Today’s passage: Proverbs 6
Helpful thoughts:
- It is not wise to co-sign for another person’s loan. God has called us to be stewards of all He has entrusted to us. When we co-sign, we become ensnared to someone else’s poor stewardship.
- The Bible doesn’t forbid generosity obviously, but we cannot sin in order to “help” others and our generosity should not aid or finance foolish living. That is not love.
- The severity of being in debt is pictured in verses 4 and 5. If you’ve co-signed, if you are in debt, fight for your freedom like a gazelle running from a hungry predator!
- Saying six and then seven in verse 16 is a literary tool to get the reader’s attention. Solomon wanted extra attention to be given to these seven abominations.
- There are always consequences for our sin, and the sinner does not get to choose what they will be.
Questions to consider:
- What were the characteristics of the hard-working ant? How would those characteristics translate to your life and responsibilities?
- Who does the wicked man in verses 12-15 work to benefit? Who is the wicked man willing to manipulate in order to get what he wants? (An extra hint: The winking, pointing and feet gestures were communication tools for a wing man who helped the wicked man to deceive his victim)
- There are three main communicators in this chapter (Especially verses 12-29), the wicked man, our parents, and the evil woman. What is characteristic of their speaking, where does listening to their words lead? Whose words will lead you to victory when tempted with the words of the others? Parents, how can you make sure the words you give your children will be a light to them in those times of need?
Prayer:
Lord, thank you for the clarity of your word. Thank you for the wisdom we can gain if we will only read, humbly listen and desire to put into action. I pray specifically today for the parents in our church! May we love your word and love you supremely so that we are ready and eager to give our children instruction that will be a light to them in the midst of this darkened world. May your words grip and fill our hearts so that when we speak to our children, your words are what they hear.