PRAYER + BIBLE READING + APPLICATION = TIME WELL SPENT . . . IS YOURS?

October 4, 2017

PRAYER + BIBLE READING + APPLICATION = TIME WELL SPENT . . . IS YOURS?

Proverbs 10:18-32

Emily Gros

Central Truth

True joy comes from walking with God and trusting Him in all circumstances. God is always there, and His timing is always perfect.

Doing wrong is like a joke to a fool,
but wisdom is pleasure to a man of understanding.
(Proverbs 10:23)

18 The one who conceals hatred has lying lips,
    and whoever utters slander is a fool.
19 When words are many, transgression is not lacking,
    but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.
20 The tongue of the righteous is choice silver;
    the heart of the wicked is of little worth.
21 The lips of the righteous feed many,
    but fools die for lack of sense.
22 The blessing of the LORD makes rich,
    and he adds no sorrow with it.^{1

10:22
Or and toil adds nothing to it}
23 Doing wrong is like a joke to a fool,
    but wisdom is pleasure to a man of understanding.
24 What the wicked dreads will come upon him,
    but the desire of the righteous will be granted.
25 When the tempest passes, the wicked is no more,
    but the righteous is established forever.
26 Like vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes,
    so is the sluggard to those who send him.
27 The fear of the LORD prolongs life,
    but the years of the wicked will be short.
28 The hope of the righteous brings joy,
    but the expectation of the wicked will perish.
29 The way of the LORD is a stronghold to the blameless,
    but destruction to evildoers.
30 The righteous will never be removed,
    but the wicked will not dwell in the land.
31 The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom,
    but the perverse tongue will be cut off.
32 The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable,
    but the mouth of the wicked, what is perverse.

Footnotes

[1] 10:22 Or and toil adds nothing to it

What comes to mind when you think of wisdom? Maybe an older person, someone with gray hair (Proverbs 16:31), someone with a Dr. or Ph.D. next to their name, and the well-known phrase—wisdom comes with age. While that phrase may hold true, wisdom can come at any age, life stage, or experience. I’m still trying to wrap my head around being in my thirties. Since starting a new chapter in my life, I’ve spent some time (well, a lot of time) reflecting on my past. Shout-out and big thanks to re:generation (Watermark's biblical recovery ministry).

In my own spiritual journey, I will go through seasons of perfect peace and understanding, and then I get distracted by my desires and lose the joy and excitement that comes from confidence in God. I was fooling myself with comfort. True joy comes from walking with God and trusting Him in all circumstances (Psalm 23).

We can know the facts about a topic but never have full understanding. It takes years to really understand something—think of the years it takes lawyers to actually know the law. How do we truly gain understanding on a topic if we don’t take the time to research for ourselves?

God has shown me the beauty that comes from taking inventory of my life. Inventory allows me to understand my triggers, as well as to find God’s purpose in a situation rather than allowing it to create bitterness, anxiety, or anger. When I know these things, I can then let community in to help hold me accountable.

After a great quiet time one morning, I told a friend how excited I was that God showed up in a big way, bringing clarity and discernment. She very lovingly said, “God was always there. You just took the time to show up.” This stuck with me. Of course, God is always there, and His timing is always perfect. When we go through the process of patiently waiting, God is preparing our hearts and minds for what lies ahead. Are you ready to be transformed? (Romans 12:2)

1. When are you tempted to ask people for help before asking God?

2. If you struggle with showing up for daily quiet time, what are the things that seem to take priority? Are you able to cut some things out to ask God in?

3. What are the top things your friends would say take priority in your life? (Ask your family or your community. They will know.)