sweet as honeyThe words of King David, Solomon’s father, come to mind as I read Proverbs 22:17-19. David wrote: O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed [happy] is the man that trusteth [confides; make refuge] in Him” (Psalm 34:8).

Proverbs 22:17-19 – “Bow down [extend; incline; bend] thine ear [give attention], and hear [hearken; listen; obey] the words [speech; discourse; advice] of the wise [intelligent; discerning], and apply [set; put; fix] thine heart [mind; understanding] unto my knowledge [perception; i.e. knowledge of good and evil] . 18 For it is a pleasant thing [delightful; sweet; lovely] if thou keep [guard; watch; observe; retain] them [i.e. words of the wise] within [belly; seat of hunger] thee; they shall withal [together] be fitted [establish; fixed; put right] in thy lips [language; speech]. 19 That thy trust [confidence; security; hope] may be in the LORD [JEHOVAH; Eternal, Self-existent God], I have made known [instruct; declared] to thee this day [time; year], even to thee.”

Happiness and a blessed state are not words that come to mind when I reflect on the condition of our society and our churches.  Unrest, depression, anger and hopelessness are more apt to be the state of being of most I encounter.  Reading the words of Solomon and reflecting on the words of his father, I realize how little effort men and women put into bowing their hearts and will to God’s Word, let alone teaching their children to do the same.father's instruction

Humility is in short supply today and a spirit of meekness that is indicative of a teachable spirit is well-nigh lost.  It is however, that attitude, the attitude that listens, ponders and applies the words of a man of godly wisdom that is required of those who would rest in and trust the LORD!

Solomon challenges us to understand the delight of words of godly wisdom, meditate on them and allow them to be the compass of our thoughts and words.

Psalm 19:9-10 – “The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. 10  More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.”

Copyright 2015 – Travis D. Smith