Tuesday's Tidbit

Proverbs 4:23

 Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.

Good morning, one and all!

God has blessed us to see yet another Terrific Tuesday, and another opportunity to continue Perusing the Proverbs together. I love traveling by a drawn out map, and this walk through Proverbs is definitely a well-charted course.

In Chapter 4, Solomon addressed his "children", speaking of the necessity to not only hear instruction but to keep it. He had bestowed upon his children "good doctrine", which is a beautiful gift. We cannot live for God without doctrine, for it is the truth on which we stand. Fathers (and mothers), like Solomon, can pass on biblical truth to their children but it is up to them to hold it dear and live by it.

Solomon's father had passed on important sayings to him, and he followed that example and passed them on to his children. The principal issue was (and still is) to get wisdom. Get it and don't forget it. Along with wisdom, get understanding. Hear and retain. Love wisdom, embrace her and, in return, she will give you honor. She will place an ornament of grace and glory on your head. To have wisdom is to be adorned with something much more beautiful than the finest jewels.

The steps of those who follow after the "right paths" will be sure and they will never stumble. Don't go near the path of the wicked. Abstain from the appearance of evil (I Thessalonians 5:22). As the old saying goes, "If you play with fire, you're gonna get burned." So it is with sin, if you play around with it, you'll end up hurt and doomed for all eternity. Stay away from the wicked!

Another word picture appears in verse 17. Imagine the table of the wicked filled with mean bread, and violent drink. Never dine with the devil, for his meals will leave you with pain much worse than indigestion!

In summary, Solomon's final words to his son in this chapter are worth heeding. Incline your ear to what I have to say; never take your eyes off what is right. Keep your heart with all care. Don't have a "froward mouth",or one that's filled with disobedience. Refrain from speaking evil. Never take your eyes off the prize! Stay focused on the Lord. Carefully consider where your feet are taking you, and continue to walk straight!!

I hope you've gathered something helpful in today's blog post. Looking forward to tomorrow when, Lord willing, we meet again............