Coffee With Pat
Written By: Pat Aman
copyright 2006
All rights reserved

In this life, which God has given us, we have many choices. When we choose to live God's way, He gives us wisdom. His Word, the Bible, leads us to live right, to have satisfying relationships, and to make correct decisions. The person who is wise seeks to know and love God. "The Book Of Proverbs" A proverb is a short instructional sentence about how to live a moral life for God. The Book of Proverbs was written by Solomon. He was the third king of Israel and son of the great King David. It is a collection of wise sayings and contains practical suggestions on living a proper life. Solomon wrote most of these proverbs in the early years of his reign. These proverbs give us practical insights and guidelines for living. It is good to have knowledge. In order to properly apply this knowledge to our lives, we must also have wisdom. Without wisdom, our knowledge is useless. God wants His people to be wise. Through the proverbs that Solomon wrote, God instructs us just as a father would lovingly give advice and instruction to his children. All who seek wisdom will benefit greatly from reading the wise words written in Proverbs. One of the main themes of Proverbs addresses the question, "Where does wisdom come from?" Solomon wrote, "Fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. Only fools despise wisdom and discipline" (Proverbs 1:7). A fool is a person who is a know-it-all, who has a set opinion on everything, who is closed to new thoughts and suggestions, who resents discipline, and who refuses to learn. God wants us to be open to the advice of others, especially our parents and those who know us well. David taught Solomon, when he was a young boy, that seeking God's wisdom was the most important choice that he could make. David instructed, "Follow all the ways of the Lord. Keep each of the commandments that are written in the Law." The pursuit of wisdom begins with knowing God. God knows all things and gives insight into living life because He created life. We should seek God's wisdom to make wise decisions in any circumstance we are in, easy or difficult. If you need wisdom, or if you want to know what God wants you to do, ask Him. He will gladly tell you! In his teachings, Solomon gives good advice to young people. He counsels that as young people grow older, they must learn to be wise and develop good judgment. Solomon advised, "Getting wisdom is the most important thing you can do. And whatever else you do, get good judgment." When you are young, it is important to feel accepted. As you seek acceptance, a friend may lead you down the right path or the wrong path in life. It is difficult to accept the fact that friends and acquaintances may lure you into doing something wrong. Many people can't see how their friends' actions could lead to trouble. When you feel yourself being heavily influenced, you must learn how to proceed with caution. Don't let your friends lead you to follow a path of sin. Solomon had many wise things to say which he wrote in Proverbs. "Guard your heart carefully for it affects everything you do." Our feelings of love and desire dictate how we live because we always find time to do what we enjoy. Limit your desires. Don't go after everything you see. Look straight ahead, keep your eyes fixed on your goals, and don't get sidetracked on detours that lead to sin. "Wisdom lives together with good judgment. All who fear the Lord will hate evil. You cannot love God and love sin. Listen to me, for happy are all who follow my ways. Listen to my counsel and be wise. Do not ignore it. "The person who has wisdom is loving, is faithful, trusts in the Lord, puts God first in their life, turns from evil, knows right from wrong, and does what is right. Always obey your father's commands, and don't neglect your mother's teachings." As children grow to adulthood, it is natural and good for them to become increasingly independent from their parents. However, young adults should take care not to turn a deaf ear to their parents - to reject their advice - just when it is needed most. The years of experience your parents or other adults have accumulated will help to give you the wisdom you seek. Remember, they were young adults, too. "One of the greatest resources that God has given to us is the family. Families provide acceptance, encouragement, guidance, and counsel. To bring trouble on your family - whether through anger or an exaggerated desire for independence is foolish because you cut yourself off from all they provide. Your best friends are your family members." The Book of Proverbs is concerned with the learning of wisdom. What is written in Proverbs makes it clear that there are no good alternatives to learning wisdom. We either become wise learners, or we refuse to learn and become foolish failures. The teachings in Proverbs provide us with knowledge, the wisdom of Solomon, to make right choices. Read more about "A Father's Wise Advice" Proverbs 1:1 - 31:31. "Fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. Only fools despise wisdom and discipline." Proverbs 1:7

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