Shalom,
Proverbs 19:8:
8 He who gains Wisdom loves his own life; he who keeps understanding shall prosper and find good.
We have looked at Wisdom a lot in these Proverbs, and it makes great sense that if you love your life, you WILL work hard at acquiring Wisdom! The second part of this Proverb says that if you "keep", the Hebrew word "shamar", which means: to guard, to preserve, to give heed, to protect, to keep watch, to retain, to treasure up, to celebrate, understanding, then you will find "good", the Hebrew word "towb", which means: good in every sense of the word, benefit, welfare, prosperity, happiness, bounty. Godly Wisdom and understanding are key ingredients for a life that is blessed in every way right here on earth! Going right along with that is verse 27:
27 Cease, my son, to hear instruction only to ignore it and stray from the words of knowledge.
To keep hearing the Word of God without putting it into practice is not wise! James 1:22-25 tells us that we deceive ourselves when we do this. We think that the Word of God will work for us just because we've heard it. John 8:32 says that it is the Word of God that we "know" that will set us free! That is the Greek word "ginooskoo", which means: to learn to know, to come to know, to get knowledge of, to perceive, to understand, to become acquainted with. That takes time AND practice! Be a DOER and get God's results!
Ephesians 2:10 says this:
10 For we are God's [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live].
God's purpose for our lives here on earth is to do those "good works"! What works are those? John 14:12 says this:
12 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believes on Me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.
The Amplified Bible says:
12 I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, if anyone steadfastly believes in Me, he will himself be able to do the things that I do; and he will do even greater things than these, because I go to the Father.
His plan for us here is to do the same things that Jesus did while He ministered on the earth! When we do, He will get the glory and people will be drawn to Him! God's #1 desire is that none "should perish, but that all should come to repentance"(2 Peter 3:9). THAT is our Father's business! Let's be about it!
In 1 Kings 1-2 we see that, after more rebellion and intrigue, Solomon is crowned king over Israel. David gives him this charge in 1 Kings 2:2-3:
2 I go the way of all the earth. be strong and show yourself a man; 3 Keep the charge of the LORD your God, walk in His ways, keep His statutes, His commandments, His precepts, and His testimonies, as it is written in the Law of Moses, that you may do wisely and prosper in all that you do and wherever you turn.
We will see, as we continue reading about Solomon, that he did obey this charge in the beginning. We will see the results of his obedience, and then we will also see when he begins to go astray. As you see these things, use them as a gauge for your own life, so that you can avoid the same pitfalls! The same enemy still uses the same tests, temptations and trials to try to get US to get off track. Remember, there is nothing new under the sun! Be wise! Here is a link to a news story about the newly discovered remains of Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem! Very exciting times we live in!
http://yourjewishnews.com/7729.aspx
Shalom in Him!
