"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOD'S WISDOM (3 TRUTHS) FROM PROVERBS"
Proverbs 13:12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick, But when the desire comes, it is a tree of life.
Proverbs 13:13 He who despises the word will be destroyed, But he who fears the commandment will be rewarded.
Proverbs 13:14 The law of the wise is a fountain of life, To turn one away from the snares of death.
Some explanatory thoughts/application, and a prayer:
1. Pro13:12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick, But when the desire comes, it is a tree of life. There are two things said here. One has to do with disappointment, and one has to do with joy.
(1) When what we hope for is deferred, or prolonged, or drawn away, or to be postponed is the idea, this will make our hearts sick. To be heart sick, means to be weak, grieved, in pain, to travail. We might call it depression today. Isn't that what happens?. We are hoping for something to come to pass and when it does not, we are very sad.
(2) But, please notice the second part of the verse. Pro 13:12b But when the desire comes, it is a tree of life. Or to say it another way, "but when dreams come true, there is life and joy." Let me say two things here. First all of we can commit all of our hopes and desires to the Lord. He knows what is best for us. And, by letting Him have all of our hopes and desires we are pleasing Him by trusting Him. Secondly, please know that God is faithful, and in His own time, and in His own way, He is going to bring what He wants to to pass. And, one day, can you imagine the life and joy we will experience when our hope of seeing Jesus face to face is realized.
2. Proverbs 13:13 He who despises the word will be destroyed, But he who fears the commandment will be rewarded. This verse gives us God's wisdom about our attitude towards His Word. One leads to destruction, and the other to reward.
(1) Pro13:13 He who despises the word will be destroyed. To say it another way, "People who despise advice will find themselves in trouble;"
(2) The choice of which attitude we are going to have is up to us. And, the consequences of those choices are set in stone.
(3) Despising, or to disrespect the Word, will lead to trouble. The person who does not respect and obey God's Word will get themselves in trouble.
(4) Fearing, or respecting, obeying, submitting to God's Word will bring reward. Or they will find themselves succeeding in life, rather than being destroyed.
3. Proverbs 13:14 The law of the wise is a fountain of life, To turn one away from the snares of death.This verse does not compare or contrast any truth, but rather tells us two things about what God's Word does in the life of a believer who actually trusts and obeys God.
(1) Pro13:14a The law of the wise is a fountain of life, or, the advice of the wise is like a life-giving fountain. Isn't that wonderful and encouraging. God can and will give us wise counsel from His word through wise people. His Word itself is a fountain of life. God certainly paints helpful Word pictures for us. A fountain of life. Indeed it is.
(2) Pro 13:14b To turn one away from the snares of death. In other words, if a person accepts the Word of God, that is to believe it, and to do it. then, it will cause them to avoid the snares of death. There are so many snares set by Satan. And, if a person is in the Word, trusting and acting on the Word, those snares will not get them.
Life can be like a mine field. But, God's Word will show you where those mines are located so you can stay away from them, and not be damaged by them.
(3) Seek good counsel, seek the advice of good and wise, and Godly Christian friends. Associate with wise people, and take their advice to heart, it will keep you safe. Here are a few Scriptures along this line.
Pr 5:1 My son, pay attention to my wisdom; listen carefully to my wise counsel.
Pr 6:22 Wherever you walk, their counsel can lead you. When you sleep, they will protect you. When you wake up in the morning, they will advise you.
Pr 8:33 Listen to my counsel and be wise. Don’t ignore it.
Pr 20:18 Plans succeed through good counsel; don’t go to war without the advice of others.
Pr 27:9 The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense.
A prayer:
Father, thank You for the Book of Proverbs. It's filled with the best wisdom we could find anywhere in this world. It's Your wisdom Lord, and You tell us that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. So, Lord, we want to fear You and then find Your wisdom, and Your knowledge. Thank You again, and may we not be forgetful hearers, but faithful doers of Your Word. In Jesus name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
