Under Gods command

Under Gods Command
 

Proverbs 18.13,15,17 – 13) He who answers before listening-that is his folly and his shame
15) The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge; the ears of the wise seek it out.
18) Casting the lot settles disputes and keeps strong opponents apart.

In these concise statements, there are three basic principles for making sound decisions: (1) get the facts before answering; (2) be open to new ideas; (3) make sure you hear both sides of the story before judging. All three principles center around seeking additional information. This is difficult work, but the only alternative is prejudice-judging before getting the facts.

Under Gods Command

John 7:40-44 On hearing his words, some of the people said, “Surely this man is the Prophet.” Others said, “He is the Christ.” Still others asked, “How can the Christ come from Galilee? Does not the Scripture say that the Christ will come from David’s family and from Bethlehem, the town where David lived?

The crowd was asking questions about Jesus. Some believed, others were hostile, and others disqualified Jesus as the Messiah because he was from Nazareth, not Bethlehem (Micah 5:2).
But he was born in Bethlehem (Luke 2:1-7), although he grew up in Nazareth. He may have had a pronounced Galilean accent. If they had looked more carefully, they would not have jumped to the wrong conclusions. When you search for God’s truth, make sure you look carefully and thoughtfully at the Bible with an open heart and mind. Don’t jump to conclusions before knowing more of what the Bible says.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; (6) in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight.

Under Gods Command

Warning against the Adulteress

Proverbs 7:4-23 (4) Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,” and call understanding your kinsman; (5) they will keep you from the adulteress, from the wayward wife with her seductive words. (6) At the window of my house I looked out through the lattice. (7) I saw among the simple, I noticed among young men, a youth who lacked judgment. He was going down the street near her corner, walking along in the direction of her house at twilight, as the day was fading, as the dark of night set in. Then out came a woman to meet him, dressed like a prostitute and with crafty intent. She is loud and defiant, her feet never stay at home; now in the street, now in the squares, at every corner she lurks.) (13) She took hold of him and kissed him and with a brazen face she said: I have fellowship offerings at home; today I fulfilled my vows. So I came out to meet you; I looked for you and have found you! (16) I have covered my bed with colored linens from Egypt. (17) I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes and cinnamon. (18) Come let’s drink deep of love morning; let’s enjoy ourselves with love! (19) My husband is not at home; he has gone on a long journey. (20) He took his purse filled with money and will not be home till full moon. (21)With persuasive words she led him astray; she seduced him with her smooth talk. All at once he followed her like an ox gong to the slaughter, like a deer stepping into a noose (23) till and arrow pierces his liver like a bird darting into a snare, little knowing it will cost him his life.

Proverbs 7:24-27 Now then my sons, listen to me; pay attention to what I say. Do not let your heart turn to her ways or stray into her paths. Many are the victims she has brought down; her slain are a mighty throng. Her house is a highway to the grave, leading down to the chambers of death.

Although this advice is directed toward young men, young women should heed it as well. The person who has no purpose in life is simple-minded (7:7). Without aim or direction an empty life is unstable, vulnerable to many temptations. Even though the young man in this passage doesn’t know where he is going, the adulteress knows where she wants him. Notice her strategies: she is dressed to allure men (7:10); her approach is bold (7:13); she invites him over to her place 7:16-18); she cunningly answers his every objection (7:19, 20); she persuades him with smooth talk (7:21); she traps him (7:23). To combat temptation, make sure your life is full of God’s Word and wisdom. (7:4). Recognize the strategies of temptation, and run away from them-fast.

You can take definite steps to avoid sexual sins. First, guard your mind. Don’t read books, look at pictures, or encourage fantasies that stimulate the wrong desires. Second, keep away from settings and friends that tempt you to sin. Third, don’t think only of the moment-focus on the future. Today’s thrill may lead to tomorrow’s ruin.

Under Gods Command

Proverbs 06-20-23 My son, keep your fathers’ commands and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. Bind them upon your heart forever; fasten them around your neck. When you walk they will guide you; when you sleep, they will watch over you when you awake, they will speak to you. For these commands are a lamp, this teaching is a light and the corrections of discipline are the way to life.

It is natural and good for children, as they grow toward adulthood, to become increasingly independent of their parents. Young adults, however, should take care not to turn a deaf ear to their parents-to reject their advice just when it is needed most. If you are struggling with a decision or looking for insight, check with your parents or other older adults who know you well. Their extra years of experience may have given them the wisdom you seek.