Most people attach a negative connotation to the word command in our culture. We value our independence and what to express our freedom to do whatever we choose to do. These commands that come from God are not to restrict our independence or demean the value of who we are, they instead are given to instruct us in the behaviors that will help us succeed in life. These aren’t about controlling us, God has given us free will and that will is for us to explore all He has made us to be and all this world has to offer. This is a good place for us to remember that from the beginning, God didn’t tell Adam, he asked Adam in Genesis 2:19 (LEB) “And out of the ground Yahweh God formed every beast of the field and every bird of the sky, and he brought each to the man to see what he would call it. And whatever the man called that living creature was its name”. This instruction that God gives us, these commandments are for our good, to help us and not to hinder. Do you hear the heart desire of God saying walk the good path, “Keep my commands and live”.
A Worthless Man
There Are Six Things the Lord Hates
Proverbs 6:16-19
We often talk about the love of God and His mercy and righteousness and holiness but these things cannot tolerate evil. Just as light dispels darkness, evil cannot stand in the presence of the Lord. Because we live in this age of grace, we sometimes think this murky gray mix of evil and good is the way God is but the truth Jesus taught is in
Mark 9:47–49 (LEB) And if your eye causes you to sin, tear it out! It is better for you to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye than, having two eyes, to be thrown into hell, 48 ‘where their worm does not die and the fire is not extinguished.’ 49 For everyone will be salted with fire.
God will separate any evil nature that may remain in us yet he wants us to be salty and help each other be holy as He is. Yes, in Jesus Christ we are fully forgiven and made His righteousness and because of that, we can come into the holy presence of God who hates these things in
Proverbs 6:17–19 (LEB) haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, 18 a devising heart, plans of deception, feet that hurry to run to evil, 19 a false witness who breathes lies and sends out discord between brothers.
Like a Lamp is a Commandment
Proverbs 6:20-26
We may think of a commandment in a negative way as something we cannot do. Yes, there are things that God has commanded like in
Deuteronomy 5:17–20 (LEB)
17 ‘You shall not murder.
18 ‘And you shall not commit adultery.
19 ‘And you shall not steal.
20 ‘And you shall not falsely bear evidence against your neighbor.
But how could doing these things be good for anyone? These are not things that we would want to do. A better way to think about this word “commandment” is in line with the word along side it “instruction” in
Proverbs 6:23 (LEB) For like a lamp is a commandment, and instruction is light, and the way of life is the reproof of discipline
These things that God is talking about are good for us and they will light our way. So, just as we might hold up a flashlight (a lamp in their day) on a dark night to see our path, so we should hold on to the instruction from the Lord. His words will lead and protect and instruct in
Proverbs 6:22 (LEB) When you walk, she will lead you, When you lie down, she will watch over you, and when you awake, she will converse with you.
Because His words are
Proverbs 4:22 (LEB) For they are life to those who find them and healing to the entire body.
Can a Man Carry Fire in His Lap?
Keep My Commands and Live
Proverbs 7:1-12
There are words, commandments, teachings that are wisdom for us to keep us from making tragic mistakes. And these sayings are to be held very close. Look at the words used to describe our relationship with these words of wisdom. He says “guard” them, “store … with you”, “keep them”, “bind” them, “write them on the tablet of your heart” in Proverbs 7:3. These words are there for a purpose, to “guard” you in
Proverbs 7:5 (LEB) In order to guard yourself from an adulteress, from the foreigner who makes her words smooth.
Without these words in our heart, we are left only with our natural minds and the voice of our flesh which is easily tempted and led astray in
James 1:13–15 (LEB) No one who is being tempted should say, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted by evil, and he himself tempts no one. 14 But each one is tempted when he is dragged away and enticed by his own desires. 15 Then desire, after it has conceived, gives birth to sin, and sin, when it is brought to completion, gives birth to death.
Whether it is the deceitful voice of a woman enticing, or of a man, or of alcohol or drugs, or the lust for money or position or any other thing, the end is the same, loss and eventually destruction. But somehow, when we put God first and listen to His instruction, we are on the path to blessing.
Like an Ox to the Slaughter
Proverbs 7:13-23
Do Not Stray Into Her Path
Proverbs 7:24-27
Study Verses
- Proverbs 6:16-19 There Are Six Things the Lord Hates
- Proverbs 6:20-26 Like a Lamp is a Commandment
- Proverbs 7:1-12 Keep My Commands and Live
Today’s Reading
- Proverbs 6:12-35
- Proverbs 7:1-27
