Proverbs 2:10-11

10 When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul;

11 Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee:

Good morning, and a Special Sunday to all of you!

Today is Day 2 of Perusing the Proverbs, a simple reading, examining, and commenting on this book throughout the month of August. This book contains a vast wealth of advice for mankind (and womankind, too), and such advice should be followed, for in doing so brings great reward.

Solomon directed his words in Chapter 2 to "my son", and they are helpful words even today for ourselves and our children - for all the family! The first bit of instruction is that we receive the words that are uttered and hide them within us; in other words, these words must become precious to us. We are to have attentive ears but, after hearing, we must apply them to our hearts.

We must cry after knowledge, and lift our voice for understanding. Earnest prayer is needed if one will find these treasures. There must be a searching for wisdom, knowledge, and understanding as if we were digging for gold. Those who dig for earthly silver and gold work hard at their tasks, because they are in search of something valuable. So it must be with the things of God. We must be diligent in our search after God and His ways. Just as the gold diggers rarely find treasure just laying on the surface, neither will we find God's valuables through casual means. We must earnestly seek after God's wisdom, as if we were on a thorough, lifelong treasure hunt.

What is the reason for such in-depth searching? Those who seek for God's treasures will understand the ways of the Lord and find HIS knowledge, which surpasses all earthly knowledge. The Lord has a never-ending supply of wisdom to give to us. James 1:5 instructs us that if we lack wisdom, we can ask God for it, and He will give it "liberally".

When we possess wisdom, finding it a pleasant thing, we will be preserved. Discretion, or carefulness, will preserve us, while understanding will keep us. From what will we be preserved or kept? We will be delivered from the ways of evil men and women, the individuals who "leave the paths of uprightness to walk in the ways of darkness" (verse 13).

Notice in verses 16-20 that the "strange woman" uses flattery to entice her prey. She has forsaken the "guide of her youth" and she has forgotten "the covenant of her God." Never follow someone who has rejected counsel and advice in their own life, or someone who has broken their covenant with God. Avoid their flattering words.

Those who seek after God, or the upright ones, have a promise of being kept as well as dwelling in the land.... all that God has He will gladly give to those who seek after Him, love Him, and treasure Him!

Reading through Proverbs leaves such an impact on my soul, and challenges me to search for more of God and less of this world's treasures that only pass away. My prayer is that you all have a Special Sunday as you seek after more of God's valuables in His house and in His presence.

Lord willing, I'll see you tomorrow for another spoonful of tonic, as well as perusing Chapter 3 of Proverbs....