I awoke to the rumblings of thunder in the distance, the room darker for the time of day than it has been recently. Craving a cup of hot tea and some quiet time, I crept out of bed and grabbed my Bible. On a friend’s suggestion of reading through the Proverbs when seeking wisdom and guidance, I cracked it open.
What are the Proverbs for? Have you ever really studied them? While they are certainly a collection of wise and pithy sayings, they, like everything else in the Word, are written for a purpose which is recounted here from the first chapter:
2 Their purpose is to teach people wisdom and discipline,
to help them understand the insights of the wise.
3 Their purpose is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives,
to help them do what is right, just, and fair.
4 These proverbs will give insight to the simple,
knowledge and discernment to the young.
5 Let the wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser.
Let those with understanding receive guidance
6 by exploring the meaning in these proverbs and parables,
the words of the wise and their riddles.
7 Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge,
but fools despise wisdom and discipline.
Proverbs 1:1-7 NLT
As I began to read this first chapter, I had to stop with these first seven verses. The word “discipline” is mentioned three times – two of them in the first and last sentences! I so struggle with discipline in myriad areas of my life. It’s the subject to which the Lord continually brings me back. I’m all about being wise and receiving guidance, but apparently, if I don’t submit to being disciplined, I really despise wisdom…I’m a fool.
When I pulled up my blank Blogger page to fill it this morning, I was a little unsettled, the word “fool” still ringing in my ears. With what should I fill it that was really worthy of saying? Then it occurred to me that my days are like blank pages. Like pages numbered in a book, my days are numbered as well. Authored in the heavenlies, they are still mine to fill. My desire is to script them with a life that reads like a Proverb; life stories that show lessons learned, directing the reader to Source of all wisdom. However, it starts with “fear of the Lord”, and, like it or not, that includes discipline; otherwise, the rest of the pages of my life story will be unfit for reading.
A folly.
So, the blank page of my day is set before me, a new chance. I’m praying that I will submit to outlining it with discipline at the beginning and the end, allowing the middle to be filled with a story that reads like a Proverb and points its reader to the King.
I too struggle with discipline! Perhaps we all do in certain areas. God has led me to read Jeremiah. I'm reading and still can't figure out why!! Hopefully He'll reveal it to me soon.
Miss you.
Jen
Melinda,
THIS IS BY FAR THE BEST!!!!
Oh, if my day would be worthy of a pause and pointing others to the ONE WHO FILLS with the only true satisfaction.The One that satisfies.
Love ya, oh how I love ya,
Yolanda
DISCIPLINE is not a fun word for me. But, it is a much needed word for my life.
Perhaps I need to crack open the book of Proverbs myself.
Thanks, Melinda for your insight.
Sheryl
So good!! I have to remember that discipline means "to teach"
It helps me to be more humble and open to correction 🙂
But it is still hard b/c my pride gets in the way …
Much love
Kim
Ouch!! My toes got stomped on! My memory verse for this two weeks includes the word 'fool' and I fear that way too often it describes ME.
I so want to be wise and make wise decisions. I suppose discipline is a part of becoming wise, so I must submit to it.
Thanks for a great post.
Leah
Words I needed to hear tonight. Thank you! Bring discipline, Father…
I've recently begun the practice of reading a Proverb a day (31 is such a nice round number, isn't it?) A friend suggested it and I'm enjoying it.
"Directing our readers to the Source of all wisdom" — whether readers of our lives or our writings, this is my desire, too! (I need to remember the readers of my life more — I blow it there easier than in my writing…)
Loved this post, Melinda! I try to read Proverbs every day because discipline is something I struggle with. I want my blank pages to be filled with something worthy.
I think you began it well with these words; honestly, we are ever on the road of discipline, are we not? It seems there is always something God is shaping in us. The closer we get to him, the pickier he gets.
Keep writing your heart to him and to us. This is a good record of where you've walked over the past couple of years. God has carried you along a mighty good path for some mighty good purposes.
Thanks for sharing your life with us.
peace~elaine
Wonderful.
I love how you've set before us this challenge — to fill each blank page with things that are Proverbs-worthy.