He so makes me and my family laugh!
Okay, let's dive into the book of inspired advice. Remember how to R.E.A.P. from God's word? Read, Explore, Apply and Pray.
Another way of putting it is-
Observation (What does it say? So read it carefully and ask lots of questions)
Interpretation (What does it mean? So explore it to discover it's meaning)
Application (What does it mean for me? So apply it to your life.)
Let's read through Proverbs 4 and be on the look-out for such things. This could be things that seem to be stressed or repeated. It could be things that raise questions. Or it could be truths that hit home to apply. Let me share a few to get us going.
-I noticed that the father was mentored by his father.
Application- Lord, may You use my brothers in M3 to father many strong sons in the faith. Give them a great family tree.
-The father's wisdom is personified as a woman.
-I noticed that the father wants his son to fall in love with the right woman- the woman of wisdom.
-Application- If God's wisdom is not the supreme love in our lives, all other earthly loves will not work properly. Wisdom is supreme, therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. 4:7 (Though it even costs us sleep, get it. No scripture, no sleep!)
-Application- If God's wisdom is not the supreme love in our lives, all other earthly loves will not work properly. Wisdom is supreme, therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. 4:7 (Though it even costs us sleep, get it. No scripture, no sleep!)
-Other names for wisdom in this chapter are "understanding" (4:7) and "instruction" (A literal rendering of 4:13 is "Hold on to instruction, do not let her go; guard her well for she is your life.)
-There are 2 paths. Choose wisely!
1.-Okay, what are a few of your observations, questions and/or applications from Prov.4?
2.-Write on your MP3 card a verse or phrase that grabbed your interest. Then look for opportunities to enrich others with the gold you gleaned.
Speaking of enriching others, keep enriching the men you are seeking to enlist in M3. Doing so, shows that you are a man of wisdom. Wise men seek to mentor and help others grow. We see this in chapter 4 as the father is seeking to mentor more than just one son. "Listen my sons" 4:1. May the Lord bless you with many sons over the many years ahead of you in M3. What a great legacy awaits you!
Dads, Proverbs is a great book to take your teenage son through as it warns him of prostitutes and such. But what if you have young children? That wouldn't be so appropriate. When mine were small, I thought it would be great to give them wise sayings aimed for their age. I knew they liked and remembered rhymes well, so I made several that also related to animals. Others were short scripture passages or quotes from sages throughout the ages. So here is the first of 30 pages of Quotes for Kids. If you like them, err, if your kids like them, juslemeknow and I'll send you more.
3.-Speaking of the ages of our kids, if you have kids, would you please help us get to know you and your family better and share the names and ages of your kids? Thanks! I'll happily share first- Mariah 19, Elisabeth 17, David 16.
Oh, I should have also asked, if you're married, please share your wife's name and your wedding anniversary. Diane is my wife and we were married 7.20.1991. (Notice, I didn't ask for your wife's age. My wife's age is classified CIA info:)
Quotes for Kids
Start
your day with thanks and a song. And
you’ll be pleased how things go along. *
Be
like a duck, through the cold and rain; when things are difficult, never
complain. *
The
fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and
discipline. Prov.1:7
Fearing
the Lord brings honor to God and to me. So I’ll do this with Christ’s power,
He’s the key.
The
FEAR of the Lord, it’s vital but so misunderstood.
So
let’s take each letter of it, to live it as we should.
F
is for Follow by faith God’s holy word.
E
is for Eschew evil; Flee its trap like a bird.
A
is for Act in accountability for God always sees.
R
is for Reverence God’s rule, O worship on your knees. *
Some
take off with a jackrabbit pace; but it’s steady plodding that wins the
race. *
Like
a sheep that’s always bleating, how annoying to keep repeating. *
Pay
attention to what I say, listen closely and obey.
Let love and
faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the
tablet of your heart. Then you will win
favor and a good name in the sight of God and man. Trust in the LORD with all your heart and
lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he
will make your paths straight. Proverbs
3:3-6
Rewards
go to the responsible. *
He
that is not thankful for little does not deserve more. *
Keep
your attitude warm and nice, or like water it will turn to ice. *
You’re
apt to get what you want, if you give to your parents what they want. *
Don’t
wake up grumpy. Next time let him sleep.
God
is three in one, Father, Spirit and the Son.
*
Terrible
sins of children, here are three- disrespect, disobedience, dishonesty. *
When
monkeys scream all peace is soon disturbed. When children scream their parents
are perturbed. *
The
fool is stubborn like a mule. *
Worship
and serve in your church- make it a habit. Don’t skip or hop around like some
undecided rabbit.
* quotes by dg
Announcements
I'm pleased to announce another great brother is joining the team. So please welcome Osiris Alday. He's a 30 old married man, and a teacher at an elementary school. He's been coming to New Life with his wife for only a few months, but already served in the Easter play as one of the guards. Welcome Osiris! And thanks Vince for reaching out to Osiris. Best of blessings to both of you!
Men, I want to thank you for putting your points on the board each day. You are setting an example for others to follow. One guy who is soon to join us has been reading the blogs and asked why some guys aren't scoring. Errr!
Wow! Almost everyone blogged yesterday, including our new brothers Nic and Osiris. Please reach out to Lucas and Oscar who were MIA yesterday, especially if they are on your fire team. Thanks.
I'm pleased to announce another great brother is joining the team. So please welcome Osiris Alday. He's a 30 old married man, and a teacher at an elementary school. He's been coming to New Life with his wife for only a few months, but already served in the Easter play as one of the guards. Welcome Osiris! And thanks Vince for reaching out to Osiris. Best of blessings to both of you!
Men, I want to thank you for putting your points on the board each day. You are setting an example for others to follow. One guy who is soon to join us has been reading the blogs and asked why some guys aren't scoring. Errr!
Wow! Almost everyone blogged yesterday, including our new brothers Nic and Osiris. Please reach out to Lucas and Oscar who were MIA yesterday, especially if they are on your fire team. Thanks.
1. Prov. 4:20-22 "20 My son, be attentive to my words; incline your ear to my sayings.
ReplyDelete21 Let them not escape from your sight; keep them within your heart.
22 For they are life to those who find them, and healing to all their flesh. "
In these three verses we clearly see the great fatherly advise that God is giving us, we are suppose to listen and keep His word close to our hearts because it is going to influence the thoughts and words that come from us.
May are words be always uplifting and honoring to God so that in turn we can point others to the saving knowledge of Christ.
So true bro! Good words.
DeleteYes Roger keep close to Him, so you can know and point others to Him with all your life.
DeleteRoger I all ways look forward to reading your blog it amazes me with your wisdom of
DeleteGod's word.
My wife is Julie, we were married 7/02/1999
ReplyDeleteProverbs 4:5-6 ESV Get wisdom; get insight; do not forget, and do not turn away from the words of my mouth. Do not forsake her, and she will keep you; love her, and she will guard you. I've observed to get wisdom you have to read and pray daily and turn from evil. In doing this you will be protected and guided by knowledge and understanding.
ReplyDeleteChase after that wisdom James!
DeleteProverbs 4:20-23
ReplyDeleteMy son, pay attention to what I say;turn your ear to my words.
Do not let them out of your sight,keep them within your heart;
for they are life to those who find them and health to one’s whole body.
Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.
So to me this specific verse is a law or decree for me and I believe it should be for others also, if I maintain my focus on his word and teachings, wisdom will settle in appropriately. Love is what I should be taking care of doing these simple steps, I have said in the past of my AA teachings, that's my medicine to stay healthy which is in-riched by the lords word, guidance and wisdom.
Amen, Guillermo. God is Love...further still, God is Love within us. What poor reflection of God's love we give onto the world when we fail to love as He loves us. At a recent small group my wife and I attended, one of the reflections shared was that we often think to ourselves when others offend us, "Why is this person even worthy of my love?" The better question in such moments of weakness is, "Why am I worthy of God's love?" We are far from worthy, and still the Father loves us unconditionally with plans to make us prosper and live. Love is definitely the medicine to all our ills and we get that medicine from the Word. Thank you for guiding me to this reflection, brother. God bless.
DeleteAmen. It is a great decree to live by and truly apply to our lives. Thanks Guillermo.
DeleteGood words Guillermo!
DeleteAnd thanks so much Osiris for jumping right in offering encouragement and input.
This comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteMy wife's name is Amy and our anniversary is June 25 2011. My daughters Bianca 13, and Julie 10
ReplyDeleteDid you get married on your birthday?!
DeleteHe is exhorting his son to listen to the words of wisdom.
ReplyDeleteProverbs 4:23 Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.
What is the most important thing that flows from it? Our salvation!
Romans 10:9 If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
Matthew 6:21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
I pray that we continue speak to the heart of man for their salvation and relationship with Him.
My wife is Michelle, anniversary is October 27, 2001. My son Sammy is 121/2 and my daughter Destiny is 11 :)
Man your son looks good for his age! : ) Sam, so encouraging to see you baptizing men. From hearing your testimony and saying that you didn't even want to go to church to now actively pursuing men in discipleship. It's amazing and awesome. Praise God for you Sam!
DeleteBrother Sam Sam!!! I completely agree with Eddie. You are a great man and your leadership is amazing! God bless
DeleteWelcome Nic and Osiris. I pray that you will be blessed by staying in God's word with us.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sam. Have a blessed day, brother.
DeleteProverbs 4:23-24 (23) "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. (24) Keep your mouth free of perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips."
ReplyDeleteMy beautiful wife's name is Michele. Our anniversary is October 4, 2013. This verse made me think of her and of our marriage. Michele and I dated for almost 8 years before we got married during which time we had our share of highs and lows. I can honestly say that all of those lows came from forgetting this one piece of wisdom: "Guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it."
Too often we get so caught up in matters of the world (careers, finances, schedules, professional success, etc.) that we leave our heart unguarded to stress, worry, fear, and frustration. Like a castle guard that leaves his post to attend to other far less important matters, we leave our watch tower and the enemy sneaks in right through the front door. I use the example of my marriage and our courtship prior to marriage because this is where I saw this bad habit recur most often. The one person on this Earth to whom the best of me should flow is too often on the receiving end of the toxic waste produced in me by stress, worry, fear, and frustration.
Guard your hearts brothers, not just from lust and perversity, but also from the seemingly less harmful forms that evil takes to sneak past the gate. Our heart is the football, the VIP, the package we must securely deliver to our Father. Failure to complete this primary objective results in mission failure. Hoorah!
Great words and insight brother. Glad to have you join us. Welcome OSIRIS!
DeleteBrother Osiris welcome to M3, I was richly blessed by your posting. "we leave our heart unguarded to stress, worry, fear, and frustration."
DeleteLuke 8:14-15 "The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature. But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop."
Welcome brother, thank you for your honesty and personal testimony, may we continue to learn from one another. May our gates be strong and our watchmen alert that our valuables remain
Deletesafe.
Welcome Osiris! I got alot out of what you shared with us! I also often put worldly things before my wife but each day i try to so better than yesterday and i love learning from brothers like you here in M3! God bless you and your family!
DeleteOsiris, great insight! welcome to M3 we are honored to have you bro!
DeleteYou got it right. Thank God for second chances.
DeleteExcellent writing and reflections Osiris! So glad to have you on the team. You can tell you're now part of a very encouraging group of men.
DeleteAmen Osiris!! Great of meeting you and your wife in fusion last week. Looking forward on chatting next time. :)
Delete1. This stuck out to me "Application- If God's wisdom is not the supreme love in our lives, all other earthly loves will not work properly. Wisdom is supreme, therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. 4:7 (Though it even costs us sleep, get it. No scripture, no sleep!)" Our pursuit of Our Heavenly Father and His wisdom needs to be supreme or else we will be influenced by something else.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I like the end of Proverbs 4. Guard your heart, guard your mouth, guard your eyes, guard your steps. Those are some practical things to do to stay pure, keep our hearts healthy, because what flows from our heart affects our lives and our ministry.
2. Enriching Auggie Dyckman and Oscar Phillips.
3. Not married, nor do I have kids. (Not yet atleast!)
I like your focus on what you can do.
DeleteI like that! Well said, my prayer warrior brother Eddie!
DeleteBrother Eddie, "Not married, nor do I have kids. (Not yet atleast!)" I'm convinced you'll be an excellent husband and father some day!
DeleteI thank God for you Eddie. Great job on mentoring as well. Let's keep praying for future pro's. Way to be on mission.
DeleteYou're gonna be a great husband and dad. (And if you have as many children as you're having spiritual descendants in M3, you will have you own house church:)
Delete1. The heart spoken in Biblical terms is not merely an organ that pumps blood, but rather what comprises our minds, emotions and will, the innermost part of us. I often picture a water source that we draw from. We don't drink,cook or bathe with contaminated/sewer water. We're selective and some even obsess over the purity and quality of water they use.
ReplyDeleteGiven the blessing of having one of the worlds best water filtration and treatment facilities here in Chicago, we seldom give any thought to it. But the same can't be said of other countries. All across the world people die due to unsanitary water sources. Let's be selective where we draw life giving water from and protect/guard our hearts, for everything we do flows from it.
2. "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." Proverbs 4:23
3. Wife, Yecenia married 12/18/93
Daughter: Jacinda 26 Sons: Jonathan 20, Jeremiah 18
Umm, Maybe in like manner we should be highly selective of the purity of our innermost beings. Amen brother, Amen.
DeleteMan Robert, that is some profound stuff my brother! The wisdom that you share with us amazes me. I always make sure to read what Robert Roman has to say ;)
DeleteRobert I agree brother Philip the wisdom you share with us is away so good thank you.
DeleteThank you Robert for sharing your wisdom. Lets definitely be selective and let the word of God purify us.
DeleteNeed I say more?! :)
Delete1) Attention precedes understanding.
ReplyDeleteWisdom comes with a price that it seems many are unwilling to pay.
The application of wisdom has many blessings and if we place our focus on them we are more likely to apprehend them.
The constant appeals to submit to the advice given communicates to me that the reign of wisdom is often rebelled against.
The warnings to avoid the wicked imply that it offers pleasures and benefits of its own, though they are lesser in quality and longevity.
Take great care of what you think on, and what emotions you nurture and stifle they are the unseen motivations that guide our actions which over time become our lives.
Consider what you say and how you say it for sins of the mouth are swift.
2) 4:23 Above all else, guard your heart,
for everything you do flows from it.
3) My wife in Natalie, we were wed on October 31 2010 (I might be wrong on the year lol) we have one son Micah and he is 14 mo.
Very good Antonio! God bless you and your wife and baby boy! And dont worry because i almost forgot me and my wifes anniversary too lol (she would kill me)
DeleteBrother Tony, yes "Wisdom comes with a price that it seems many are unwilling to pay." All too often, many want the payoff without the sacrifice. God Bless :-)
DeleteMay we continue to train and guard our heart with our actions. Your words also, reminded me of this verse.
DeletePsalm 19:14
May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.
Once again, great thoughtful reflections Tony!
Delete1. Observation: Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows through it..
ReplyDeleteInterpretation: Dont set foot in the wicked ways. Dont let evil into your heart. Fill your heart with love.
Application: Love is the main thing we need in our lives. We must love God, ourselves, and others. We can keep our paths straight by spreading love and not committing evil acts. We must follow our Heavenly Fathers commands.
2. Proverbs 4:23 Above all else guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.
3. Hey there my M3 family! Yes i do have a family at home as well.
Wife- Elizabeth Raymond married on June 1st 2013
Son- Angelo 18 months old
Daughter- Lina 2 months old
I thank God everyday for the beautiful family that He has blessed me with.
Brother Phil, God has truly blessed you with a beautiful family. And yes, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:30-31
DeleteThank you for the encouraging words brother. I can see that you are on fire for the Lord. May God continue to bless you and your family
DeleteLove your love and joy Phil!
DeleteProbers 4:22-23
ReplyDeleteWisdom and Gods Word bring holistic Health. Just like we watch our physical heart health we must watch our spiritual heart health. The heart is the seat of our emotions it directs the path we head upon. Life and the direction we follow starts here. My wife Mary and I wed on 3/15/2008.
My stepson Cameron is 12, daughter Eva is almost 5, and my son Noah is 2.
Wow thats good stuff Nic! I never thought about it like that but it is very true, that wisdom and Gods word brings holistic health. Amen to that
DeletePhilip--great interpretation bro.
DeleteGod's measure of success is not financial nor health--but our obedience and faithfulness to him!
Good Nic! We hear so much in the news about heart disease. You remind us of the importance of taking care of our spiritual heart condition. Love for God and others strengthens it and sin ruins it.
Deleteproverbs 4:27 Do not swerve to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil. Just like the song states "to the left or right I will not go." Stay on the straight path for God's glory. It's a great way to live.
ReplyDelete"Walk, walk in the word. This is the way!"
DeleteProv. 4:3-4-5 when I was son my father tender, the only one the sigth of my mother, he taught me and said to me, "let your heart hold fast my words; keep commandments,
ReplyDeleteand live. Get wisdom; get insight; do not forget, and do not turn away from the words
of my mouth. This good advice for us to share with are children as we learn the word of
God so we teach them the way of God as The Holy spirit teaching us.
John, great way to lead your direct family--but equally great way to lead others as you disciple!
DeleteJohn great to see you imparting God's word into the life of your children.
DeleteYes John, glad to see your concern to pass on the word to your family. I'd love to see your son someday join us.
DeleteThe way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know over what they stumble. - Proverbs 4:19
ReplyDeleteWe need light to see what is in front of us and when we live in darkness we are blind to how beautiful the world is. We have to strive to keep that light on through Jesus and prayer that everyday my not be the easiest but we never let it turn to darkness
I pray that you shine the light in the darkness my brother. May God use you in a powerful way.
DeleteAndre, You are shining brother and as you lead others the light will shine brighter.
DeleteWe have all seen some dark times but it is great that we have chosen to follow the light with no compromise.
Good application of that verse Andre!
Delete1) Proverbs 4:5New International Version (NIV) 5 Get wisdom, get understanding;
ReplyDeletedo not forget my words or turn away from them.
This verse reminds me of my dad " listen I know what I am telling you. If you don't listen to what I am telling you, you will suffer the consequences." As I read through this chapter I just keep getting an image of a parent advising a child. Great chapter to read through with my sons when they can understand what I am saying. Plus when their attention span is more bigger.
2) Did it
3) Leilani-7 Jeremiah-5 Caleb-not born Yet
Yolanda and Vincent anniversary 8-4-2007
Vince--great reference bro
Deletethanks for continuing to bring brothers to M3 :-))
Good thoughts Vince! Glad you're desirous of passing on God's word to your children.
DeleteProverbs 4:3 NIV
ReplyDeleteFor I too was a son to my father, still tender, and cherished by my mother.
● observed that speaker learned from his father and possibly learned from his father.(Passing on the wisdom and knowledge from our Father to our kids)
●listen and take action: listen, take hold, guard, on setting forth the path of wisdom and knowledge. Do not set foot, avoid, keep away, do not turn to everything that is unrighteous, anything that is unwise and foolish.
Will do
Vanessa, married October 24th 2015
Ismael, great! we must fully understand and live by the word to lead others as we disciple
DeleteGreat observation Ismael. We must definitely pass on the knowledge. Andy Stanley once said something like this
Delete"The value of a life is measured by how much give to the next generation" This could be anything that helps them grow closer to God.
Good observations and exploring there Ismael!
DeleteAnd it's October 24th 2014, my wife is going to beat me up hehe..
Delete1.)Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. (Proverbs 4:6 NIV)
ReplyDeleteMy wife Betrina married oct. 26, 2006
My children are, Ricardo x. 21, Joseph 20, Samantha 18, Hannah 14, Isaiah 11, Thalia 7 and Joshua 11 months
Ricardo--very good. we must always have focus on what the writer intended to get wisdom and to fully understand its full meaning in order to commit to follow the Word completely.
DeleteMy you have the spread of children Ricardo! May God use you to foster many spiritual sons.
Delete1. Its talking about discipling--and the key to gaining understanding is a focused determination to get wisdom. The disciple must be open to the teaching and respond to it obediently and faithfully to be successful in leading others. Guard our heart and do not abandon instruction so God's truth will adhere to it forever. For me this tells me that in order to disciple and lead others effectively we must attain the wisdom of God's word and live by it completely--with no compromise.
ReplyDelete2. Proverbs 4:7 " Wisdom is supreme --so get wisdom. And whatever else you get, get understanding."
3. Daughter Jaclyn --28
Wife --Jayne
Anniversary--6/1/80
Very good thoughts on discipleship Jack! So glad your my friend and visionary team mate in M3.
Delete1. -Proverbs 4:18-19, The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day. But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble.
ReplyDeleteGod’s wisdom will guide me into the right path of righteousness and I will know that my work in Lord is not in vain.
2. Did it.
3. Ana is my wife and we were married 04.11.2015., Andy is 6, he is my stepson.
Way to step up and be a father to him. I pray that you continue to be a good example for him. God bless.
DeleteGlad you are with us Oscar. May you be strong in the Lord and the power of His might, an unstoppable gentle giant in Christ, with many spiritual sons in M3. Just stay focused and determined!
DeleteBrother Oscar, "I will know that my work in Lord is not in vain." Yes rest assured, Hebrews 11:6b "he rewards those who earnestly seek him."
Delete1. Proverbs 4:23 "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it."
ReplyDeleteThis is a very important verse, and here is a verse from Luke that further expands on this. Luke 6:45 "A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of."
2. Did it.
Alex, I praise God for you and how at your age that you are already directing your heart to such an immense task of making manly men. You are well on your way to becoming a spiritual giant for the Lord's service. Stay faithful my brother.
DeleteI will second that which Dave just said to you Alex!
DeleteBrother Alex, it's evident that you are storing up good things in your heart "For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of."
DeleteI forgot to mention this yesterday but it was nice to meet everyone on Sunday and put faces with the names on the blog.
ReplyDelete1.-Okay, what are a few of your observations, questions and/or applications from Prov.4?
Proverbs 4:14-15 “Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evildoers. Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn from it and go on your way.” These verses are telling me to be careful with where I hangout and who I spend time with. It’s easy to get sucked into doing things that aren't right when spending time with the wrong people. Now that I’m older and hopefully wiser I know that keeping my focus on God and what is right is the best choice no matter what other people say.
2 - Did it.
3 – My wife’s name is Janette, we were married November 26, 2004. Adrian my son is 15.
That's great wisdom you have learned and shared with us George. Thank you for serving as Security at the Church on Sundays.
DeleteI like your words here George- "Now that I’m older and hopefully wiser I know that keeping my focus on God and what is right is the best choice no matter what other people say."
DeleteBrother George, yes "These verses are telling me to be careful with where I hangout and who I spend time with." 1 Corinthians 15:33 "Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.”
Delete1) In Proverbs 4 I see some similarities between living a life guided by wisdom and driving a vehicle safely down the highway. From the start for both there is the need for teachers and training. The student must listen and pay attention in order to learn and develop the necessary skills. There are instructions to cover when problems and troubles may occur. Concerning driving a vehicle, overtime, drivers can develop bad habits that are contrary to the safety instructions they received. The can become careless and more risky in their driving that can result in serious and deadly accidents. Similarly, there are warnings in Proverbs 4 about not to forget or neglect or forsake the wisdom of careful living that was provided through earlier teaching and training. Proverbs 4 admonishes to keep, protect and guard that wise instruction. It is to be treasured and ready at hand to be applied when needed to avoid making careless and risky decisions in life that can end in disaster and ruin.
ReplyDelete2) Did It
3) Children's names and ages: Sarah 23 ( and soon to be married)
Anna & Andrea (twins) 20
Joshua 18 – graduating from high school.
My loving wife – Esperanza (Toni)
Very good comparisons Dave!
DeleteWhen were you and Toni wed?
Brother Dave H, love the analogy! God bless :-)
DeleteToni and I were wed on Dec 31, 1988.
DeleteThe beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.
ReplyDeleteHold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life. (Proverbs 4:7, 13 NIV)
Seek enlightenment, then hold on to it fiercely with all you have.
Martha and I went on our first date on 8/5/89 and married on 8/5/95. We were blessed with Jacob in 2001 and with Cristian in 2004. I thank God for the 3 of them and can't imagine my life without them.
So glad to have you back faithfully with us Daniel!
DeleteI like your powerful choice of words- "Seek enlightenment, then hold on to it fiercely with all you have."
6 years to the day from your first date to your wedding date! Cool!
Brother Daniel, I'm convinced your family feels the same about you "can't imagine my life without them." God bless :-)
Delete1
ReplyDelete-I noticed in verse 4:13 that the Father tells the son to not let go of instruction
-This is fairly literal and we should do the same as our teachers and mentors are pouring into us. Do not lot go or forfeit what we were taught in proper instruction.
-I found that the father tells the son his words are life. (verse 4:22)
-Just as scripture is the Living Word of God proper instruction and wisdom brings life
-May we each be enabled to hear and understand the words that are given from Gods word and from mentorship
-Verse 4:7 stood out to me. I says the beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom.
-To be explained is read further - which says - upon all of the wisdom that is received or obtained get understanding.
-This is applicable in continuing in the fear of the lord which leads to wisdom, however in that wisdom the Lord bestows understanding.
2
Did it wrote verse 19
Good Gary. May the Lord strengthen you with might so that nothing can stop you. And may He bless you with a great spiritual family tree. Let's both keep reaching out to Marcos.
DeleteBrother Gary, yes "May we each be enabled to hear and understand the words that are given from Gods word and from mentorship" Matthew 13:16 "But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear."
DeleteMy observation of Proverbs 4 is that it speaks about wisdom. We are wise if we guard our hearts for it is the well spring of life. Contemporary people generally considered the head with its brain to be the center and director of human activity however the Bible speaks of the heart as being the center, it is the wellspring of life. The heart is the center of the intellect. People know things in their heart, praying in there heart, meditate in their heart, hide God's Word in their heart, devise plans in their heart, keep words within their heart, think in their heart, doubt in their heart, ponder in her heart, believe in their heart and sing in their heart. All these actions of the heart are primarily issues involving the mind.
ReplyDeleteVery good George! I thank God for your heart for the Lord and people.
DeleteBrother George, God has truly blessed you with a great heart! Great observations, God Bless!
Delete1. I chose Prov 4:23, "Watch over your heart with all diligence, For from it flow the springs of life." -- a great cross reference is Luke 6:45, "A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of." Taking words of wisdom into the heart is vital, and wisdom's presence in the heart is worth guarding!!
ReplyDelete2. did it
3. Not married, no kids
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DeleteBrother Israel, "Taking words of wisdom into the heart is vital, and wisdom's presence in the heart is worth guarding!!" agreed!! God bless you brother :-)
DeleteProverbs 4:12 "When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble." In essence God is telling us the treasures of life are ours and will be rewarded to the faithful. God will always be there for all who are obedient, he will light our path and keep you from darkness if you seek and lean on Him. Your walk "life" will be solidify on God's foundation. This wisdom, knowledge of life instructions are to be pass down through the generations. Matt. 6:33 "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." Married on 11/1997, step daughter Nicole and 2 sons Nicholas n Cristobal, presently separated since 8/2011 and in divorce proceedings, this will test your sanity at times.
ReplyDeleteBrother Armando, great take away! "God is telling us the treasures of life are ours and will be rewarded to the faithful." Hebrews 6:10 "God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them."
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ReplyDeleteThis is great reading for a Father to give to his son. I certainly will remember this Proverb and pass it down to my son. It teaches us to live morally and instruction on how to live in a civilized society.
ReplyDeleteProverbs 4:5 Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or turn away from them.
Good Chuy.
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