A note from the author of Heart of a Shepherd: I am nearing the conclusion of my goal to write a devotional commentary on every verse in Solomon’s Book of Proverbs. I am thankful for you who have followed my journey through this book since its inception January 1, 2014. Your diligence in the Word of God, your loyalty to this blog and inspirational comments has been a blessing and encouragement. You will notice periodic repetitions of earlier blogs this month as I review my earlier commentary and finish those chapters that are still incomplete.
Our devotional thought for today is taken from Proverbs 1:5-6 and continues Solomon’s introductory statements regarding his purpose for compiling the proverbs contained in the 31 chapters of this book.
Proverbs 1:5 – “A wise man [one who orders his life in accordance to the Law and Word of God] will hear [hearken and obey; listen], and will increase [add; continue] learning [receive instruction; be persuaded]; and a man of understanding [prudent; discerning; perceptive] shall attain [accept; buy; get; acquire] unto wise counsels [accept guidance]:”
One might ask, “What can you tell a fool?” and the answer is—Nothing, absolutely nothing! By contrast, the wise are lifelong learners that are discerning; wise enough to know what they do not know! A wise man or woman hears, heeds and aspires unto wise counsel!
Proverbs 1:6 – “To understand [discerning; perceive; consider; regard] a proverb [a wise saying; parable], and the interpretation [meaning]; the words [speech; matter spoken; business; affairs] of the wise [one who orders his life in accordance to the Law and Word of God], and their dark sayings [fearful; proverb; difficult questions or ponderings].”
Proverbs are spiritual diamonds and to appreciate them you have to mine them from God’s Word. A natural, uncut diamond has little beauty; however, after a master jeweler has studied a rough diamond and determined how to bring out its beauty, he takes up his hammer and chisel carefully cutting away its flaws to reveal its hidden beauty.
That is the way it is when you read a chapter in Proverbs. On first reading one can miss the principles and deeper truths contained in a proverb; however, a little labor, study and meditation and the light of truth contained in a proverb will enlighten the mind and pierce the heart.
Proverbs 25:2 – “It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter.”
In the manner a king searches out the truth when serving as a judge of his kingdom, let us be diligent students of God’s Word.
Copyright 2015 – Travis D. Smith
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