Read Proverbs 7
I read it in the New Living Translation and the Amplified Classic
My thoughts on Proverbs 7:
Keep God's Word - "Every Scripture is God-breathed (given by His inspiration) and profitable for instruction, for reproof and conviction of sin, for correction of error and discipline in obedience, [and] for training in righteousness (in holy living, in conformity to God’s will in thought, purpose, and action), So that the man of God may be complete and proficient, well fitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work." (2nd Corinthians 3:16-17 AMPC)
Treasure His commands - "Skillful and godly Wisdom is more precious than rubies; and nothing you can wish for is to be compared to her. (Proverbs 3:15 AMPC)
Guard His instructions - " This Book of the Law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe and do according to all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall deal wisely and have good success." (Joshua 1:8 AMPC)
Keep reminders of His commands - "My son, keep your father’s [God-given] commandment and forsake not the law of [God] your mother [taught you]. Bind them continually upon your heart and tie them about your neck.
Write them deep in your heart - "I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you" (Psalm 119:11 NLT)
Love wisdom - "Forsake not [Wisdom], and she will keep, defend, and protect you; love her, and she will guard you." (Proverbs 4:6 AMPC)
Wisdom will protect you - "For wisdom is a defense even as money is a defense, but the excellency of knowledge is that wisdom shields and preserves the life of him who has it." (Ecclesiastes 7:12 AMPC)
Proverbs 7 also talks about the immoral woman, being seduced and enticed by her. It mentions a young man who crossed the near her house and was approached by her. Proverbs 7 is a reminder that we must be careful in our comings and goings, the things we choose to do. Wisdom will help us make decisions that keep us safe and from falling into the enemy's trap.
We cannot let our hearts stray from the path of God and His commands. To do so puts us in the path that leads to destruction and death.
I went into adultery, lust, seduction, entrapment, its cost, and admonishment to avoid it in Day 5 Of 31 Days of Proverbs so I won't go into it again.
I encourage you to keep God, knowing Him, learning and growing in intimacy with Him as a priority. This way you can sidestep the traps of the enemy.
The verses that spoke to me:
"Follow my advice, my son; always treasure my commands. Obey my commands and live! Guard my instructions as you guard your own eyes. Tie them on your fingers as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart." (Proverbs 7:1-3 NLT)
Treasure - tsâphan, to hide (by covering over); by implication, to hoard or reserve; figuratively to deny; specifically (favorably) to protect, (unfavorably) to lurk:—esteem, hide(-den one, self), layup, lurk (be set) privily, (keep) secret(-ly, place) (Strong's H6845)
I had to look at the word treasure and its meaning in the text. I wanted to fully understand what the Word was saying to me.
To treasure God's Word, I must:
Hide it in my heart which implies that I must spend time in it.
Protect it by living in a way that reflects Him well. I am His. What I say and do is how others will see Him.
I must love it.
These verses are the key to living in a way that glorify and honor God. This is what keeps us from being entrapped by sin. It gives us clarity to make the choices that keep us safe. What we treasure we protect. Following God's advice and treasuring His commands is life. We must do everything we can to gain wisdom and let it lead and guide us.
I hear the Lord saying, “I will stay close to you, instructing and guiding you along the pathway for your life. I will advise you along the way and lead you forth with my eyes as your guide. So don’t make it difficult; don’t be stubborn when I take you where you’ve not been before. Don’t make me tug you and pull you along. Just come with me!” (Psalms 32:8-9 TPT)
FAITH CONFESSION:
Let's declare our love for God's Word.
"Oh, how love I Your law! It is my meditation all the day." (Psalm 119:97 AMPC)
"Therefore I love Your commandments more than [resplendent] gold, yes, more than [perfectly] refined gold." (Psalm 119:127 AMPC)
"Your word is very pure (tried and well refined); therefore Your servant loves it." (Psalm 119:140 AMPC)
"Consider how I love Your precepts; revive me and give life to me, O Lord, according to Your loving-kindness!" (Psalm 119:159 AMPC)
"Your testimonies have I kept [hearing, receiving, loving, and obeying them]; I love them exceedingly!" (Psalm 119:167 AMPC)
Lord, I treasure and love Your commands, guarding them and writing them deep in my heart. Your Word is my life, my protection as I live in a way that reflects Your Kingdom and Your will being done on earth as it is in heaven.
Share in the comments what verse spoke to you and why. Let's grow in wisdom together.
Be Encouraged! ❤