As I’ve been reading through this week’s Proverbs, I am reminded frequently of Pete’s teaching to us on Sunday regarding reading Scripture. He said that too often we go straight to allowing our experiences, or how we feel, to interpret the passage, and that it is a ‘helpful hermeneutic’ to ask what it meant to those it was written to, and the author’s intended meaning, as well. I find as I read these Proverbs, I am very much aware of my little brain! So many of the verses don’t seem to make sense to me, and sometimes I get tripped up by them, running quickly to: “How can this possibly pertain to me?” or “What does this even mean?”
But, as I read, I know I can trust God to give me at least a little nugget to take away, to strengthen me in the journey, and to remind me that He is all I need! I say this to encourage you, dear friends and co-laborers, that we need not be discouraged or condemned about reading Scripture, if you are ever tempted that way, as I can be: that we’re not reading enough, or not getting enough out of it. As we’re faithful to the discipline of sitting at God’s feet, for however long he allows us in our day, He will lovingly give us what we need. He won’t hold back from showing something of Himself to us as we seek to hear from Him in His Word.
Remember, it’s not all about us, and what we can get out of it, is it? It is only God who brings light to what we read, and understanding to our minds, and conviction and application to our hearts; and this is all for His glory alone!
Proverbs 2:6 says, “For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding;”
When I’m feeling like Winnie the Pooh (you know, the bear who, by his own account is “of very little brain”) I can rest in knowing God has given me the mind I have for this season of my life, and as I pursue wisdom and knowledge through reading His Word, He will help me. I trust He is helping you, too!
Here are the questions for the next few chapters: Partners in Proverb Chapters 29-31
thanks my dear friend! I must say I have been feeling so much like you have so clearly explained here. I think “I am only reading such a little bit today”, but I am reminded that it is God who is going to reveal what he wants to me! I must keep pursuing Him through the great truths He has so divinely given to us.
thanks, lori! i’m so glad God is encouraging you with truth today. He does love to give us what we need, and doesn’t withhold from us! that is comforting to remember.
Amen to what Lori said. Thanks Barbara.
gina, you know what i love about this? i love the picture above of Pooh and Piglet deep in thought TOGETHER! we really are ‘partners’ in this, seeking to know God more, and God, in His kindness, doesn’t have us do it alone; we get to join each other, in the simple and the difficult times!
Such good thoughts that we can all relate to. I agree…..”as we’re faithful to the discipline of sitting at God’s feet…He will lovingly give us what we need.”
Two verses that I always love reading are Prov 26: 4 & 5….”Answer not a fool…Answer a fool…”
I love it that the Lord put those 2 verses back-to-back. It just reaffirms to me that situations are different…..there aren’t a lot of cookie-cutter responses when it comes to applying wisdom (unless there is clear sin….we’re never called to blatant sin). In some situations we’re called to do one thing…..in another situation we’re called to do another thing. Which always reminds me that I need the Lord! I always need His help in walking in wisdom. It points me back to Him. I love it.
thanks for your thoughts, cynthia! i love your thoughts on Prov 26. i read them last night, and read my study Bible’s notes on them, and then trusted God to make them more clear! thanks for giving that nugget!
Very encouraging!!
thanks, amy! i do hope we all can know the encouragement God wants us to see in the Scriptures. God is so kind to speak to us, isn’t He?
thanks so much barbara, this really speaks to a struggle in my heart this week!
oh, liz! thanks for being candid about your struggle… God promises grace for the humble. I’m grateful for you!
Thanks for your insighful and encouraging words, Barbara.
thanks, graca!
Proverb 24:3 “By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches.” This picture of a house in my imagination is the most beautiful of all houses . . . a mommy and daddy really and truly loving the Lord, children following their parents’ example with love and not compulsion, beloved friends coming and going with sweet fellowship, neighbors stopping by for a chat or a cup of sugar.
i do love that picture, Brenda. thanks for really bringing ‘color’ to it!
Amen, my sister(s)! All for HIS Glory and according to HIS very own strength and purposes! Praise the Lord!