Our love must be unfailing and utterly faithful.
The Lord is present and so we allow our lives to be shaped by Him. We fear Him and this brings life. We remember that He has made us exactly as we are.
Principles for wise living that stand out:
* Avoid those who talk too much
* Wait for God's deliverance, rather than paying back vengeance yourself
* God knows our inmost being
* Things may seem right on the outside, but only God knows & judges the heart
* It's not good to live with a quarrelsome wife
* Everyone has this in common - God made them
* Humility & fear of the Lord are the most desirable characteristics
* Discipline will drive a child away from folly
20:17-25 Different Kinds of Action that Ought to be Avoided
Fraud
Gossip
Cursing your parents
Paying back vengeance rather than waiting for God's deliverance
Dishonesty
Dedicating something rashly without thinking about it
20:24 shows God's Sovereignty in all things. 20:27 shows our responsibility to Him. We hold these two in careful balance, remembering ultimately, God is Sovereign, although He gives us responsibility to look after ourselves and make our own choices.
22:17-21 The steps involved in a full reception of God's Word
Pay attention
Listen
Apply
Keep them in your heart
Have all of them ready on your lips
Use them as your answers
The marks of a wise son (23:15)
Avoiding envying sinners, joining those who drink too much wine or gorging too much on meat, selling the truth,
Ensuring he is zealous for the fear of the Lord, listening to his father and mother, buying the truth, getting wisdom, discipline and understanding
23:29-35 The Effects of Too Much Indulgence in Wine
Woe, sorrow, strife, complaints, needless bruises, bloodshot eyes, having been 'bitten by a 'snake', poisoned by a 'viper', seeing strange things, imagining confusing things', behaving strangely.
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