The way of the LORD is a stronghold to the upright, But ruin to the workers of iniquity.  Proverbs 10:29

There is a lifestyle that comes with knowing and walking with the Lord.  That lifestyle is laid out for us in the Scriptures as we read of the things that God loves and also the things that He hates.  The proverb for today refers to these things as "the way of Jehovah."  Let's take a look at this today and hopefully become wiser as a result.

The word "way" here is the Hebrew word "derek" which refers to a way, a path, a road - and is used often to speak of a way of walking or living.  That is why when we see this word we should think of a lifestyle that one has due to the daily choices they make.  The way or lifestyle of which we speak is that of the Lord.  This word is Jehovah - which is the covenant name of God.  So often in Scripture God will speak with His chosen people and lay out a covenant promise.  These are usually worded as "if-then" statements.  If you will follow the Lord, then He will bless you.  What God seeks to do when He says these things is not set up a works mentality in our relationship with Him.  What He is seeking to do is to encourage us to understand that making choices consistent with His Word and way will bring great blessing to our lives. 

We are told here that this way of Jehovah - is a stronghold to the upright.  The word for stronghold is the Hebrew word "maoz."  It speaks of a fortress.  That fortress is considered a shelter, a refuge, and a place of great safety.  It is one that often worked in two ways.  It provided natural defense points - but also was situated in such a way that one could easily see the enemy approaching.  This gave those in the stronghold protection - and it gave them time to prepare for the coming enemy onslaught.  Scripture indicates that God is that fortress - as well as our strength and defense (Psalm 27:1).  As we walk with Him in His way - we will find a natural defense against sin - as well as warnings about the enemy and how he will seek to tempt us and get us to rebel against God.  As we learn that "way" our lives will be changed by God's Word and His power.  We will be delivered from sin - and will better know how to escape the lies of the devil daily.

But the same "way of the Lord" that is a stronghold to the upright - is ruin to those who choose to rebel against God.  The word "iniquity" is very important for us to understand if we are to grasp the protection of God afforded to us by walking in His way.  The word is from the Hebrew word "awen" and it means, "nothingness, mischief, emptiness, and vanity."  The word is used to signify those who pursue meaningless things.  They do not walk in God's Word or in God's way.  They choose instead ungodliness - which leads them to chase after falsehood.  God told us His Word is truth.  That protects us - but it also speaks ruin for those who decide they prefer deceit and the lies of this world and of the devil.  Another way "awen" is used is to signify an idol - which tells us clearly that those who run after iniquity have made a god of their own.  They are worshipping an idol they have created - and prefer to have their idol confirm "their own" truth - as opposed to living by the truth of God - His Word.  This is the ruin of the ungodly.  They will receive no protection from God's way.  Instead they will run headlong into God's wrath and judgment for their disobedience and deceitful choices. 

Two ways are put before us in today's proverb.  There is the way of making your own god and deciding your own truth.  Such a way is foolish because it only amplifies the rebellion that is in the human heart due to the Fall of man.  That way will ruin those who follow it.  The other way is to choose a truth outside of ourselves.  It is to realize the truth is not in us - it is in God.  Therefore we choose to turn to Him.  We choose to turn to the way He has given us His truth - the Word of God.  We also choose daily to walk by His truth (the truth) knowing that by doing so we will have a refuge, a protection, indeed a stronghold to keep us from evil - and to keep us FOR fellowship with our loving, gracious God.

The shephanim are not mighty people, Yet they make their houses in the rocks; Proverbs 30:26

The shaphanim is the second animal from which we are to learn in this passage.  First of all we need to identify just what a "shephanim" is.  They are not rabbits as some first thought.  They are the rock hyrax - or hyrax syriacus. They are very weak and defenseless little creatures.  The book of Leviticus lists them among he unclean animals.  They have long hair, a short little tail, and round ears.  These little animals are for the most part defenseless.  They cannot burrow into the ground for safety and they have precious little about them that strikes fear into any predator.  What they do for safety is that they hind in and among the rocks to find a place they can be safe. 

The point of this reference to one of the most helpless of animals is not to point to his great power - because he has none - but rather to point to his wisdom.  He is considered exceedingly wise for taking refuge in the rocks.  The point is to show that he is weak - unable to defend himself - with many natual predators - yet he finds safety in the rocks.  What a great picture for us as men.  The little rock hyrax does have a message of wisdom for us weak men as well.  We are weak and unclean in the sight of God.  Man boasts great strength, yet his boasts before a holy God are empty and meaningless.  He is utterly helpless before God - and due to his sin and rebellion - he faces a fate worse than death in the judgment.  Yet, just as the little rock hyrax finds refuge, safety, and help in the rock - so we as men should find a similar "exceeding wisdom" in running to the Rock as well.  Our rock though is not a physical inanimate object laying on the ground.  Our Rock is Jesus Christ, the Rock of ages.  David knew of Him when he asked Jehovah to "lead me to the rock that is higher than I."  (Psalm 61:2)  He is the Rock Moses came to and struck from which came abundant rivers of water that gave drink to a thirsty and dry people.  He is the "cleft of the rock" in which the Lord hid Moses as all His glory passed by, so that Moses would not be consumed."  He is the Rock upon which we should build so that our house may stand in times of difficulty - of rain, flood, and storm.  He is the Rock upon which God will build His church so that the very gates of hell will not prevail against it. 

The little rock hyrax has a message for us.  We are defenseless, without hope of deliverance in our own strength, and facing certain death.  We need to run to the Rock of ages - the Rock of our salvation - the Rock of refuge - Who is Jesus Christ.  There is no other place of true safety for us.  Let us come unto Him then, Who is our safety and our hope.  Let us come to Him and find not just strength - but ultimate safety from every enemy - and from the judgment that will come.

"Bad, bad," says the buyer, But when he goes his way, then he boasts. Proverbs 20:14

There are proverbs which present the heart of man to us - so that we can know how to deal with men in a fallen world.  This is one of those proverbs.  The truth of this proverb needs to be grasped especially by those who are in the business world - and those who go forth to buy and sell in the marketplace.  If we know this truth, we will be better armed to know the hearts of men - and to know how to bargain with them, as well as why they can be so stubborn and insistent on getting a price as low as possible.

We have here what seems to be a contradiction in the one who is the buyer.  At one point he is saying, "Bad, bad," about the merchandise that he is seeking to buy.  Yet in the next moment, after making the purchase, he boasts about what he has received.  This is deceit on the part of the buyer - yet he is engaging in the deceit to make sure that he can get the lowest price possible.  Not that this is ethical at all - but it is far too often how men think they need to negotiate.

A story is told by St. Augustine of a certain banker in his time who told an entire theater of men that he would show every man what was in his heart the next time they met.  When the time came, the theater was full and all awaited with a breathless silence for his words.  He stood up, and in a single sentence said, "You all wich to buy cheap, and sell dear."  The crowd waited for an instant - then broke into applause for his statement, but everyone one of themt agreed that the same was in every one of their hearts.  This reveals to us the very same thing that this proverb says today.  We all wish to buy as cheap as possible, and then sell the same at the highest price we can get. 

Some might say that this is why the captialist system needs to be destroyed and replaced with another system that is based on equality.  Yet there is a fundamental problem with any other system - especially socialism or communism.  Who is going to guarantee this so-called equality?  Is there one among us who is NOT tainted by sin?  Is there anyone who can say that selfishness does not enter the equation?  And can anyone deny that when systems are put into place where the government is supposed to provide true equity, that the very government that promises this fairness, eventually turns to be the greatest oppressor of the people in the end? 

Though this proverb may cause some to chafe at the thought of its inherent selfishness, we need to see that in a fallen world, no one is able to truly do business without an inherent self-interest.  But when a system is put into place that allows the greatest freedom of choice by the people, then this inherent self-interest actually acts as a guard against any one person taking control of everything and acting in their own self-interest to the detriment of all. 

The wise man knows the heart of God - and in this case, he also knows the heart of men.  John 3 says that Jesus knew what was in the heart of a man.  That is why He did not gauge His success or failure on the momentary accolades of the crowds that surrounded Him.  They cheered Him when He multiplied bread and fish, but then left Him in John 6 when He spoke hard truth to them.  A wise man knows the hearts of men - and that is why in the arena of men governing men, he sets up safeguards.  Our forefathers were wise in setting up a system of government where all three branches had checks and balances to ensure that none would become dominant over all.  In the same way, it is wise for man to function under an economic system where his own selfishness is a check and balance on him in the marketplace.

The fury of a king is like messengers of death, But a wise man will appease it. Proverbs 16:14

The knock on the door resembled more like someone trying to break it down.  As he drew near to open, Daniel knew that this was no friendly visit by the sounds coming from the other side of the door.  He could hear the sounds of a chariot - and the all too familiar sound of armor and swords striking each other.  This was a military visit - and it did not sound as if it would be positive.  As he reached for the handle of the door Daniel said to himself, "Calm Daniel, respond with calm and confidence in your Lord."  As the handle moved to open the door a prayer also went up to heaven, "God, please help me respond wisely." 

As the door opened Daniel was astounded by what he met.  It was a military escort - and it had come for him.  Daniel knew things were bad when he saw Arioch, the commander of the king's bodyguard leading the way.  "The king had commanded that all the wise men of Babylon be executed," was the announcement that Arioch made at Daniel's doorway.  "I am sorry Daniel,  but I must put you in chains and escort you to the executioner immediately." 

"Why is this decree so urgent, Arioch?"  Daniel replied.  "Have we done something wrong - for when I last knew - all was well with the king and the wise men."  Arioch then told Daniel of the dream - and the command from the king that the one who interprets the dream must also be able to first tell the king what the dream was.  When the wise men present balked at this - and tried to bide their time - the king became furious and commanded that this be done to all the wise men.

Daniel sent a quick prayer to heaven again, "HELP LORD!"  Then a passage from the writings of Solomon came to mind, the fury of the king is messengers of death, but a wise man will appease it.  "Give me wisdom Lord to appease this request." 

"Arioch," Daniel spoke, "would you first take me to the king that I might request a time when I may come and declare the dream and the interpretation to him?"  From the look on Arioch's face Daniel knew that he was wary of this request.

"Daniel, my friend," the captain said, "He is furious right now - and not in any mood for delays or schemes. He is very disturbed about this dream and wants an interpretation." 

Daniel was amazed at his own boldness and faith as he answered, "Then that is what I shall give to him." 

As Arioch took him to the king Daniel continued to pray for favor and for God's power to appease a very angry king.  He also knew that when he returned to his home, he would have to call Hannaniah, Mishael, and Azariah to prayer as well that God would grant him the ability to know the king's dream and its interpretation.  "This will be a true test of our faith - and of our trust in Jehovah to protect and keep us here in Babylon," Daniel would say.  "Yet He has been faithful so far to offer us His gracious protection."

The king or whatever the supreme leadership position is called in any state - holds with it a tremendous amount of power and authority.  When that person is furious - it is not a good thing for the ones at whom his anger and rage is directed.  To approach him with respect, honor, and wisdom is absolutely necessary.  Depending on the laws of the region - that anger could mean death.  That is why examples like that of Daniel - where a gracious, submissive, appeal to authority and God's provision is definitely in order.  We can thank God for this godly example, for it gives us hope in what otherwise might be a hopeless situation.  The wise will learn from it - and repeat it as they go into every situation trusting God and relying on the wisdom of His Word to not only guide them - but also go before them to appease anger and wrath - and make a way for grace and peace to prevail.

That leaves the companion of her youth And forgets the covenant of her God; Proverbs 2:17

Many folk may not realize this, but it is a very healthy thing for your marriage to spend time in the Word each day reading it and listening to God through it.  It is this very Word that counsels us in a way that will deliver us from a woman or man who would forget their marriage covenant - and leave their spouse.

Today's proverb of the day takes us back to a promise that was made in verse 11.  As we get into the Word of God and learn wisdom from it, we will find that the discretion it gives us will guard and watch over us.  After telling us how it will guard us from the way or evil and the man who would speak perverse things to us (by perverse it is speaking of one who would pervert God's ways and replace them with his own, the worlds, or the devil's ways) it then turns to the adulteress and the strange woman. 

We are told that the adulteress leaves the companion of her youth.  The idea here is not that she leaves a boyfriend - but that she is leaving her husband.  If that is not clear in the first part of the verse, it becomes very clear when we are told that she "forgets the covenant of her God."  Some might argue that this refers to God's Law - more than any kind of marriage covenant.  I would agree whole-heartedly on this point of Scripture, but I would also add that God's covenant is what teaches us to honor marriage and remain committed to our spouse. 

As a pastor I find it kind of funny that some people think that the traditional marriage ceremony is out of Scripture.  It is often treated as if it is just as authoritative as Scripture.  With no desire to lay waste to the ceremony itself, I have to state that the ceremony is not in the Bible.  Having said that, I do believe that the principles behind it are absolutely supported by the Word of God - but the word for word ceremony is not.  The only thing we have close to a ceremony for marriage is the words God inspired in Adam and God's commentary on it afterward in Genesis 2:23-25 when He brought Adam and Eve together.

Some, seizing upon this, assert that there is no need for marriage or any kind of marriage ceremony.  Whether or not this is true (the ceremony part), there is one thing that I can absolutely assure you of that is Scriptural.  Mmarriage between a man and woman - is called a covenant twice in the Scriptures.  Here in Proverbs chatper 2 we see that the adulteress leaves her husband and disregards the covenant made with her God.  Again in Malachi 2:14 we see that marriage is considered a covenant with God.  Therefore, whether you have a ceremony like the traditional one or not - you are not married until you enter into a covenant with God - and God takes covenants very seriously. 

That is why we are warned to be delivered from such a woman.  It is wisdom to know to stay away from an adulteress woman who forgets a covenant with God to love her husband exclusively (and just so there is no doubt - we should stay away from an adulterer or whoremonger too for the same reasons.)  Wisdom honors covenants and appreciates those who remain true to their word - whether given in a covenant or not.  Jesus makes that clear when He tells us to let our yes be yes and our no be no.  One who disregards their word when their sensual desires rise up within them is not a wise companion.  When this is the case with someone of the opposite sex - it turns out to be more than just unwise - it is deadly!

The Word of God will counsel and admonish us to walk in a way that will honor our word - and especially honor God's Word.  That is why it is so important for your marriage that you get into the Word every day and make sure that the Word gets into you.  

Discretion will guard you, Understanding will watch over you, Proverbs 2:11

In our world a great number of people purchase a security system.  They do so because they are wanting someone to watch over them and the things that they own so that they are safe.  What we read in Proverbs today tells us that when we walk in wisdom, we are guarded and watched over by God Himself.  Now that is security!

As we open ourselves up to God for Him to do His work in our lives, we will begin to watch two very helpful things begin to happen in our thinking.  The first is that we will begin to have biblical discernment.  The word used here for discernment is "mezimmah."  It means to have prudence and discretion.  When God's wisdom comes into our lives - we begin to live with prudence.  This means that we begin to look things over before doing them.  We are prudent in that we think about the end of the matter before doing something.  The ungodly just jump into an action because it is what they want to do.  But when wisdom begins to guide our way - we think about what this is going to do in the end.  We ask the question, "If I do this, what is the result going to be?"  If we see a bad result or a costly one, we choose not to do it.  This is how we are guarded by discretion.  We are guarded from making a quick decision that is not thought out beforehand.  This keeps us from many problems.

The second thing we begin to experience is understanding.  This is the often used word "tebunah" which refers to someone with insight.  They receive the information God gives them from the Word and from His Spirit and begin to understand all things from that perspective.  Their understanding will watch over them - because as with discernment - they are loathe to do something just because it is what they want - or what others want for them.  They see things from God's perspective - and having seen that - they avoid danger and stupidity like the plague. 

A wise man listens to God through the Word of God.  That Word speaks a myriad of things to him - and helps him begin to see the world as God sees it.  When that happens - he will also begin to discern the best course of action - and takes it.  This habit will help make that young man or worman - a person who is protected from evil - and will watch over them for good as they learn to follow God with all their heart and soul.

The name of the LORD is a strong tower; The righteous runs into it and is safe. Proverbs 18:10

As we walk through this world there are times when we have to wonder about our safety.  We are in a wicked and ungodly world - and in it there are those who would do us harm because we represent Jesus Christ.  This is true far more in countries where persecution is tolerated and encouraged by the government and by leaders of false religions.  Are we safe in the Lord?

Solomon knew that indeed the godly man IS safe!  He knew it not just because of a theory that he had heard - but because of true stories shared with him by His father, David.  David knew personally that the name of Jehovah was a strong tower because he had faced extremely dangerous situations throughout his life.  He had turned to the Lord again and again when things became very dangerous for him.  He had faced enemies who laid in wait for him outside his home - planning to kill him.  He had faced armies whose desire it was to destroy Israel and enslave its people.  He faced personal threats from people - as well as threats that arose from spiritual realms.  Yet in all this he knew that the name of the Lord is a strong tower - a place of safety into which the righteous can run. 

God's name represents more than just something we call Him - it represents Who He is.  He is Jehovah - the self-existant One who reveals Himself.  But that name is attached to other names - ones that offer promises to us.  He is Jehovah-Jireh, the One who sees and provides for us.  He is Jeohvah-Nissi, the One who is our banner of victory when we face foes.  He is Jehovah-Tsidkenu, the One who is our righteousness when our sins would separate us from God.  He is Jeohvah-M'kaddesh, the One who will sanctify us and deliver us from our innermost battles with sin.  He is Jehovah-Shammah, the One who is present with us - preparing a table for us in the presence of our enemies.  He is Jehovah-Rohi, the One who will be our Shepherd and lead us through our lives.  He is Jehovah-Rophe, the One who will heal us from all our diseases and bring us out of sickness and pain.  He is finally Jehovah-Shalom, the One who will give us peace no matter what is happening in our lives.  Truly His names are a strong tower to which we can run and find shelter in whatever situation we face.  May we be wise and run to Him with all that we face in life - trusting Him to deliver us from all our fears and all our trials.

  Do not lie in wait, O wicked man, against the dwelling of the righteous; Do not destroy his resting place; For a righteous man falls seven times, and rises again, But the wicked stumble in time of calamity. Proverbs 24:15-16

There are times when you wonder about the providence of God.  These are times when you look at the wicked - how they strut about on the earth - and how they attack the righteous and seek to destroy them.  Asaph had one of these times in Psalm 73.  He struggled mightily with the prosperity of the wicked and the difficulties and trials of the godly.  Yet in the end, when he considered eternity and the end of the ungodly, David returned to his sanity and found himself worshipping God - and pitying the wicked. 

Here we have a warning given to the wicked - or at least the wicked man who thinks he can destroy the godly.  He is warned not to lie in wait against the dwelling of the righteous.  Here we have someone who is planning to do something destructive.  The word used for "lie in wait" is a single Hebrew word that means to ambush, to lurk, or to lie in ambush as a military tactic.  In the military context it always has the meaning of also doing this for the purpose of killing another. 

I don't want to make you stay awake at night worrying, but there are very sinister forces today that are lying in wait against the righteous.  Radical Islam is one of them.  For years the 9/11 terrorists were waiting and training for their one day of evil.  It was spooky to say the least to learn just how long they were among us - acting like nothing was going on - and all the while they were planning the worst terrorist attack in history against us.  It was even scarier to read an article that listed the top 10 ways that Muslim terrorists were planning to attack us.  The article was written by someone from the homeland security department.  This list blew my mind because the attack that they are planning currently makes the 9/11 attacks look timid in comparison.  In addition to the threat from radical Islamic terrorists, there are also threats from the far left.  The radical homosexual movement wants to destroy conservative Christianity, making it illegal to hold views that are consistent with Scripture.  There are those among the religious and academic elites who think that Christianity should be relegated to the ash heap of ideas - with laws enacted and enforced to make sure this happens.  Like I said, this is disturbing to know - that there are those who are plotting and planning our demise. 

God warns such people that this is not a wise thing to do.  Remember saints, that God considers us the apple of His eye - and warns against those who would seek to harm us.  He warns that such things are very unwise and will elicit his judgment.  God warns specificially against seeking to destroy the "resting place" of the righteous.  It is true that some want to destroy our "physical" dwelling places - but there is also the fact that those who oppose us among academia and the marketplace of ideas - want to destroy the Biblical Christian worldview and the philosophy that goes along with it.  They fight us on the front of creation and science - saying that only their view is acceptable and that creation science is no science at all.  They fight us on the moral front, saying that our views on morality from a biblical standpoint are outdated and should be cast aside for more modern (read immoral here) standards, which wind up being no standards at all.  They fight us in the arena of human value - as they push abortion, euthanasia, and population control.  They fight us in the arena of God's purpose as they exalt the earth with their environmentalism - even saying that humans are a blight upon the planet and should be culled back from our current 7 billion to no more than 300 to 500 million people.  All these things are attacks on our "dwelling place" and "resting place" in the Lord God and in His Word as the ultimate source of truth. 

One could get the to the point of living in fear if he or she did not read the rest of this proverb.  The relentless attacks have not been just in this generation.  They have existed all throughout history.  Whether it has been the emperors like Nero, Diocletian, and Galerius or the attacks of the currently worldly educated like Darwin, Nietzsche, Hitchens, Harris and Freud, Christianity is amazing just for the fact that it is still around and still considered even a marginally valid worldview.  But it is far more that that.  The Word of God and the gospel of Jesus Christ continues to transform millions every year - and provide for them a resting place for their faith and their lives. 

We should take heart though, because this proverb gives us great hope - even though we are beset on all sides by those who seek to destroy us.  God tells the wicked that even though a righteous man falls seven times - he will rise again.  We have the peace of knowing that He Who began this good work in us, will complete it until the day of Christ Jesus.  He will not allow us to be destroyed and decimated.  Even in death His martyrs speak - and the blood of the martyrs becomes the seed of His church.  We may fall seven times - but He will pick us up and make us to stand because of His grace and work in us. 

But this proverb comes also with a warning.  The wicked are warned that they will stumble in times of calamity.  When difficult times come - when evil befalls because of their wickedness or because of God's judgment in their lives - they will stumble in it.  The word for "stumble" here means to stagger, to totter, to be brought down or cast down.  The word is used in the Old Testament to describe not just the fall of individuals, but the fall of cities and nations who fall because of the evil and wickedness that they've committed.  So we come full circle on this proverb to what I began saying in this article.  Asaph almost stumbled when he considered the prosperity of the wicked in Psalm 73.  But in the end, he remembered the judgment and the sovereignty of God.  He considered their end - and how they were consumed all at once in their wickedness and iniquity.  This moved him to two things.  First it moved him to worship God, who is truly sovereign over all things.  He worshipped God because he knew there was more to this life than - well, just this life here on earth.  In light of the fear and terror of God in judgment, he worshipped with trembling as he considered the end of the wicked.  Second, he was moved to pity and mercy towards the wicked.  Seeing their latter end, he pitied them and grieved over their destruction.  Finally, he was thankful for God's grace and love for him.

Here is wisdom . . . God is sovereign, even when it seems that the wicked are being destructive towards His people.  We should not stumble over this reality - but rather realize that God is working, even in the moments when it seems like the world is out of control - or even worse - under the control of the wicked.  Know this - God is working for His own glory.  If He used a moment as horrific as the cross of Christ to redeem the world - believe me when I say that He can also use anything to eventually bring about His will in this life.