Keeping It Simple

Sometimes simple is just better. As much as I love a yummy chocolate cheesecake, there is just no beating a warm brownie straight from the oven. (Please tell me someone else out there also has chocolate for their love language.)

Proverbs is like a good brownie … Simple and straight to the point. While other books of the Bible often require explanation to grasp the full application to life or revelation of God’s aPerson, Proverbs is basically cut and dry.

Take for example the “thirty sayings of counsel and knowledge” found in Proverbs 22:20-24:22. These instructions and directives are clear and direct.

As I looked over this passage, I realized this is a simple set of “do’s” and “don’ts.”

First, the Don’ts:

• Don’t spend what you don’t have. Proverbs 22:26-27
• Don’t cheat. Proverbs 22:28, 23:10-11
• Don’t envy. Proverbs 23:1-9, 17-18
• Don’t scheme. Proverbs 24:8-9

Now, the Do’s:

• Do have compassion for the poor. Proverbs 22:22-23
• Do choose friends carefully. Proverbs 22:24-25, 23:20-21, 24:1-2, 21-22
• Do seek wisdom. Proverbs 23:12, 15-16, 19, 2-25, 24:3-7, 13-14
• Do parent well. Proverbs 23:13-14
• Do avoid trouble. Proverbs 23:27-35, 24:15-18
• Do stand strong. Proverbs 24:10-12

Today, I urge you to spend some time in these Scriptures.   Perhaps as you read over the lists you realized an area in which you struggle … take it to the Lord and ask Him for strength to be obedient to His Word.   Maybe as you read, you felt the Holy Spirit guiding you to a specific action … do it.

These are simple truths, simple directives, for us as believers.  But simple doesn’t always mean easy … and as we are faithful to pattern our lives after the example of Christ and according to the Word of God, there will be challenges.   But I encourage you … don’t give up!  Stay focused on Him and His Word and give the Holy Spirit freedom to work in your life.

Which of these do’s and don’ts presents the greatest challenge to you?  

{image source: microsoft clip art}