is always 20/20. Clearer vision comes with time and experience, however, wouldn't you like to be on this side of blessing.

"I have not obeyed the voice of my teachers, nor submitted and consented to those who instructed me. [The extent and boldness of] my sin involved almost all evil in the estimation of the congregation and the community." Proverbs 5:13-14, Amplified

As the sinner slips down and down the never ending spiral, realization comes to his mind. Again this realization comes too late, long after the sin is committed. Even those around the sinner can see his sin and understand his folly. It is never too late to stop however. The window of opportunity of escape is always open, always ready to receive. Life does not have to end like this.