or resent his reproof;
12 for Adonai corrects those he loves
like a father who delights in his son.
13 Happy the person who finds wisdom,
the person who acquires understanding;
14 for her profit exceeds that of silver,
gaining her is better than gold,
15 she is more precious than pearls —
nothing you want can compare with her.
16 Long life is in her right hand,
riches and honor in her left.
17 Her ways are pleasant ways,
and all her paths are peace.
18 She is a tree of life to those who grasp her;
whoever holds fast to her will be made happy.
19 Adonai by wisdom founded the earth,
by understanding he established the heavens,
20 by his knowledge the deep [springs] burst open
and the dew condenses from the sky.
21 My son, don’t let these slip from your sight;
preserve common sense and discretion;
22 they will be life for your being
and grace for your neck.
23 Then you will walk your way securely,
without hurting your foot.
24 When you lie down, you will not be afraid;
when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.
RG AUDIO 051015"Wisdom Requires Discipline" by Author: Maureen McClain
We often confuse discipline and punishment. Discipline’s purpose is training; punishment is a penalty for an offense. It is possible to have one without the other.
Since discipline involves training, what is God trying to teach us? Proverbs 3 tells us that we should seek wisdom and understanding. How? We know God loves us, so He never tells us to do something impossible. James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God.” Many passages tell us the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Proverbs 2:6 reminds us, “For the LORD gives wisdom.” So, this wisdom is ours for the asking!
Sounds great, huh? Oops! Read James 1:2-4. “Trials” may bring us to that wisdom! Hebrews 12:7-11 instructs us to endure hardship as discipline which will then produce righteousness and peace.
Just as we discipline our children to help them develop positive qualities, God disciplines us out of His love for us.
Hymn for Today: "Seeking Wisdom" by Laurence E Dahners
1. I left here as a young man (girl)
I left here seeking wisdom
I walked upon the crooked path
I carried many burdens
I come back so much older
But sadly none the wiser
2. This my benediction
Just a small depiction
Not a contradiction
Nor a degradation
Just a benediction
Without contradiction
3. Seven simple stones
Stand upon the plain
Mystic markers of our bones
Weeping in the rain
Seldom seen inside the wars
Crying for our hearts
4. I stepped outside one quiet night
And mother Mary she did cry
I saw a burning star hung high
And mother Mary she did cry
Soldiers strode across the sky
And mother Mary she did cry
5. This my benediction
Just a small depiction
Not a contradiction
Nor a degradation
Just my benediction
Without contradiction
____________________________
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