Journal Prov 2 (all references are from the ESV unless noted otherwise; changes in punctuation are mine)
Scripture: “…if you seek (insight) like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.
For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity, guarding the paths of justice and watching over the way of his saints.
Then (or after this) you will understand righteousness and justice and equity—every good path—for wisdom will come into your heart and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul; discretion will watch over you, understanding will guard you, delivering you from the way of evil…” Prov 2:4-12a
Observation: The Holy Spirit gives the reader a bunch of “if/then” types of statements. Proverbs 2 is no different—if I want to “know” God, then I need to seek insight, wisdom, and understanding, which will lead me to the fear of the Lord.
Analysis: I am sitting here wondering what to write today. My mind is wandering all over the place; I am tired in my mind.
Today, however, is my turn to write, and to dig up the Gospel from my soul where today it is deeply buried and is not effervescent and lively.
The Scriptures indicate all men get this way at times. David said in Psalms 43: ”Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me?” David admonishes himself and replies: “Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.”
Perhaps Solomon is not so much offering advice as admonishing himself to REMEMBER:
- I must SEEK insight like the treasure it is.
- It will lead me to FEAR the Lord (something that isn’t properly emphasized enough, I think) so that I find the Knowledge of God.
As a result, I will experience pleasantness in my soul; I will understand righteousness (from God’s POV), justice (also from God’s POV), and equity (whatever that means from God’s POV) because wisdom and understanding and knowledge and discretion will guard my soul.
Today, these are the subjects I will recall. I will review the Gospel and how it impacts my soul; I will review the past and recount His Faithfulness; I will look to the future and hope in His continued Faithfulness while He watches over my soul.
I will quiet my mind and seek insight and wisdom and knowledge about the Gospel today—even while I go to the doctor, shop for groceries, go through the mail, clean up the house, and care for my wife. It can be done, for the Scriptures say it can be done…(“Pray without ceasing.” 1 Thes 5:17)…but it doesn’t work without giving it effort.
Prayer: As I go through my chores today, help me to accomplish the above, Lord Jesus. Deliver me from the way of evil and rejoice in being dependent on You.
Amen.
Ricky Two Shoes