Wisdom bestows well-being
3 My son, do not forget my teaching,
but KEEP MY COMMANDS IN YOUR HEART,
2 for they will prolong your life many years Proverbs 3
We saw in the Gospels yesterday that we’re commanded to KEEP ALERT and to be Watchful. We also noted the words given to the priests in the Aaronic Blessing, Numbers 6, ‘THE LORD BLESS AND KEEP YOU’. God gave these words so He could bless the people.
The word KEEP occurs thirty times in the Book of Proverbs, part of the Wisdom Literature. God exhorts His People to take certain things seriously, to be wise in the way we walk.
21 My son, do not let wisdom and understanding out of your sight,
preserve sound judgment and discretion; …
25 Have no fear of sudden disaster
or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked,
26 for the Lord will be at your side
and will KEEP YOUR FOOT from being snared. Proverbs 3
Proverbs emphasises the need to PROTECT AND KEEP OUR MOUTHS. As we guard our words, we guard our lives!
24 KEEP your mouth free of perversity;
KEEP corrupt talk far from your lips. Proverbs 4
13 A gossip betrays a confidence,
but a TRUSTWORTHY PERSON KEEPS A SECRET. Proverbs 11
23 THOSE WHO GUARD THEIR mouths and their tongues
KEEP THEMSELVES FROM CALAMITY. (Strong Word of Warning) Proverbs 21
There are a series of verses early in Proverbs warning against adultery or the breaking of the marriage Covenant. Joseph did the right thing when he ran from Potiphar’s wife in Egypt.
7 Now then, my sons, listen to me;
do not turn aside from what I say.
8 KEEP to a path far from her,
do not go near the door of her house, Proverbs 5
Proverbs also warns us NOT TO BLURT OUT WHAT WE KNOW. It’s easy to try and appear knowledgeable when we’re in other people’s company, but there are times when it’s better not to speak out and say what we know!
23 THE PRUDENT KEEP THEIR KNOWLEDGE TO THEMSELVES,
but a fool’s heart blurts out folly. Proverbs 12
27 The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint,
and whoever has understanding is even-tempered.
28 Even fools are thought wise if they keep SILENT,
and discerning if they HOLD THEIR TONGUES. Proverbs 17
I BELIEVE THESE SCRIPTURES ABOUT HOLDING OUR TONGUES AND NOT BLURTING OUT WHAT WE KNOW IS FOR SOMEONE READING THIS!
May the Lord bless and keep you today. Immanuel, God is with us.