Author: dennisconrad

Categories
Wisdom Prayer

Do Not Enter the Path of the Wicked!

Do Not Enter the Path of the Wicked!

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who do not enter the path of the wicked. In Jesus’s name, amen.

King Solomon has warnings for those who are not wise.

Proverbs 4:10-19 (ESV) is about those who hold on to wisdom and instruction, and, in contrast, those who enter the path of the wicked.

“Hear, my son, and accept my words,
that the years of your life may be many.
I have taught you the way of wisdom;
I have led you in the paths of uprightness.
When you walk, your step will not be hampered,
and if you run, you will not stumble.
Keep hold of instruction; do not let go;
guard her, for she is your life.
Do not enter the path of the wicked,
and do not walk in the way of the evil.
Avoid it; do not go on it;
turn away from it and pass on.
For they cannot sleep unless they have done wrong;
they are robbed of sleep unless they have made someone stumble.
For they eat the bread of wickedness
and drink the wine of violence.
But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn,
which shines brighter and brighter until full day.
The way of the wicked is like deep darkness;
they do not know over what they stumble.”

Do not even think of following the way of the wicked. God can provide a way of escape. Pray. Ask God to make his direction clear.

Tell me what you think in the comments below.

Categories
Wisdom Prayer

Get Wisdom!

Get Wisdom!

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom and ask that I may be attentive and gain insight. In Jesus’s name, amen.

God inspired King Solomon to write the words of Proverbs.

Proverbs 4:1-9 (ESV) Solomon makes a point of sharing the wisdom he learned from King David, his father.

“Hear, O sons, a father’s instruction,
and be attentive, that you may gain insight,
for I give you good precepts;
do not forsake my teaching.
When I was a son with my father,
tender, the only one in the sight of my mother,
he taught me and said to me,
“Let your heart hold fast my words;
keep my commandments, and live.
Get wisdom; get insight;
do not forget, and do not turn away from the words of my mouth.
Do not forsake her, and she will keep you;
love her, and she will guard you.
The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom,
and whatever you get, get insight.
Prize her highly, and she will exalt you;
she will honor you if you embrace her.
She will place on your head a graceful garland;
she will bestow on you a beautiful crown.”

Notice how much value Solomon placed on obtaining wisdom. Has getting godly wisdom become a priority in your life? If not, perhaps it is time to reassess your priorities.

Tell me what you think in the comments below.

Categories
Wisdom Prayer

Do Not Envy People Of Violence!

Do Not Envy People Of Violence!

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who do not envy people of violence. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Many individuals try to blur the lines between good and evil. In Scripture, there is a clear distinction between the two. Evil doers are violent, devious, and wicked.

Proverbs 3:31-35 (ESV) shows the contrast between evil ones and the righteous.

“Do not envy a man of violence
and do not choose any of his ways,
for the devious person is an abomination to the Lord,
but the upright are in his confidence.
The Lord’s curse is on the house of the wicked,
but he blesses the dwelling of the righteous.
Toward the scorners he is scornful,
but to the humble he gives favor.
The wise will inherit honor,
but fools get disgrace.”

The wise ultimately get the prize by inheriting honor. Avoid blurring the lines and rationalizing away evil.

Tell me what you think in the comments below.

Categories
Wisdom Prayer

Treat Your Neighbors Well!

Treat Your Neighbors Well!

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom when dealing with neighbors. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Scripture has advice for neighborly relationships. Who would have believed this advice could prevent friction, strive, and conflict?

Proverbs 3:28-30 (ESV) stresses relationships and offers an admonition to avoid potential disagreements.

“Do not say to your neighbor, “Go, and come again,
tomorrow I will give it”—when you have it with you.
Do not plan evil against your neighbor,
who dwells trustingly beside you.
Do not contend with a man for no reason,
when he has done you no harm.”

After reading this, will you treat your neighbors differently?

Take action to mend any broken relationships. Mend fences if need be.

Tell me what you think in the comments below.

Categories
Wisdom Prayer

Wisdom Is Better Than Gold!

Wisdom Is Better Than Gold!

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for wisdom is better than gold and more precious than jewels.

People the world over search for wisdom. Some will spend a fortune to discover wisdom’s hidden secrets. Some seek advice from supposedly wise people. That advice may or not turn out to, in fact, be wise.

God’s wisdom is found in his holy and inspired word, the Bible.

Proverbs 3:13-18 (ESV) portrays the value of wisdom.

“Blessed is the one who finds wisdom,
and the one who gets understanding,
for the gain from her is better than gain from silver
and her profit better than gold.
She is more precious than jewels,
and nothing you desire can compare with her.
Long life is in her right hand;
in her left hand are riches and honor.
Her ways are ways of pleasantness,
and all her paths are peace.
She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her;
those who hold her fast are called blessed.”

Have you valued God’s wisdom in such high regard? Now that you know the value King Solomon gave wisdom, won’t you value it more highly?

Tell me what you think in the comments below.

Categories
Wisdom Prayer

Do Not Despise the Lord’s Discipline!

Do Not Despise the Lord’s Discipline!

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who accept the Lord’s discipline. In Jesus’ name, amen.

The word “reproof” has several synonyms including scolding and reprimand.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV) tells us,

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”

Proverbs 3:11-12 (ESV) is about having a proper attitude about the Lord’s discipline.

“My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline
or be weary of his reproof,
for the Lord reproves him whom he loves,
as a father the son in whom he delights.”

How will you react when you are reprimanded by the Lord? Rather than be upset, realize God’s love for you. God is equipping you for every good work. Be thankful.

Tell me what you think in the comments below.