Wednesday 14 May 2014

May 14: Proverbs 1:1-7

Key Verse: Proverbs 1:3
To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, judgment, and equity;

Devotion:
The beginning of the book of proverbs gives us insight into the reason why God has inspired people to write down His Word for others to read. God has made sure that the scriptures have been made available to as many people as possible with many people now taking to task the translation of the bible into many different languages. No longer is it the domain of those in the church who wanted to remain in power but rather a gift to all mankind from our Lord and Saviour.

Solomon did not have this all written down so that he would have his own reference book to read over and over to himself. He wrote it down because he believed that is what God wanted him to do for all men, not just himself. If it were a book to himself then the wording would have been different; why would he have to remind himself of who he is if this were a private note?

God has given each of us many different strengths to be able to do things in life that will make a difference. I am able to write down words that encourage others as well as encouraging me; I do get a lot out of being able to study God’s Word and try to explain it in my own words to anyone who is willing to listen. I dedicate part of every day to sitting down and learning a bit more about God and a bit more about me – God teaches me through applying His Word to situations and my life. I am able to pass on what I learn because I have taken time to learn.

God inspired Solomon and gave him a great understanding of life so that he would be able to rule effectively. Solomon was also inspired by God as He taught him ways of approaching situations in life in ways that would glorify God. If we seek to give God the glory for all that we do then we are going to be able to make more of a difference in our lives and the lives of those around us. This is what God meant by us going out and giving others the Gospel; not just to tell people but to show them God’s ways in life.

Points to Ponder:
Do you seek glory?

Do you glorify God?