Proverbs

Purpose and Theme of Proverbs

1 The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:

² for gaining wisdom and instruction;
    for understanding words of insight;
³ for receiving instruction in prudent behavior,
    doing what is right and just and fair
⁴ for giving prudence to those who are simple,
    knowledge and discretion to the young—
⁵ let the wise listen and add to their learning,
    and let the discerning get guidance—
⁶ for understanding proverbs and parables,
    the sayings and riddles of the wise.

⁷ The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,
    but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

I have often told my children as well as my friends that my Grandmother has been the Queen of sayings. She had some nuggets of wisdom for any situation. Growing up in her house was living in a fountain of "Pay attention to what I say".
Of course, as children we don't value what our elders have to say. We downright are either embarrassed or annoyed. And overflow with "I know better". Well, she did know better, come to find out.

Throughout my years especially as an adult, I have somehow developed a philosophy of life which proves to have become very important.

"Staying away from the edge as far as I can, instead of trying to find out how close I can live to the edge before I fall."

It has saved me many times in hind sight, from falling over the edge. I have been very fortunate to have been growing up in my Grandmother's home. She has had a major influence on how I lived my life. Yes, parents should be exactly that to children too, but in my case it was an ordained blessing from God; since my parents would have not been able to, would I have been living with them.

Looking back, I can remember so many times when the wisdom of God has come through my Grandmother. She was not a "religious" person, She did only attend church on major holidays. But she lived her live according to God's ways and did the best she could. As I mentioned in earlier posts, the 60's and 70's have not been as free spirited there as here in the US. Her generation grew up with a more prudent and subdued way of life. I loved her so much and I am glad to have had her in my life.

Having a healthy fear of God did not have a correct meaning to me until I came to the US. Before that, I referenced God in my heart but I did not fear Him in a biblical sense. I did not know Him, being the authority in this universe nor my life. I did not understand that everything belongs to Him and I am merely a steward of what He has given me. Fear is good when it keeps us away from danger. Fear is good when it keeps us from sin. But fear induced by violence and sinful behavior of others is not good and knowing fear for those reasons have distorted my understanding of who God really is.

Seeing a picture in my mind's eye of God often had an undertone of punishment and anger toward me. I saw God the way I saw the male role models in my life and their behavior toward me. And no, this was not a pretty picture.

The faithfulness of God, by partnering with me, teaching me and delivering me from those sins of others and my own, has made me a different person. The person I should have been in the first place. The person that God had in His mind when He looked at me through Jesus. The person who had His attributes and was created in His likeness.

As the prophet Jeremiah got an earful of God: "I have known you before you where created in your mother's womb, I have set you apart....." meaning being set apart for His plan, we need to know so desperately who we are. That our heavenly Father has created us perfectly in His image for his purpose which becomes our purpose.

The image others around us put in is often not equal to the image of God in which we were created. Especially, the image produced in us in our early years of life.

But from my own experience,  I can say, it is never too late for God to change our image, change our way of life and fulfill the plan He has. It takes willingness on our side to allow God to do so.
By His Grace alone...not by our strength or ability, but by His power and love can we be changed into a follower of Christ. And it is true, once we taste the sweet life with Jesus, we don't want to go back to our old, own self. Where moths and rust destroys our life. But with Christ we have everlasting life and we never have to worry about decay. In heaven there is no decay, no tears. Only wonderful fellowship in the presence of God.

You see, you know, you love me Lord. Hallelujah

So long and good bye until next time. Praying for God to reveal His great image of you, to you.