Apple

Proverbs 7

"My son, keep my words
and store up my commands within you.

Keep my commands and you will live;
guard my teachings as the apple of your eye.

Bind them on your fingers;
write them on the tablet of your heart. "

What is the "apple of you eye?"

The apple of your eye is that person (or thing) that you care for the most. Example: "He sure does love his little girl." Reply: "She's the apple of his eye." Example: "You got me the bracelet I wanted!" Reply: "Yes, I knew it was the apple of your eye."

The original meaning of the apple of your eye is the pupil, or the round black spot in the middle of the eye. It is as if that person's reflection can be seen in the pupil ("apple") of your eye. Example: "Everyone knew they would get married someday. She was always the apple of his eye."

It makes you feel good to look at the person who is the apple of your eye. From a famous love song: "You are the apple of my eye. That's why I'll always be with you."
-TheAppleOfYourEye

Interesting, and yet Adam and Eve ate the "apple" in the Garden of Eden.
Was that a metaphor? Was it something that was the "apple" of God's eye?
It is beginning to seem that way. It was the ultimate treasure of God and it was stolen by the broken trust of the evil one.
I am wondering if the evil one actually took a bite too after Adam and Eve.

To God be the Glory.

Adultery

Proverbs 6


"So is he who sleeps with another man's wife;
no one who touches her will go unpunished.

Men do not despise a thief if he steals
to satisfy his hunger when he is starving.

Yet if he is caught, he must pay sevenfold,
though it costs him all the wealth of his house.

But a man who commits adultery lacks judgment;
whoever does so destroys himself.

Blows and disgrace are his lot,
and his shame will never be wiped away;

for jealousy arouses a husband's fury,
and he will show no mercy when he takes revenge.

He will not accept any compensation;
he will refuse the bribe, however great it is."

A thief is someone taking something that does not belong to him/her without asking nor of the owner's knowledge.
Here, an adulterer is like a thief, but worse.
There will be no mercy shown to an adulterer. No fine or penalty is acceptable except final condemnation.

To God be the Glory.

Adultery

Proverbs 6

"keeping you from the immoral woman,
from the smooth tongue of the wayward wife.

Do not lust in your heart after her beauty
or let her captivate you with her eyes,

for the prostitute reduces you to a loaf of bread,
and the adulteress preys upon your very life.

Can a man scoop fire into his lap
without his clothes being burned?

Can a man walk on hot coals
without his feet being scorched?

So is he who sleeps with another man's wife;
no one who touches her will go unpunished. "

"reduces you to a loaf of bread." is quite a description.
However, it is even more picture perfect when it is describing scooping fire into his lap or walking on hot coals without getting burned!
Ultimately, he will be punished for his act, even if he was seduced, because it was his choice, his decision.

"To keep thee from the evil woman, from the flattery of the tongue of a strange woman.

Lust not after her beauty in thine heart; neither let her take thee with her eyelids.

For by means of a whorish woman a man is brought to a piece of bread: and the adultress will hunt for the precious life.

Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his clothes not be burned?

Can one go upon hot coals, and his feet not be burned?

So he that goeth in to his neighbour's wife; whosoever toucheth her shall not be innocent."

KJV is even more straight forward.


To God be the Glory.

Detestable - VII

Proverbs 6

"and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers."

"and he that soweth discord among brethren."

I guess this is the "detestable" sin.

God is about unity, and evil is about discord.

So whatever you do, whatever you see and are experiencing discord, pray and if you can, resolve it.

To God be the Glory.

Detestable - VI

Proverbs 6

"a false witness who pours out lies "

"A false witness that speaketh lies"

I have touched on this earlier, as it is somewhat similar but even more damaging than just "a lying tongue"

I guess being a false witness is a premeditated, planned objective to hurt and destroy someone.

To God be the Glory

Detestable - V

Proverbs 6

"feet that are quick to rush into evil,"

"feet that be swift in running to mischief, "

So, when feet are slow to rush to into evil, is that OK?
I guess that means someone is fighting the temptation, and is trying to figure it out?

The question would be when am I quick to rush into something?
What am I impulsive about? Being impulsive is not a good habit.

Ultimately, know what the goal is and stay on course with Hope, Faith & Love.

To God be the Glory.

Detestable - IV

Proverbs 6

"a heart that devises wicked schemes, "

"An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations"

"a heart that plots evil"

Should it not be our mind that devises or plots?

Definition of devise:
Etymology:
Middle English, from Anglo-French deviser, diviser, to divide, distinguish, invent, from Vulgar Latin *divisare, frequentative of Latin dividere to divide
Date: 13th century
1 a: to form in the mind by new combinations or applications of ideas or principles : invent barchaic : conceive, imagine c: to plan to obtain or bring about : plot

Do we plan with our hearts, or is it because we are such emotional beings?
How do we plan with our hearts the evil, or what is contrary to God?

When we plan things, ultimately we know where we are heading. We know where we want to reach, or end up. There is something we know that we want.
If the "want" is contrary to God, than that is evil. That is the difference. We are so blinded by the deception of the evil one, that we sometimes rationalize our desires, from our hearts, what we do to fit our "wants" versus what is God's.

To God be the Glory.

Detestable - III

Proverbs 6:17

"hands that shed innocent blood, "

It seems straight forward enough.
However, Jesus expound on it in the book of Matthew:
"You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.' But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment."

This particular example is clear and puts it into perspective in our daily lives.
I, for one, can testify that it is only when you love and forgive someone that your live is more livable.

To God be the Glory.

Detestable - II

KJV.

"A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,

An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,

A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren. "

2- A Lying tongue.
I think we all know what a lying tongue is, however, it seems to be different than " A false witness that speaketh lies" or "a false witness who pours out lies "

Detestable

Detestable: –adjective
deserving to be detested; abominable; hateful.
Inspiring or deserving abhorrence or scorn.

"There are six things the LORD hates,
seven that are detestable to him:

haughty eyes,
a lying tongue,
hands that shed innocent blood,

a heart that devises wicked schemes,
feet that are quick to rush into evil,

a false witness who pours out lies
and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers."

1- Haughty eyes.
Haughty: –adjective, -ti⋅er, -ti⋅est.
Disdainfully proud; snobbish; scornfully arrogant; supercilious: haughty aristocrats; a haughty salesclerk.
Scornfully and condescendingly proud.

Haughty eyes denotes pride that says, “I did it! I accomplished this goal on my own without GOD!” The person who has haughty eyes does not recognize the fact that without GOD, he/she can do nothing. A merciful GOD gives us all abilities, health, and strength to be able to accomplish, and yet a haughty person tells GOD by his/her actions, “I don’t need you!”

I think I'll stop right here. It is convicting enough for me today and will let it sit for a day in my mind, heart and soul.

To God be the Glory.

Folly

Proverbs 6

"My son, if you have put up security for your neighbor,
if you have struck hands in pledge for another,

if you have been trapped by what you said,
ensnared by the words of your mouth,

then do this, my son, to free yourself,
since you have fallen into your neighbor's hands:
Go and humble yourself;
press your plea with your neighbor!

Allow no sleep to your eyes,
no slumber to your eyelids.

Free yourself, like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter,
like a bird from the snare of the fowler. "

Be Humble, and you will be free.


"Go to the ant, you sluggard;
consider its ways and be wise!

It has no commander,
no overseer or ruler,

yet it stores its provisions in summer
and gathers its food at harvest.

How long will you lie there, you sluggard?
When will you get up from your sleep?

A little sleep, a little slumber,
a little folding of the hands to rest-

and poverty will come on you like a bandit
and scarcity like an armed man. "

Be prepared, be aware and be alert!


To God be the Glory.

Adultery

Proverbs 5 is the kick off for wisdom, and it is interestingly enough that adultery is the first topic.

"For the lips of an adulteress drip honey,
and her speech is smoother than oil;
but in the end she is bitter as gall,
sharp as a double-edged sword."

It is always the false sense of gratification, get rich NOW, get served NOW, be free NOW, do it NOW, NOW, NOW!

"Should your springs overflow in the streets,
your streams of water in the public squares?
Let them be yours alone,
never to be shared with strangers.
May your fountain be blessed,
and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth. "

God has given us a gift, the gift of life. Protect it.

"For a man's ways are in full view of the LORD,
and he examines all his paths.
The evil deeds of a wicked man ensnare him;
the cords of his sin hold him fast.
He will die for lack of discipline,
led astray by his own great folly."

Ultimately, God, our LORD, has full view to our lives.
We loose our gift of life from the "lack of discipline."
When we do not have discipline, we are being controlled by others, under oppression, being influenced by satan.

To God be the Glory.

The path

Proverbs 4

The good and evil paths.

Evil:
"For they cannot sleep till they do evil;
they are robbed of slumber till they make someone fall.
They eat the bread of wickedness
and drink the wine of violence."

"For they sleep not, except they have done mischief; and their sleep is taken away, unless they cause some to fall.
For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence."

"The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble."


Good:
"The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn,
shining ever brighter till the full light of day."

"But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day."

The "prefect day" is when Jesus comes back...

To God be the Glory.

Wisdom Is Supreme

"Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom.
Though it cost all you have, get understanding."

"Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding"
"Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men.
Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away. "

Pursue wisdom, not money. Pursue wisdom, not power. Pursue wisdom, not only will it protect you, it will sustain you with honor.

To God be the Glory.

Wisdom, the ultimate wealth & Power.

"Blessed is the man who finds wisdom,
the man who gains understanding,

14 for she is more profitable than silver
and yields better returns than gold."

Funny, it did not say: Blessed is the man who finds an investment/job, he will gain wealth..."

15 She is more precious than rubies;
nothing you desire can compare with her.

16 Long life is in her right hand;
in her left hand are riches and honor.

17 Her ways are pleasant ways,
and all her paths are peace.

18 She is a tree of life to those who embrace her;
those who lay hold of her will be blessed.

19 By wisdom the LORD laid the earth's foundations,
by understanding he set the heavens in place;

20 by his knowledge the deeps were divided,
and the clouds let drop the dew. "

God's discipline

What is God's discipline?

"My son, do not despise the LORD's discipline
and do not resent his rebuke,

because the LORD disciplines those he loves,
as a father the son he delights in. "

What is God's rebuke?

Does God's rebuke happen when disaster takes over?
Is his blessing wealth and prosperity?

Or is it when we feel the emptiness of God, whether rich or poor, that he is discipling or rebuking us?

The only challenging time for Jesus was when he was on the cross and God was silent.

To God be the Glory.

Honor God with you wealth.

"Honor the LORD with your wealth,
with the firstfruits of all your crops;

then your barns will be filled to overflowing,
and your vats will brim over with new wine. "

This is a very sensitive subject. It would be too easy to just respond to this verse by how it was taught to us.
It is interesting that this verse is stuck in the middle of this chapter where wisdom of God is the main focus.
Here's a description of "firstfruits":

• The term first fruits designate the offering of the first crops of the harvests and the beasts of the herds, which were supposedly the best of quality, to placate and give thanks to the LORD. The term is derived from an earlier term, the Firstborn of the Womb, which designates the "firstborn" of the Creator.

My perspective, in accordance with the topic of wisdom, is that anything that we obtain that which is from our labor, money, gifts, food, relationships, and anything, should first be acknowledged to God. Money is the easiest form of giving. It has become and for a long while a standard of measure as to what something is worth. When there was a time when there was not a monetary system in place, because God does not need money, the offering would be the first fruits of your labor, your crop, your need of survival.
In doing this, it helps us not to get caught up in the "wealth" and focus on how God provided.

To God be the Glory.

Trust in the LORD

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;

in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight.

Do not be wise in your own eyes;
fear the LORD and shun evil.

This will bring health to your body
and nourishment to your bones. "

Sometimes, we are "told" that believe in God is not a "feeling".
So what does it mean by trusting in the LORD with all my heart?
Should it not be my brain? My knowledge?
It is also suggesting not to rely on my own understanding.
In ALL my ways, I should acknowledge him.
Here's the definition of Acknowledge:

1. to admit to be real or true; recognize the existence, truth, or fact of: to acknowledge one's mistakes.
2. to show or express recognition or realization of: to acknowledge an acquaintance by nodding.
3. to recognize the authority, validity, or claims of: The students acknowledged the authority of the student council.
4. to show or express appreciation or gratitude for: to acknowledge a favor.
5. to indicate or make known the receipt of: to acknowledge a letter.
6. to take notice of or reply to: to acknowledge a greeting.
7. Law. to confirm as binding or of legal force: to acknowledge a deed

This was helpful. To me it seems to be saying give credit to God. I know for us "humans" that is probably the number 1 thing we crave. Example: If you work, your remuneration is your pay, bonus, or even a promotion in title. We get married and the ultimate gratification is respect for each other.

The next verses is interesting. It says, to fear the LORD and shun evil. It might be pretty simple and clear, however, psychologically, it is implying us as humans, we like evil and do not fear the LORD. Common sense tells us, if there is danger, we would avoid it at all cost. We would avoid it because this "danger" would hurt us and cause us harm. We would be more alert and have a fear that act as an alarm and help us stay on course.
Let's look at the definition of the word shun:

• to keep away from (a place, person, object, etc.), from motives of dislike, caution, etc.;
• take pains to avoid.
• Synonyms: evade, eschew.
• Antonyms: seek.
  

So we can established that we, humans, like to seek "evil", danger, things that is not good for us, things will cause us harm.
However, here is says to "fear the LORD" instead.
Definition of fear:

• to regard with fear; be afraid of.
• to have reverential awe of.
• Archaic. to experience fear in (oneself).
• Origin: bef. 900; ME fere, OE fær sudden attack or danger; c. OS fār ambush, D gevaar, G Gefahr danger, ON fār disaster
  

Maybe I am being a wise guy, but forgive me for my simple thoughts, is God more "evil" or dangerous, worse off for us humans?
Yes and no.
It is because God is the most powerful "entity" that will ever be. He is the source of our lives and being. Without it, we will suffer.
I believe the sentence in this book is telling us which direction we should be going.
If we go towards "evil" we will not only be destroyed by "evil" itself, but also by God.
If we go towards "GOD" we will not only be SAFE, but cannot be touched by "evil."
There, probably the most simple way of putting it.

To God be the Glory.

Proverbs 3

"My son, do not forget my teaching,
but keep my commands in your heart,

for they will prolong your life many years
and bring you prosperity. "

As simple as this sentence might be, I view it as a very complex statement.
At least for me, I like to pride myself to be excellent at the things that I know and do it well.
But that is just it. I am human and am limited to what I know and ultimately at what I can retain.
When I see that I am not as excellent at the things that I know and do, I am humbled.
So in essence, my point of view is that as much as I think I know what God's teaching is and have kept it my heart, sometimes I do forget.
The trick, or key is to NOT forget, just as this sentence describes.
I am pretty sure we all know what the answer to know something and NOT forget.

"Let love and faithfulness never leave you;
bind them around your neck,
write them on the tablet of your heart.

Then you will win favor and a good name
in the sight of God and man. "

To God be the Glory.

Proverbs 2

Wisdom enters your heart after the application of God's wisdom.

"For wisdom will enter your heart,
and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.

Discretion will protect you,
and understanding will guard you.

Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men,
from men whose words are perverse,

who leave the straight paths
to walk in dark ways,

who delight in doing wrong
and rejoice in the perverseness of evil,

whose paths are crooked
and who are devious in their ways.

It will save you also from the adulteress,
from the wayward wife with her seductive words,

who has left the partner of her youth
and ignored the covenant she made before God.

For her house leads down to death
and her paths to the spirits of the dead.

None who go to her return
or attain the paths of life."

Older women will entice men, and lead you to "the spirits of the dead"

Thus you will walk in the ways of good men
and keep to the paths of the righteous.

For the upright will live in the land,
and the blameless will remain in it;

but the wicked will be cut off from the land,
and the unfaithful will be torn from it."

Wicked are people who knows the righteous of God but chooses not to do it.

Proverbs 2

Choose wisely.


"For the LORD gives wisdom,
and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding."

Where is his mouth? Is it the scriptures? Is it Jesus?

"He holds victory in store for the upright,
he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless,

for he guards the course of the just
and protects the way of his faithful ones.

Then you will understand what is right and just
and fair—every good path.

For wisdom will enter your heart,
and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.

Discretion will protect you,
and understanding will guard you."

It is when you decide to do what is right. Deciding to WALK with God is when "wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul."


"Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men,
from men whose words are perverse,

who leave the straight paths
to walk in dark ways,

who delight in doing wrong
and rejoice in the perverseness of evil,

whose paths are crooked
and who are devious in their ways.

It will save you also from the adulteress,
from the wayward wife with her seductive words,

who has left the partner of her youth
and ignored the covenant she made before God. [a]

For her house leads down to death
and her paths to the spirits of the dead.

None who go to her return
or attain the paths of life.

Thus you will walk in the ways of good men
and keep to the paths of the righteous.

For the upright will live in the land,
and the blameless will remain in it;

but the wicked will be cut off from the land,
and the unfaithful will be torn from it."

A decision is a decision and if you choose to walk in the path of darkness, your "house leads down to death and her paths to the spirits of the dead."

Proverbs 2

"My son, if you accept my words
and store up my commands within you,

turning your ear to wisdom
and applying your heart to understanding,

and if you call out for insight
and cry aloud for understanding,

and if you look for it as for silver
and search for it as for hidden treasure,

then you will understand the fear of the LORD
and find the knowledge of God. "

Some believe we are all "predestined" to be with God and despite of what we do, or want to do, we have no choice, or "free will" to decide. If that is the case, than why did God ask us to seek him with all our mind, strength, soul and spirit?
Predestination and God's divine selection is God's set of guidance and it is up to us to choose it so he can choose us.
Just like the book of Proverbs. It is a book on God's divine wisdom and if you choose to live by it, "you will understand" and "find" God.
This however, is another topic all together to be dissected.

To God be the Glory.

Proverbs 1

"How long will you simple ones love your simple ways?
How long will mockers delight in mockery
and fools hate knowledge?..."

"...they will eat the fruit of their ways
and be filled with the fruit of their schemes. "

"...For the waywardness of the simple will kill them,
and the complacency of fools will destroy them;

but whoever listens to me will live in safety
and be at ease, without fear of harm."

There will be a time when it is too late, even if the fools repent.

Proverbs

"Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, "Acts 3:19

I am going to focus on Proverbs this time around.
"for giving prudence to the simple,
knowledge and discretion to the young-
let the wise listen and add to their learning,
and let the discerning get guidance- "

Seems to be a win win situation.

"My son, if sinners entice you,
do not give in to them."

No matter who you are, strong or not, you are exposed to the good and bad.
It does not mean if you are strong, you are not going to be susceptible to all kinds of trials.

The first section's advice is that sinners are self centered and greedy:

"If they say, "Come along with us;
let's lie in wait for someone's blood,
let's waylay some harmless soul;

let's swallow them alive, like the grave,
and whole, like those who go down to the pit;

we will get all sorts of valuable things
and fill our houses with plunder;

throw in your lot with us,
and we will share a common purse"

"... for their feet rush into sin,
they are swift to shed blood.
Such is the end of all who go after ill-gotten gain;
it takes away the lives of those who get it."

To God be the Glory.