Proverbs 22 by Ann

Prov 22:1 (NASB) Somehow we have come up with this idea that a great name is brought about by wealth and fame rather than by the favor of the Lord. 

 

Prov 22:3 (NASB) We as believers need to greatly heed this verse.  There is danger in our society, and yet we so frequently plunge right into it, only to find ourselves stuck – sometimes without even realizing it.  We must stop being naive! 

 

Prov 22:4 (NASB) When we seek the Lord instead of the riches and honor, we end up with it all! 

 

Prov 22:11 (NASB) This is who I want to be – not so much that the “king” will be my friend, but because I just want to be pure and gracious in all I do.  Such people are beautiful.

 

Prov 22:15 (NASB) I’m realizing that I have met a lot of foolish adults as well.  Could it be that we have so many foolish adults because the rod of discipline was not used to drive the foolishness from them as children?  It’s much harder to use the rod on adults – let’s get back to using it on our children that we may not be a society of foolish adults any longer!

 

Prov 22:17-18 (NASB) I have long admired and longed to emulate those who seem to walk through life as if everything is pleasant, even when they are flooded with the sufferings of this world.  They heed wisdom.  They learn and apply the knowledge to their lives.  It’s not just an increase in intelligence and knowledge.  It’s an acting upon what has been learned.  And it shows.

 

Many have come to the point of criticizing the gaining of knowledge and wisdom, especially for Christians.  They have come to the conclusion that increased knowledge robs a believer of his spiritual sensitivity.  I think this occurs not because of the gaining of knowledge, but because after the gaining we do not follow the guidance of Proverbs.  There is no application.  There is no heeding.  There is only head knowledge. 

 

The spiritual walk is greatly hindered by a lack of knowledge.  But, it is even more hindered when knowledge is gained but application is not made.  Let us not be afraid to learn and study, but let us also take what we have learned and allow it to increase our spiritual sensitivity.

 

Prov 22:24-25 (NASB) When we surround ourselves with people who have soapboxes, we pick up those soapboxes – or establish some of our own.  When we are around people who become agitated whenever things do not go their way, we begin to share that agitation.  Often we are not even aware of our own anger.  Let us be aware, Christians!  Let us surround ourselves with friends of peace, and encourage one another to stand in peace!

 

Prov 22:29 (NASB) We are often tempted to do just enough to get by.  Just enough to earn that paycheck.  Just enough to survive.  We do not stand apart.  We may or may not want acknowledgement of our work before the rulers of our land, but it wouldn’t hurt us to work like we did!  To put our best into it – to become the best we can at what we do.  After all, we are going to stand before the King of kings.  What do we want Him to say of our effort?