Have you noticed that as we read through the book of Proverbs, there seems to be some repetition of words? Repetition usually means we are being encouraged to learn.
We have arrived at Chapter 4 entitled, Wisdom Is Supreme. Here’s why. Let’s read the entire chapter, Proverbs 4: 1-27
“Listen, my sons to a father’s instruction; pay attention and gain understanding.
I give you sound learning, so do not forsake my teaching.
When I was a boy in my father’s house, still tender, and
an only child of my mother, he taught me and said,
“Lay hold of my words with all your heart; keep my commands and you will live.
Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or swerve from them.
Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you;
love her, and she will watch over you.
Wisdom is supreme; therefore, get wisdom.
(I chose this line to title the series, I think you understand why).
Though it cost all you have, get understanding.
Esteem her, and she will exalt you;
embrace her, and she will honor you.
She will set a garland of grace on your head
and present you with a crown of splendor.
Listen, my son, accept what I say, and the years of your
life will be many.
I guide you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths.
When you walk, your steps will not be hampered;
when you run, you will not stumble.
Hold on to instruction, do not let it go;
guard it well, for it is your life.
Do not set foot on the path of the wicked,
or walk in the way of evil men.
Avoid it, do not travel on it;
turn from it and go on your way.
For they cannot sleep till they do evil;
they are robbed of slumber
till they make someone fall.
They eat the bread of wickedness
and drink the wine of violence.
The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn,
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.
My son, (and daughters) pay attention to what I say;
listen closely 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 a man’s whole body.
Above all else, guard your heart,
for it is the wellspring of life.
Put away perversity from your mouth;
keep corrupt talk far from your lips.
Let your eyes look straight ahead,
fix your gaze directly before you.
Make level paths for your feet
and take only ways that are firm.
Do not swerve to the right or the left;
keep your foot from evil.” Proverbs 4: 1-27
Instead of summarizing all that is written, I was encouraged to have us focus on the bold print above.
Read it as the Lord speaking, for I believe He is!
Folks, this is not a rebuke, this is an exhortation.
To Exhort means to urge or encourage someone to do something. It’s a positive, uplifting word that implies support and guidance.
To Rebuke, on the other hand, means to criticize or reprimand someone for their actions. It’s a negative, confrontational word that implies disapproval and correction.
Exhortation in the Bible is not merely an encouragement but a powerful call to action. It involves urging and admonishing believers to live out their faith wholeheartedly, with passion and dedication.
Let this be our exhortation, for God’s heart is yearning for whole-hearted passion and dedication.
As we get closer to His return, we cannot thrive and survive with anything less.
Wisdom IS Supreme.
KINGDOM ASSURANCE
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