As we continue in Proverbs 6, today we’ll focus on the second half of this chapter.
I chose the picture above displaying a lamp that was used in Biblical days. The lamp was filled with olive oil to saturate the wick to be able to shine brightly as a light source.
As Christ-followers we are called to arise and shine in the darkness. To do that, we must be filled with the oil of the Holy Spirit, as Jesus shines through us. He enables us to obey His commands and teachings, as we learn to yield.
This section in Proverbs 6 starts by encouraging the son not to forsake the mother’s teaching or the father’s commands.
Wise words for all children, don’t you think?
Here we go, read it out loud, let me hear you!
“My son, keep your
father’s commands and do not forsake
your mother’s teaching.
Bind them upon your heart forever;
fasten them around your neck.
When you walk, they will guide you;
when you sleep, they will watch over you;
when you awake, they will speak to you.
For these commands are a lamp,
this teaching is a light,
and the corrections of discipline
are the way to life,
keeping you from the immoral woman,
from the smooth tongue of the wayward wife.
Do not lust in your heart after her beauty
or let her captivate you with her eyes,
for the prostitute reduces you to a loaf of bread,
and the adulteress preys upon your very life.
Can a man scoop fire into his lap
without his clothes being burned?
Can a man walk on hot coals
without his feet being scorched?
So is he who sleeps with another man’s wife;
no one who touches her will go unpunished.
Men do not despise a thief if he steals
to satisfy his hunger when he is starving.
Yet if he is caught, he must pay sevenfold,
though it costs him all the wealth of his house.
But a man who commits adultery lacks judgement;
whoever does so destroys himself.
Blows and disgrace are is lot,
and his shame will never be wiped away;
for jealousy arouses a husband’s fury,
and he will show no mercy when he takes revenge.
He will not accept any compensation;
he will refuse the bribe, however great it is.” Proverbs 6: 20-35
As we summarize these verses, two thoughts come to mind:
1. These commands are a lamp, and this teaching is a light.
In Psalm 119 it says that God’s Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path.
What is that saying?
- We are in need of guidance to keep us from walking in darkness.
2. If we play with fire, we will get burned.
What is this saying?
- Dangerous or risky actions often lead to pain and injury.
God’s warnings are always to protect us not to restrict us.
As parents, we desire to teach our children how to walk in safety; and have given them instructions when they were younger, to carry them throughout their adult years. We’ve taught them how to obey and listen.
Our Daddy, God is doing the same for us.
KINGDOM ASSURANCE
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