There is a way which seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death. Proverbs 16:25

Ever since the fall of man we've been making the wrong decisions as a race - and - as individuals. The whole world was turned upside down at this event - and man has had his thinking on right and wrong completely ruined. That is what today's proverb deals with - and it is one that we should take very seriously - especially when it comes to spiritual matters - and more than anything, when it comes to salvation.

There is a way that seems right to a man. We truly blew it when we decided to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Ever wonder why this was such a huge blunder. I mean, isn't it a good thing to know the difference between what is good and what is evil? But this is not what entered into the heart of Eve, then Adam when they partook of the fruit of this infamous tree.

They ate of something forbidden by God. In fact, there was only one rule in the garden - just ONE! They were not to eat of the fruit of this one tree. But they chose to eat - and by eating brought the entire creation into futility by their choice to sin against God. We will NEVER be drawn closer to God through disobedience. That is something you can take to the bank every day you live. They were not eating of a tree that would help them know the difference between good and evil. This was not a discernment tree which would help them choose good things the rest of their life. They were wanting to partake of good and evil - they wanted the knowledge of both. The way that seems right to a man is a way that experiences good and evil - and therefore man can choose which he wants. The problem is that once he chooses to DO evil - to ACT evil - to WANT evil - he will be enslaved to it.

There is a way that seems right to a man - which includes knowing evil intimately so he thinks he will be able to choose what is best. But the reality is that the end of this way is the way of death. Jesus said that whoever sins is the slave of sin. We cannot "dabble" in this stuff enough to see the wrong of it - then consistently choose against that wrong. The wrong enslaves - and warps - and lies - and deceives - and in the end, kills.

As we look at this proverb, there is another danger in the "way that seems right to a man." This again proceeds from eating and participating in the knowledge of good and evil. Once the pair had eaten of this fruit - they knew both good and evil. That knowledge made them think that they could reject the evil, choose the good, and become acceptable to God. What was birthed at the foot of this tree was man-made religion. What came to life within the wicked breast of man in that hour was the idea that man can make himself acceptable to God by his works. Do more good than evil - and God will have to accept you. There was a false idea of God that was perpetrated by the devil there - and it was the height of wickedness. Satan said to Eve, that she would not die when she sinned - but that in having the knowledge of good and evil - she would be like God Himself! She herself would then be able to determine what is good as well as what is evil! Birthed in that infamous moment was the lying games of human philosophy as well. The thought that by the working of our own minds we could determine good and evil - as our own little gods!

Since man thought that he could determine what is right and good - there was no need for God. There was no need for the Almighty to grant revelation. We were good enough in ourselves to determine for ourselves what was right and what is wrong. Since that time the heart of man has been a veritable idol-factory. We are experts at fashioning gods of all kinds. Man is hopelessly religious - finding some god that he can worship. Problem is that according to Romans 1 - he finds worship in all the wrong places - looking for god in too many faces. Actually he even looks for God in animals - four-footed creatures - bugs - and in various self-styled versions of himself. Man eventually will have a god of his own making - who will look like, act like, and condone a lifestyle just like the one he is currently living. Anyone who has looked at the pitiful gods of the Greeks and Romans has realized that they were more lecherous and despicable than the men they supposedly ruled over on the earth. We think there is a way that seems right - but it only confirms our previously embraced wickedness and desire for sin.

Hope for mankind lies not in the fashioning of another parthenon of gods, but in communication and mercy from the One True God. There is a way that seems right to man - to each of us - but it is infinitely flawed by sin and selfishness granted to us by our descendants. We are the products of Adam and Eve - and we are after their likeness - and after their sinfulness. Hope comes when we see that God sovereignly reaches down to us and reveals Himself through His Word. There IS a way that is RIGHT - but that way belongs to God and to His revelation of Himself to us through the Scriptures. There is a way that does not lead to death - it leads to life. But that way is through God's provision of life through His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. What we need is not our own ideas. We need the life of God - the righteousness of God - and the kindness of God which leads us to repentance. God has made a way - but it is His way. He has made a way - but He did not consult with us as to what it was going to be. When man was embroiled in his sin - in fact before man ever existed or had sinned - God provided a lamb, slain from the foundation of the world. Salvation was - and ever is His idea - His provision - and His act of mercy and grace to us. Oh, that we will remember that - and daily worship Him for His wonderful grace in Jesus Christ.

The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, But the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.  - Proverbs 15:28

Look before you leap.  There is a proverb outside Scripture that reminds us to seriously think about the steps we take, because once we take them we cannot get them back.  Our proverb today is similar to this except it deals with what we say.  One might say that this proverb could be said this way, "Think before you speak!" 

The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer.  We should note right from the start that the "heart" of the righteous is what is pondering his answer.  The godly man does not allow his mouth to run its own course without the management of the heart.  He wants to speak from the heart - not shoot from the hip.  The problem about shooting from the hip when we speak is the carnage that results from drive-by speaking.  This wise man thinks and considers what he is about to say.  He takes the time to meditate on God's Word before he speaks his own.  He discerns what is needed for the situation and speaks according to what God wants.  This godly man speaks as God directs in Ephesians 4:29, "Let no corrupt speech proceed out of your mouth, but such as is good for edifying as the need may be, that it may give grace to them that hear."  Ultimately this man speaks those wonderful, edifying words that are like "apples of gold in settings of silver" which are words spoken at just the perfect time.

The wicked allows his mouth to have free reign in his life.  This is a dangerous thing because left to itself a mouth can be dangerous.  We read in the third chapter of James, "So the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things.  See, how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fireon fire!  And the tongue is a fire: the very world of iniquity, the tongue is set among our members as that which defiles the entire body, ans set on fire the course of our life, and is set on fire by hell."  These verses warn us in the starkest terms of the danger of allowing our mouths and tongues to gho unchecked in what they say.  When we do this it is inevitable that our mouth will "pour out evil things."  The heart of the wicked man will be fully expressed by his words.  The result of this will be much evil and pain in the world.  Consider how many horrible things started with evil words pouring out of a wicked man's mouth.  Think for a moment how Adolph Hitler mesmerized entire crowds in Germany by his wicked words.  Then consider what the end of his leadership brought to the world.  We may not ever do the damage of Hitler, but much harm can come from unwise, un-considered words. 

Precious ones, God wants us to think before we speak.  It will bring blessing to us - and will benefit those who are the recipients of our words.  May we submit what we say to our Lord every morning.  May we ask the Holy Spirit to bridle our tongues so that they do not speak of themselves.  May we surrender all we say for God's purposes and God's specific leadership so that they can truly edify those who hear them.

Every prudent man acts with knowledge, But a fool displays folly. Proverbs 13:16

There are several words for prudent that are used throughout the book of Proverbs.  This one is slightly different than the others, and as such, is well worthy of our attention for the day.  The Hebrew word used here is "arum" which means being crafty, shrewd, or sensible.  This adjective can have either a positive or a negative connotation to it.  Here in this proverb it is taken in a positive way. 

We learn more about this word in the other places it is used positively.  In Proverbs 12:16 the prudent man does not take offense at an insult.  Thus we see that the sensibility and shrewdness shown is seen in a man not allowing an insult to be the stimulus for a reaction.  How often has a reaction to an insult gotten us into trouble?  We are insulted by something someone says - and we react.  The insult itself is not our problem - but too often our reaction to it exacerbates the problem greatly.  The insult, if left alone, would not have caused us more than a few moments of uncomfortableness.  But when we react, saying something back, suddenly the problem is ours.  If things escalate further there could be a very real problem develop that could take months if not years to solve.

The prudent man also does not flaunt his knowledge before others (Proverbs 12:23).  The wise man understands that a "know-it-all" is often ignored - and even at times resented.  He reserves sharing his knowledge for situations when he either is asked, or for times when wisdom is badly needed in a situation.  The prudent man also takes careful thought of his ways (Proverbs 14:8).  He realizes that his actions have consequences, therefore is careful about what he does and says.  He takes care how he lives for he knows that wisdom will help him have a much more profitable and pleasant life.  Twice in Proverbs (22:3; 27:12) the wise man avoids danger.  He knows that stepping into dangerous situations when he does not have to will raise the risk of injury and damage not just to his physical well-being, but also his spiritual and mental well-being as well.

The fool is said to display folly.  He does not think before he acts - does not consider his words or his lifestyle.  He is quick to do whatever enters his thoughts - and acts without seriously thinking about consequences.  Therefore his life is more of a display than a thought out series of actions.  What he displays therefore is his lack of thinking - his lack of foresight - his lack of wisdom.  He displays foolishness, stupidity, and a lack of a heart for God. 

There is a saying that goes like this, "Look before you leap."  What that saying communicates is that we should not just look at what is before us as we consider leaping - but it communicates thinking about what you are about to do.  This is what the prudent man does and yet, he does far more.  He actually thinks and reasons according to what God says in His Word.  After taking the time to think - to consider - to be sensible in what he is about to do - he then considers as well whether this action is according to the Word of God.  This is what allows him to act with knowledge - even displaying knowledge in the choices he makes - rather than just showing everyone that he is a fool. 

So that your trust may be in the LORD, I have taught you today, even you. Proverbs 22:19

The reason we need to heed the call to wisdom is because by living a life according to God's wisdom - we will be led to trust in the Lord in all that we do.  Seeing life from God's perspective will inevitably lead us to a point where we trust His worldview rather than any other one that is put before us.  This is what the father is seeking to teach his son.  It is what the wise man is seeking to teach those who lack wisdom.  They are trying to make it clear that God's ways are infinitely superior to those of man.  They are attempting to show the young and the old that there is a radical difference between the ways of the world and the ways of God. 

Trusting in God means having a confidence in Him.  It means standing firm in the principles we see taught in Scripture - even when many others are turning to worldly principles.  From what we've already seen in this section of verses - this is a far better way to live - one that is pleasant and good.  But ultimately to live this way we will also have to be able to speak this way - even at times defending the way that we live to those who think it is foolish and stupid.  This is why the father has taken the time to call his son to apply his heart to wisdom and knowledge.  It is why he is trying to get his son to think and to reason according to what God says in His Word.  It is why he is so adamant in getting his son to meditate and ponder the truth of God deep in his thoughts.

The man teaching either this son, or the unlearned one in God's wisdom - is teaching in a very concrete direction.  When he tells his son that he has "taught" him each day - the word he uses means not just to impart information.  He is teaching with a purpose.  "Yada" is the Hebrew word he uses - and it means to know something.  The knowledge though is not just information to pass a written test.  It is to know so as to perceive, disciern, and eventually experience something.  Thus this teaching is meant to bring his pupil to a point of experiencing God at work in his life.  One of the things that this type of teaching moves toward is that people would consider what is said.  This means they are doing far more than hearing and doing it.  They are considering what is said - it makes them think and reason.  They begin to perceive that God is at work in the world - and that He has specific wisdom for them which will teach them how to live in this world.  They begin to discern things around them.  They see that things are different - choices lead different directions - actions and attitudes lead to a way of living - a lifestyle.  They see that God wants to meet them in their everyday experiences - that He is interested in ALL that they do. 

God wants to move us from merely practicing a religion or holding religious views - to a life that considers God when they make decisions and live their lives.  He wants us to see ALL of life in His way - which we will learn is the way of Life itself.  He desires for us to see His way in the midst of all our choices - and to see His way as the very best way.  Oh that we would teach our sons - teach those around us such wisdom.  That we would call them to so much more than just a Sunday morning religion.  We need to call them to see and experience God in all of life - all that they do - all that comes their way.  This is the call to wisdom - in effect it is a call to know, love, and experience God in every day.  May we not only heed such a call - but also learn wisdom so that we may call others as well.

So they will be life to your soul And adornment to your neck.  Proverbs 3:22

Solomon has told us that there are two things we must not let out of our sight.  The previous verse tells us that these things are a lofty thinking about God given to us by His Word and His Spirit, as well as a way to take God's wisdom and flesh it our in wonderfully practical ways of living each and every moment we are alive.  Now Solomon then tells us that such a way of thinking and choosing will lead to life in our souls and adornment to our neck.  The two pictures given to us here are beautiful to see. 

The first speaks of God's life being poured into our very souls.  Since the soul refers to the mind, will, and emotions, we see a beautiful work going on in the immaterial part of our being due to this wisdom and practical thinking.  This wonderful work of God is that our mind is being educated by both sound theology and practical out workings of Who God is in our daily decisions.  Thus our thinking is guided not by the world system, but by the Holy Spirit as He teaches us God's Word and ways. 

How does this work?  It works as we choose the discipline of reading God's Word daily.  As we read, we submit ourselves to the Holy Spirit Who then teaches us what is in the Word.  As verse 21 has said, we are being instructed by the Holy Spirit in two ways.  First we are being taught the deep, wonderful theological truths of Who God is.  We are being founded upon sound wisdom from God.  That begins with knowing Who He is and how He, as the penultimate, is sovereign over all things in our lives.  We learn what Moses requested while on the journey of the Exodus with Israel.  He asked, "Let me know Your ways that I may know You." (Exodus 33:13)  This request gives us so much insight into how God gives us life in our souls - here speaking of the how He does this in our minds.  As we read God's Word - the Holy Spirit helps us to know the ways of God - what He likes, what He dislikes, what He wants, what He commands - and a hundred different things like this.  As we know His ways we will find ourselves also beginning to know Him too.  As this knowledge about God becomes a knowing of God - our minds will be filled with the right information about this world and how to live in it.  The knowledge we receive will not be given to us by the fallen society that has rejected God, but by the God who created it and wants it used for His glory. 

Is your mind being blessed and filled with the Word of God?  Is God showing you daily the way to walk - and through that knowledge also steering you into His will?  Are you seeing your mind being changed as you learn of His ways - and ultimately learning Who He is and What He deisres?  This is the way of life - and it is how wisdom enters into our thinking so as to bless our entire lives.  Turn to Him today - turn to His Word and learn from it - learn from Him.  This is the way of blessing - and the way that will lead you to life in your minds.

The mind of the intelligent seeks knowledge, But the mouth of fools feeds on folly. Proverbs 15:14

Here we have a comparison between the mind and thinking of the intelligent and the mouth of fools.  One thinks and comtemplates on things while the other is far more interested in what he will say than what fills his mind.  Let's take a few moments then today to see what the intelligent man as well as the fool can offer as far as instruction.

Who is this intelligent man?  He is the thinker for he wants to discern.  He is observing and paying attention to what is before him, what is said to him, and what he sees in others.  He considers things diligently because in the end he desires the knowledge that only God can give him.  We read here that he is seeking knowledge.  "Daath" which is the Hebrew word for knowledge here means that he seeks to have knowledge by experience, relationship, and encounter.  He is not content with a knowing that is in his head alone.  That is why this particular statement is interesting to me.  It is the mind of this man that wants knowledge.  In other words, even though he is a thinker, thinking is not all that he wants to do.  He wants a thinking that results in action.  Some refer to "daath" kind of knowledge as a path or a way that one walks - thus a lifestyle.  So our thinker is contemplating and discerning a way to walk out his life. 

The fool here is living for a much more sensuous journey.  We know this because he is not contemplating or thinking - but merely feeding on something.  The word "feeding" means to graze in a pasture.  The fool is not using his mind - he is using his mouth.  He is spending his time grazing on folly.  Since folly (ivoleth) means to be one who hates wisdom and who chooses instead to walk in folly - we see here a man who despises the wisdom and knowledge that God offers.  This word also has a sense in which it also hates the morality that comes from a contemplated life.  He doesn't want to think - he just wants to graze on the contemporary philsophies of the day.  He is content to just feed on what is fed to him by the world system. 

Two paths are taken here - one toward disernment and knowledge - the other toward folly and whatever the world is slopping on his mental plate.  One thinks and considers his path - wanting to experience all that God has for him.  The other is hardly interested in God - unless the common talk is of him, her, or whatever mankind decides is god for the season.  One lifts his head and stops to discern and deeply consider his path - his very lifestyle.  The other pretty much takes the lifestyle that the world dishes out to him daily.  In the end one lives a life of purpose while the other is driven by the spirit of the age.  Consider well reader - for if you live only to consume what the world offers, a fool you will be.  If you think well and often about where you walk and what you do, a rich reward of wisdom will be yours - and that from God Himself.

There are three things which are too wonderful for me, Four which I do not understand: The way of an eagle in the sky, The way of a serpent on a rock, The way of a ship in the middle of the sea, And the way of a man with a maid. Proverbs 30:18-19

Agur here did not fully grasp these things - and to be honest with you, there are some of these same things which amaze me.  Unfortunately for us, the man of science today would respond with an air of superiority and quickly describe for us the scientific reason for these things.  Our culture has lost that sense of wonder that once existed as we look at things - and personally, I think it is at a great loss to us.

When I look at an eagle in the sky as it soars ever higher with what seems to be no effort whatsoever, I too consider it wonderful.  The eagle is riding on thermals which lift it up into the sky.  Another awesome picture is how an eagle flies directly into a storm - allowing those same wind currents to lift it above the storm.  Even though I know these things - I still like to look in wonder at an eagle rising in on the horizon.

The way of a serpent on a rock is not so wonderful to me.  That is because one thing comes between me and snakes - distance.  But it is interesting to see how a snake warms himself on a rock - and keeps his cold blooded body warm.  He can look so peaceful as he is coiled on the rock - yet if we were to agitate him - we could wind up facing a very terrifying foe as he readies himself to strike.

The next on our list is the way of a man with a maid.  If you have ever watched a guy when a girl comes around you fully grasp what Agur is saying.  I work with young men a lot.  One of the most interesting things I deal with is helping them with determining when they need to begin pursuing a young lady as a bride.  When they are not within God's will, this situation can be a complete disaster.  It is astounding how a focused young man can just about lose his mind when this happens.  By this I am not referring to true insanity - but rather the kind of goofiness that we attribute to love - or at least someone who thinks they are in love.  Anyway . . . in the end we understand why Agur said what he said - and we agree with him.

Why is this put in Proverbs though?  It is because I believe a wise man knows that not everything can be explained in life.  There are some things we should just enjoy being amazed about in life.  Not that we should lose our curiosity or desire to learn, but honestly - there are just some things that will never cease to amaze us.  These are the things that keep wonder alive in our hearts.  A wise man knows that a little wonder goes a long way as we move through life.  Try it some time . . . you'll like it.