Reading With the People of God #14 Proverbsنموونە

Know Yourself, Know Others, Know God

Mindfulness, social media, literature, friends, neighbors…advice is everywhere! There is a big push to understand ourselves; this is not bad advice as long as we understand that we are ultimately sinners in need of a Savior. Understanding how to relate to others is also a noble pursuit, but without understanding God and how we relate to Him and how He relates to us, the goal is futile.

Coming to the close of Proverbs, we have discovered ways to evaluate how we are and understand who God expects us to be. After much guidance about what to do as a person who desires a heart for God, Solomon paints a picture of what happens when someone does the opposite. Knowledge of what is good helps us to have goals and strive for what God wants in our lives. However, it is also important to know the negative attributes and consequences that come from a life that does not follow God. This is not to judge others but to keep us from letting our guard down and falling into the same path. Moreover, we cannot always understand how to manage our opponent if we don’t realize where they are headed.

Understanding those who are opposed to the ways of God does not mean they are going to continue to walk that path. Paul shares ways that the Corinthian church and we, too, can minister, sharing the gospel and guiding change and commitment to God. The key that we have been learning through these readings is that knowing ourselves and knowing others is not enough. Remaining close to Him, continuing in His work, and encouraging each other will keep us on the path of obedience in a rich and abundant life for the glory of God. He gives the grace to continue.

Questions for today’s reading:

1. What warnings of foolishness need to be checked in my life?
2. How can I encourage wisdom instead of foolishness in relationship with those I am accountable?
3. How is God asking me to minister the gospel to those around me?
4. What message of grace and encouragement can I give to other Christ followers?

*Primer contributed by Gaylyn Mott, Teacher, Musician, Yarn Artist, Member of Cornerstone Community Church of Chowchilla.