7.6 Proverbs 10-13

Stephen Van Bueren

7.6.2020

Proverbs 10-13

While chapters 1-9 speak large in part to the idea, blessing(s) and pursuit of wisdom, chapter 10 (and through the rest of the book) actually begins what we have often come to understand as the “proverbs” of King Solomon, and the practical wisdom for living that we gain from them. 

A key verse(s) that really stood out to me was… 

…actually not a key verse, but rather a key concept. Throughout chapters 10-13 (in the ESV translation) there are 34 references to the word RIGHTEOUS. There are an additional 16 references to a similar vein of thinking – be it INTEGRITY, UPRIGHT and RIGHTEOUSNESS. That is a total of 50 references to the concept/idea, and the importance of, living a righteous life. Living a life of integrity. Living an upright life. Being known for our righteousness.

To be honest, I did not count how many times these words were used throughout the rest of the book of Proverbs. But I think it would be a fair assumption that the theme is carried throughout the book – as well as the entire Bible!

How does what you read change your vision of God? I wouldn’t say that it changes my vision of God – but rather it reminds me of how important it is to God that I am a righteous man. A man of integrity, who strives to live an upright and righteous lifestyle. Of course I know that I will not be perfect, and God knows that – as He remembers that I am but dust – He remembers how I was created/formed. So while God is gracious, patient and forgiving – God also has a very high expectation for me to respond to his graciousness, patience and forgiveness with a right kind of living.

How will you Go With God because of this reading? (What is an action step?)

Where did you see Jesus in these chapters? (What made you think about Jesus?) 

Well, since Jesus is the ultimate benchmark of righteousness – albeit a bit cliché-ique (yes that it a word) – I am going to try to daily be asking myself the very popular 1990’s question…

What would Jesus Do – WWJD? 

Sometimes we can make things a whole lot more complicated that things need to be. Often we can get ourselves out of difficult situations by very simple practices. At any given moment, in any given situation – pause and ask yourself WWJD? 

I can promise you this – if there is any since of humility within us – that considering this very simple question will often times bring very great clarity!

So, as you go about your day today, “pretend” as if Jesus were right there with you (of course we all know that he is ☺) and then ask yourself – or better yet ask him – Lord, what would you do in this situation!