WTW 2021
1 October
Proverbs 1
The Baton Pass
It is interesting how our readings in WTW have connected in unexpected ways from one month to the next the past while.
Here’s the end of September Psalm 72 & the beginning of October 1 Proverbs
[Of Solomon]
Endow the king with your justice, O God, the royal son with your righteousness. May he judge your people in righteousness, your afflicted ones with justice.
Praise Yahweh Elohim, the God of Israel, who alone does marvelous deeds. Praise be to his glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with his glory.
Amen and Amen.
This concludes the prayers of David son of Jesse. Psalm 72:1-2, 18-20
The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel: for gaining wisdom and instruction; for understanding words of insight. Proverbs 1:1-2
Wisdom in the WORD 
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In response to this 9/29 post and commenting on Proverbs 1
IM
That is really a stark difference in the tables.
In Proverbs 1, wisdom is offered, and the invitation is made out loud for people to come to the table of blessing and to avoid the table that is a trap.
“Wisdom cries aloud in the street,
in the markets she raises her voice;” (Prov. 1:20)
We can hear her crying out loud if we are looking for the sound of her voice. But the question is whether we are pleased to remain “simple”. Some would say “kit it simple stupid”. And, this suggests that simplicity is superior. But I think that is using the word “simple” in a different manner than what Proverbs 1:22 is using.
“How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple?
How long will scoffers delight in their scoffing
and fools hate knowledge?”
I believe that Proverbs 1:22 is speaking of being simple in terms of not seeing the bigger picture, but instead just living for the surface level satisfaction. When we live for what’s just on the surface, we become an easy prey for any trap that is set before us.
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BT
Proverbs 1:7
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
If you want to get to know someone, you must first show them proper respect and prove to them that they can trust you. In the same way, there must be a proper respect for God before He begins to reveal Himself to you, which is knowledge. Someone who has no respect for God, hates instruction. They allow their pride to not admit they need to learn and grow and change. They have no need for wisdom since they don’t care how God set things up. That’s foolish!
Proverbs 1:32-33
For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them. [33] But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.
When we, having been going the right direction, turn away from that to go back to our own ways, that act of turning back spiritually kills us which is separation from God. Also, those who have no fear of God, they’re fools, they’re abundance will destroy them, so don’t envy prosperous fools. Instead, listen to God’s wisdom and find peace.
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ENY
Amen & amen both!
And so we have 2 significant words here which both give cause for even further reflection because of their depth of meaning and contrary meaning when contrasted with common usage
Simple & Fear
SIMPLE
The word here means one and is also rendered as naive or open minded. Here again, the world touts open mindedness as a great good. The truth is open mindedness is good for those who are wrong. Once we know truth in any point we should close our mind regarding that one matter and remain open minded on all other matters. This can keep us on the journey from being simple toward becoming understanding.
FEAR
Verse 7 uses one word that means fear and verse 33 uses another word that means fear. Both do mean fear and both also have additional meaning including terror. For the simple, fear is bad but we learn that fear of dangers is good. True wisdom however does not even begin until we discover that for our relatively simple minds the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. This is because our minds are wrapped up in our souls which include our will. And our will is the ultimate trap, the root of the original wrong turn. Not until we surrender our will to “Not my will but thine” can we demonstrate ultimate wisdom which also removes the ultimate fear that pertains to judgment. When we fear the only one who has the final say, we will no longer fear any other.
Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in the valley of Hinnom.
Matthew 10:28
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RM
Proverbs one is a very great chapter it captures us literally because we are who they speak of and we must be transformed by the renewing of minds and put our best foot forward for Jesus and honor him by accepting this mission to help him save his lost children…. praise the Lord for all of you guys….
Have a great night 🌃
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