some thoughts
My child,[a] never forget the things I have taught you.
Store my commands in your heart.
2 If you do this, you will live many years,
and your life will be satisfying.
The bible constantly reminds us not to forget
Not to forget God
Not to forget how to live
Not to forget how to love others
Not to forget that God loves you
3 Never let loyalty and kindness leave you!
Tie them around your neck as a reminder.
Write them deep within your heart.
4 Then you will find favor with both God and people,
and you will earn a good reputation.
We are to be kind to each other, because doing so shows that you follow God’s way and that brings favor to you. No one doing what God asks will have a bad rep, rather they get a good reputation.
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
do not depend on your own understanding.
6 Seek his will in all you do,
and he will show you which path to take.
7 Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom.
Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil.
8 Then you will have healing for your body
and strength for your bones.
Trusting in God with all your heart means with your whole life. Not bits of it or just Sunday morning but your whole life. Every last decision, action, thought and all you do. To do that we need to trust God and depend on Him rather than our own wisdom. Proverbs tells us to depend on God’s wisdom not our own because wisdom comes from the Lord.
9 Honor the Lord with your wealth
and with the best part of everything you produce.
10 Then he will fill your barns with grain,
and your vats will overflow with good wine.
Here we are told to hold our wealth losely, putting God first. That is why Christians try to Tithe at least 10% of their income and resources. This is honoring to God as He gave it all to us in the first place and He will make sure that we always have enough. I have found this to be true no matter how much we give away, and I am not claiming that I am wonderful nor am I seeking praise, God has always made sure Berni and I have enough even when only one of us was working.
11 My child, don’t reject the Lord’s discipline,
and don’t be upset when he corrects you.
12 For the Lord corrects those he loves,
just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights.[b]
Gentle discipline is important, both from God and our families. I often wonder how many of todays issues are because children have either not had any structure and discipline or to much violent discipline? Careful gentle discipline is important as we grow up otherwise we grow up thinking we can do anything we like with no consequences.
13 Joyful is the person who finds wisdom,
the one who gains understanding.
14 For wisdom is more profitable than silver,
and her wages are better than gold.
15 Wisdom is more precious than rubies;
nothing you desire can compare with her.
16 She offers you long life in her right hand,
and riches and honor in her left.
17 She will guide you down delightful paths;
all her ways are satisfying.
18 Wisdom is a tree of life to those who embrace her;
happy are those who hold her tightly.
Wisdom is the bases of a joyful life, Wisdom comes from knowing God. Wisdom means that we make good decisions, decisions based on Gods will not our own direction. Not being lead down the wrong paths by allowing others to give us direction or following society blindly. God’s Wisdom gives us peace as we move through life making decisions as we go.
19 By wisdom the Lord founded the earth;
by understanding he created the heavens.
20 By his knowledge the deep fountains of the earth burst forth,
and the dew settles beneath the night sky.
21 My child, don’t lose sight of common sense and discernment.
Hang on to them,
22 for they will refresh your soul.
They are like jewels on a necklace.
23 They keep you safe on your way,
and your feet will not stumble.
24 You can go to bed without fear;
you will lie down and sleep soundly.
25 You need not be afraid of sudden disaster
or the destruction that comes upon the wicked,
26 for the Lord is your security.
He will keep your foot from being caught in a trap.
27 Do not withhold good from those who deserve it
when it’s in your power to help them.
28 If you can help your neighbor now, don’t say,
“Come back tomorrow, and then I’ll help you.”
29 Don’t plot harm against your neighbor,
for those who live nearby trust you.
30 Don’t pick a fight without reason,
when no one has done you harm.
It’s a shame that many of our world’s governments don’t live by this piece of wisdom. Aggression against others isn’t right, but defending yourself is fine.
31 Don’t envy violent people
or copy their ways.
32 Such wicked people are detestable to the Lord,
but he offers his friendship to the godly.
33 The Lord curses the house of the wicked,
but he blesses the home of the upright.
34 The Lord mocks the mockers
but is gracious to the humble.[c]
35 The wise inherit honor,
but fools are put to shame!