June 8, 2023 - Proverbs 1-3

The proverbs . . . always a tough book to read, it seems to me, in a schedule of reading the Bible through. Many of the individual proverbs are sort of stand alone wisdom sayings, and to read large swaths of them can be sort of like flipping through a large collection of photos without really stopping to appreciate each for what it is. Keeping in mind Thomas Brooks' counsel – “Remember, it is not hasty reading, but serious meditating upon holy and heavenly truths, that make them prove sweet and profitable to the soul. It is not the bee's touching of the flower that gathers honey, but her abiding for a time upon the flower that draws out the sweet.” – maybe a single proverb or short selection each day.

Prov 3:3,4 – “Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man.” For the child of God, the traits of love and faithfulness are not seen only occasionally. These are not attributes that surface only when needed in order reach some personal goal. They are to characterize the Christian’s life. Any time, during any day, and in any circumstance, they are to be evident in our lives. We must be people who love and who are faithful, and that without question or lapse.

If you but trust in God to guide you

and place your confidence in him,

you’ll find him always there beside you

to give you hope and strength within;

for those who trust God’s changeless love

build on the rock that will not move.

Sing, pray, and keep his ways unswerving,

offer your service faithfully,

and trust his word; though undeserving,

you'll find his promise true to be.

God never will forsake in need

the soul that trusts in him indeed. -- Georg Neumark (1641)