Words, Wisdom and Wellspring… Prov 4 NIV
Chapter 4 begins with a father speaking to his young son; what a blessing to have a father’s instruction in the things of God when we’re young and impressionable, willing to learn. I’m reminded of Jewish Fathers in Jerusalem, out walking with their young sons on Shabbat, when God ordained that work should stop and the people rest.
“Lay hold of my words with all your heart; keep my commands and you will live(serious words, teaching the way of life). …do not forget my words or swerve from them”. Prov 4:4, 5
The instruction is ‘to hold onto the words for dear life’, and to keep and obey them. God’s Words are supposed to mound and shape our lives(Logos, general or written word of God).If God speaks to us directly, we need to write it down and capture it and meditate on it, (Rhema, personal word to us).
‘Wisdom’ is described a lot in Proverbs as a female person, difficult for our western minds to grasp. There are believers who claim to have met the person of wisdom in the spirit, which would help explain terms like ‘embrace and esteem her’.
Do not forsake wisdom and she will protect you; love her and she will watch over you. Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have get understanding/whatever else you get. Esteem her and she will exalt you; embrace her and she will honour you. She will set a garland of grace on your head and present you with a crown of splendour. Prov 4:6-9 also Prov 3:13-18
If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you; if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer. Prov 9:12
Choosing wisdom instead of folly will save us much grief in this life. Wisdom is discerning and says no to what is harmful. Wisdom takes the longer view. Above all, it is God’s wisdom and not the wisdom of this world that we need.
The third word is ‘Wellspring’;
Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring (source) of life. Prov 4:22
We have to guard our own hearts, no one else can do it for us. Whatever we allow in will affect our lives and probably come out of our mouths. Our heart is the source of our lives, so we need to give heed to what we are allowing in.
In 2 Chron 23 we read the story of Joash becoming king and the things that followed on from that;
He also stationed doorkeepers at the gates of the Lord’s temple so that no one who was in any way unclean might enter(We are the Temple of God’s Spirit today). 2 Chr 23:19
The sanctity/holiness of the Temple had to be preserved; no one or nothing unclean could enter. So we are told to guard our hearts, keep anything out of our lives that’s not pleasing to the Lord.
God bless and keep you today.