Daily Devotionals
Daily Devotional: Proverbs 1:1-7
Please note: I began writing devotionals on the Psalms in 2008. Since that time, we have been through the Psalms nine times. I have decided to change the format slightly, base the devotionals on the book of Proverbs, and switch from the NIV to the ESV. Thank you for your continued devotion to the Lord. These devotionals are available on the Ephesus church website (ephesuschurchofchrist.org). If at any time you wish to be removed from my email list, let me know and I will take your name off. Also, if someone wants to be added to my email list, they must send me an email themselves and request to be added. God bless you. Robert
Prov 1:1-7
The proverbs of Solomon, son of David, king of Israel: To know wisdom and instruction, to understand words of insight, to receive instruction in wise dealing, in righteousness, justice, and equity; to give prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the youth—Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance, to understand a proverb and a saying, the words of the wise and their riddles. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.
It has always been interesting to me how most people are curious about a lot of things but are unwilling to open their minds and really study for the truth. Most of us filter everything we read or hear by what we already believe to be true. This is because we think we are already right, or we are afraid of changing our minds. I talked with an older gentleman when I was in my teens about a Bible subject and asked him if he would be willing to study it with me. He said he would, but he was not going to change his mind. Too often we are like this, even if we don’t admit it.
We need to learn to study the Word of God with an open mind. Study it in context and learn what it meant when originally written, then see if there is an application to us today. I have learned over the years that a lot of the “proof texts” that I was taught (and used) really don’t prove what I thought they did, if studied properly. An open mind does not just believe everything that is presented to us. We must pray for wisdom and allow the Spirit to help us understand. Examine the Word because it is our best commentary. And our study must begin with a fear of the Lord, knowing that he is God, and his word is always truth.
O Lord God, thank you for revealing your word to me. Open my mind so I can learn your truth and then give me a willingness to live it in my life. Help me never forget that I can be wrong, no matter how much I believe it or how long I have believed it. Remind me that truth may hurt, it may require change, and it may be difficult to accept at times. Help me love you enough to believe you and obey you in all things. Thank you for Jesus my Savior. In his name I pray.
Robert
