Insight On How To Live Everyday Life

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Alot of the content in the Book of Proverbs was written by a prior King of Israel, Solomon (son of David). He was given the gift of wisdom and knowledge which was recorded in this book. It serves to provide guidance and insight on how to live your daily life. You may think that Jesus or his words in the Bible only apply to things in the past but that is further from the truth! Jesus has many revelations and instruction that applies to life in our current day! 

Important Note: Use discretion to know when Proverbs apply and when they don't. Always stop, pray and ask the Lord for guidance as it applies to your specific situation or circumstance.

The enemy is certainly active today and constantly bombards us with information (truths mixed with lies) and he constantly attempts to distract and confuse us. 

We are given a choice...

1. Narrow Path: Good/Righteous yet chosen and traveled by FEW in life; focused on Jesus and pursing HIS will for your life
2. Broad Path: Wrong/Unrighteous chosen and traveled by MANY in life; focus on SELF and your desires/goals

As time progresses, what is fair, righteous and just will NOT align with the world.

"These are the proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel. Their purpose is to teach people wisdom and discipline to help them understand the insights of the wise. Their purpose is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives to help them do what is right, just and fair. These proverbs will give insight to the simple, knowledge and discernment to the young. Let the wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser. Let those with understanding receive guidance by exploring the meaning in these proverbs and parables, the words of the wise and their riddles. Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline." Proverbs 1:1-7

Do NOT be Persuaded by Sinners

• Do not kill 
• Do not attack the innocent
• Do not be manipulated or persuaded to engage in inappropriate behavior even if you will receive rewards or benefits (i.e., money, real estate, cars, other goods, material or services, acceptance from others, etc...)
• "Such are the paths of all who make profit dishonestly; It takes the lives of those who receive it" - Proverbs 1:19 
• "My child, don't travel that road with them or set foot on their path because their feet run toward evil and they hurry to shed blood" - Proverbs 1:15-16

We all have a choice which results in a consequence. During your walk or journey, proactively seek the Lord and his ways. Abide by him and pay attention!

• "If you respond to my warning, then I will pour out my spirit on you and teach you my words." - Proverbs 1:23
• However, if you don't pay attention and refuse to be corrected and/or counseled or instructed, there will come a day when apostasy (neglect of faith and disobedience to Jesus will engulf you!)
• Trials and tribulation(s) often occur for all of us in different seasons of our life to teach a lesson. It is an opportunity for us to repent, forgive others and/or realize that we are to shake off what's NOT important and focus on what truly matters 
• BUT, there will come a day when some will be so entrapped by personal, earthly and/or fleshly desires that they will turn away from Christ and fall away from faith at which point they will be judged
• "For they hated knowledge and chose not to fear the Lord. They rejected my advice and paid no attention when I corrected them. Therefore, they must eat the bitter fruit of living their own way, choking on their own schemes. For simpletons turn away from me - to death. Fools are destroyed by their own complacency. But all who listen to me will live in peace, untroubled by fear of harm" - Proverbs 1:29-33

• The Lord will instruct, teach and guide you. If you listen and abide, you will be blessed, protected and provided for in this world and in the best everlasting life to come!
• Listen to the Lord
• Store his commands in your heart
• Listen/tune your ears to wisdom, knowledge and understanding
• Cry out for insight
• Ask for understanding and you will gain knowledge of the Lord

Be Honest

• "He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest. He is a shield to those who walk with integrity. He guards the paths of the just and protects those who are faithful to him" - Proverbs 2:7-8
• "For wisdom will enter your heart and knowledge will fill you with joy" - Proverbs 2:10
• "Wisdom will save you from evil people, from those whose words are twisted" - Proverbs 2:12

Avoid dark, crooked paths! Refrain from pleasure in doing wrong. Sometimes, what is wrong doesn't seem wrong b/c it brings you pleasure - but "pleasure" doesn't always or typically equate to righteousness.

Seduction and Promiscuity

• Avoid the seductive, immoral woman who has abandoned her husband
• "Entering her house leads to death; it is the road to the grave. The man who visits her is doomed. He will never reach the paths of life" - Proverbs 2:18-19

Stay on the Path of Righteousness

• "So follow the steps of the good, and stay on the paths of the righteous. For only the godly will live in the land, and those with integrity will remain in it. But the wicked will be removed from the land, and the treacherous will be uprooted." - Proverbs 2:20-22

As you grow in your faith and walk with the Lord, one of many important principles you learn is to deny yourself. Why? Since the incident in the Garden of Eden, woman/man was tempted and gave in to sin. Sin is a consistent struggle many wrestle with to this very day!

Common Sins

• Pride - opposite of humility; focus on self
• Greed - unrestrained desire to always have more
• Lust
• Fornication (Sex Before Marriage)
• Adultery (Inappropriate behavior with someone outside of your Wife or Husband)
• Envy or jealously of another's happiness
• Laziness
• Gluttony - to eat or drink excessively
• Wrath/Anger
• Murder
• Gossip or stirring conflict amongst brothers
• Lying
• Idolizing other people or things ABOVE God (i.e., family, sports, career, money, wife or husband, children, self, etc...)
• Disrespect Towards Mother or Father

Remain Loyal and Faithful to the Lord

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not rely on your own understanding. In all your ways know him and he will make your paths straight. Don't be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil." - Proverbs 3:5-7

• Honor the Lord with your wealth
• Don't reject the Lord's discipline 
• Don't be upset when he corrects you
• "For the Lord corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights" - Proverbs 3:12
• Common sense and discernment keeps you safe with no stumbling and allows you to sleep with peace and no fear
• "You need not be afraid of sudden disaster or the destruction that comes upon the wicked for the Lord is your security. He will keep your foot from being caught in a trap" - Proverbs 3:25-26
• Help others in need when you have the ability to do so
• Don't plot harm or pick a fight against your neighbor without reason when you haven't received harm
• "Don't envy violent people or copy their ways." - Proverbs 3:31
• "The Lord curses the house of the wicked, but he blesses the home of the upright." - Proverbs 3:33

One thing I have come to realize is that I have 2 fathers - the one on Earth (my biological father) and the One who knew me before I was placed in my mother's womb, the One who created the heavens and the Earth - God Almighty. 

When I read the verses in this chapter, "father" is referring to the Lord. 

"My children, listen when your father corrects you. Pay attention and learn good judgement, for I am giving you good guidance. Don't turn away from my instructions". - Proverbs 4:1-2

• Listen to the Lord
• Develop good judgement
• Don't forget the words and guidance provided by Jesus (Narrow Path)
• Don't turn away even if they seem contrary to what the world or majority are doing 
• Wisdom will protect you

"If you prize wisdom, she will make you great. Embrace her and she will honor you. She will place a lovely wreath on your head. She will present you with a beautiful crown" - Proverbs 4:8-9

"Take hold of my instructions; don't let them go. Guard them for they are the key to life" - Proverbs 4:13

"Guard your heart above all else for it determines the course of your life" - Proverbs 4:23

• If you didn't already come to this realization, there are 2 forces constantly at battle with each other
• Good vs. Evil - It isn't just entertainment...
• It has existed since the beginning of time or shortly thereafter and has been in opposition in a constant battle

                                  There are 2 paths - Broad vs. Narrow - Which one will you choose?

• Don't do what the wicked do
• Turn away from the broad path

Evil

• They can't rest or sleep until they've caused someone to stumble or fall
• "They eat the food of wickedness and drink the wine of violence!" - Proverbs 4:17
• They represent total darkness
• Perverse talk/Corrupt speech
• Dishonesty

"Look straight ahead and fix your eyes on what lies before you. Mark out a straight path for your feet; Stay on the safe path. Don't get sidetracked; Keep your feet from following evil." - Proverbs 4:25-27

There are consequences for our actions. If mistakes are made, repent to the Lord and ask him for forgiveness. Then turn AWAY from the sin in an effort to keep you away from temptation and out of harm's way.

The focus in this chapter is geared towards one who is married however, there are other sexual sins mentioned in other chapters and books as well.

Seduction

"For the lips of an immoral woman are as sweet as honey and her mouth is smoother than oil. But in the end she is as bitter as poison, as dangerous as a double edged sword. Her feet go down to death; her steps lead straight to the grave. For she cares nothing about the path to life. She staggers down a crooked trail and doesn't realize it. " - Proverbs 5:3-6

• Stay away from her
• You will lose your honor and all you have achieved
• Disease will consume your body

"Drink water from your own well - share your love only with your wife. Why spill the water of your springs in the streets, having sex with just anyone? You should reserve it for yourselves, never share it with strangers. Let your wife be a fountain of blessing for you. Rejoice in the wife of your youth" - Proverbs 4:15-18

• Don't be captivated by an immoral or promiscuous woman
• The Lord sees and knows everything
• Don't be restrained or held as a prisoner by your sins
• Exercise Self Control: Exercising restraint and discipline in your thoughts, words and actions

Did You Know? Self Control is one of the many Fruits of the Holy Spirit?

"When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual Immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins  like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will NOT inherit the Kingdom of God. But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. There is no law against these things! Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit's leading in every part of our lives." - Galatians 5:19-25

Humility

• Be and remain humble
• Admit your mistakes
• Don't be lazy or remain idle (Ants work hard all summer, gathering food for the winter)
• "A little extra sleep, a little more slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest - then poverty will pounce on you like a bandit; Scarcity will attack you like an armed robber." - Proverbs 6:10-11

Worthless/Wicked People

• Constant liars
• Deceitful
• Eye winkers
• Perverted heart
• Plot evil
• Stir up trouble

Adultery

"The one who commits adultery lacks sense; whoever does so destroys himself." - Proverbs 6:32

• Short lived satisfaction has long term consequences

7 Detestable Things The Lord Hates

1. Proud, Arrogant, Conceited Eyes - One who acts like they are superior or better than others
2. Lying - Not telling the truth
3. Hands That Kill or Shed Innocent Blood
4. A Heart That Plans Wicked Schemes or Scenarios
5. One Who Races To Do Wrong or Evil
6. False Witness Who Lies or Gives False Testimony
7. One Who Stirs Up Trouble or Discord Among or Between People

"My son, obey my words and treasure my commands. Keep my commands and live and guard my instructions as you would the pupil of your eye. Tie them to your fingers and write them on the tablet of you heart" - Proverbs 7:1-3

Allow wisdom and insight to prevent you from engaging with an immoral or promiscuous woman.

A story is told about a naive, young man on the wrong path in the late night hours who was approached by a seductive woman. 

Negative Character Traits

• Rebellious
• Not content or satisfied at home
• Enticing or appealing to the senses - "My bed is spread with beautiful blankets with colored sheets of Egyptian linen. I've perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes and cinnamon" - Proverbs 7:15-17
• Forward and direct
• Flattering 
• Deceptive - There are no consequences for sin or wrong actions - "Come, let's drink our fill of love until morning. Let's enjoy each other's caresses, for my husband is not home. He's away on a long trip. He has taken a wallet full of money with him and won't return until later this month." - Proverbs 7:18-20

The enemy knows everyone's weaknesses and he wins when you give in to your fleshly desires.

• "He followed her at once, like an ox going to the slaughter. He was like a stag caught in a trap, awaiting the arrow that would pierce it's heart. He was like a bird flying into a snare, little knowing it would cost him his life." - Proverbs 7:22-23
• "Her house is the road to the grave. Her bedroom is the den of death." - Proverbs 7:27

Engaging in fleshly pleasures may not seem wrong at first however, it is only temporary satisfaction. Doing so before marriage or outside of marriage is a sin. There are consequences for our actions whether we recognize it or not. 

• Physical: Sexually transmitted diseases (some are temporary, some are permanent) 
• Spiritual: You give the enemy claim for he now has evidence of you committing sin or wrongdoing; Development of soul ties; Blocks our intimacy w/ Jesus
• Repent, ask the Lord for forgiveness and pray that He will help strengthen your ability to turn away from temptation going forward. Take accountability for the decisions and choices you make going forward

2 Paths...

Broad Path

• Pride
• Deception
• Arrogance
• Crooked Ways
• Speaking or Talking Inappropriately Without Fear of Consequences

Narrow Path

• Good Judgement
• Truth
• Knowledge & Understanding Is Worth More Even Over Money, Riches & Fame
• Insight and Strength
• Wealth & Honor - You can be financially successful and walk/act righteously however, you must be careful to never place your love for money over Jesus
• Don't Ignore Correction

" All who fear the Lord will hate evil. Therefore, I hate pride and arrogance, corruption and perverse speech." - Proverbs 8:13

"I walk in righteousness, in paths of justice. Those who love me inherit wealth. I will fill their treasures." - Proverbs 8:20-21

"For whoever finds me, finds life and receives favor from the Lord. But, those who miss me, injure themselves. All who hate me, love death." - Proverbs 8:35-36

Refrain from rebuking or arguing with a mocker for you will only receive hate or an insult in return.

"So don't bother correcting mockers; they will only hate you. But correct the wise and they will love you." - Proverbs 9:8

• Instruct the wise
• Teach the righteous (one who has morals)
• No-one knows everything for we all have strengths and weaknesses
• We can all learn from each other
• Uphold a state of humility
• Remain humble
• Wisdom adds days and years to your life

"Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgement." - Proverbs 9:10