2023_08_09 Insight Post- Rusty Coram
This week’s reading- Psalm 22, Proverbs 8, Psalm 51, Ecclesiastes 1
The older I get, the more important the book of Proverbs is to me. I think the main reason is because the book is full of wisdom and over time, I have witnessed, in my life and in other’s, the immense value of that insight and the pain and loss that comes if it is neglected. If we are honest, often we avoid the “wise way” because of our own self-interests. We want life to be easy, fun, and “cool,” and for it to fit in nicely with our preferred social network. Often the “wise way” runs counter to these.
“And so, my children, listen to me,
for all who follow my ways are joyful.
33 Listen to my instruction and be wise.
Don’t ignore it.
34 Joyful are those who listen to me,
watching for me daily at my gates,
waiting for me outside my home!
35 For whoever finds me finds life
and receives favor from the Lord.” Proverbs 8:32–35 (NLT)
Wisdom has great benefits that are discovered along the way of pursuing it. It is not an easy way initially, and oftentimes choosing the wise path is really tough… but the end result is joy. The “wise way” seldom looks “cool” and is often derided as old-fashioned or out of touch, but over the long haul it is proven right and life-giving. If we decide to follow God’s instructions, we will sometimes be ridiculed and ostracized by family and friends, but never by our Heavenly Father. A great benefit of being vitally connected to a church and Small Group is that there, we find others who are also embracing wisdom and can learn with and from each other while offering mutual support and encouragement.
Rusty Coram
Senior Pastor