June 14, 2015
When I was growing up, we had three sets of clothes. We had our “Sunday clothes” or as some might still refer to them, “our Sunday best.” We wore these only on Sunday to church and once in a while for special occasions.
Then we had our “school clothes.” These we wore to school and other times when we needed to look presentable. But once we were home, they came off and we wore our “everyday clothes.”
“Everyday clothes” were not special, but they were the clothes we liked best. We could play, work, ride bikes and do whatever we wanted in our “everyday clothes.” They were the clothes we wore most often.
In somewhat the same sense, the wisdom of the book of Proverbs is an “everyday wisdom.” It is not wisdom only for special occasions or unique situations. Rather, it is wisdom that works in everyday life.
Trust the LORD, He is involved in our daily lives and plans.
Hard work brings success, laziness invites poverty.
Words are important, be careful what you say.
Watch out for pride, be humble and quick to take advice.
Parenting is important, do it well.
Adultery and sexual sin will destroy your life if you let them entice you.
Be careful who you let influence your life.
How you live with your neighbors is important, treat them with respect.
One’s inner life (one’s heart) is of great importance, watch over it.
Friends and family are important to us.
Plan and save, don’t borrow and loan.
Riches are not as important as they might seem.
Be generous and kind to the poor and those less fortunate than you.
Notice how practical these everyday ideas are? That is why ignoring wisdom from God’s Word and making decisions about everyday life based on the world’s values is so dangerous. Once we make a choice, we belong to the consequences of those choices. There are no “do over’s” in everyday life.
That is not to say that the Lord does not forgive and redeem. He will always receive us if we turn to Him. We can bring our broken lives to Him and find a new start. BUT, the consequences of our decisions live on, even after forgiveness and grace. How much better to LISTEN to God’s wisdom and make good choices in everyday life. “My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity.” (Proverbs 3:1-2)
