Chapter 4

Proverbs 4 (Liz)

I saw a movie that recently came out called “The Other Boleyn Girl”. If you don’t already know, it is set during the reign of King Henry VIII in 16^th century England. The movie focuses on the Boleyn’s who are an aristocrat family who plot their way into the royal palace. The plotting, lies, cunning and immoral actions they take (true in this movie or not) are a matter of history. Watching this family destroy each others lives to gain power and wealth got me thinking about what we are learning in Proverbs.

One of my chapters for March, chapter 4, gives us some clear examples of Godly living versus selfish living.

10My child, listen to me and do as I say, and you will have a long, good life. 11I will teach you wisdom’s ways and lead you in straight paths. 12When you walk, you won’t be held back; when you run, you won’t stumble. 13Take hold of my instructions; don’t let them go. Guard them, for they are the key to life. 14Don’t do as the wicked do, and don’t follow the path of evildoers. 15Don’t even think about it; don’t go that way. Turn away and keep moving. 16For evil people can’t sleep until they’ve done their evil deed for the day. They can’t rest until they’ve caused someone to stumble. 17They eat the food of wickedness and drink the wine of violence! 18The way of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, which shines ever brighter until the full light of day. 19But the way of the wicked is like total darkness. They have no idea what they are stumbling over.

Well, that’s pretty clear. The choice seems obvious.

This also makes me think about what I recently read in the book of Leviticus. Chapter 18:1-5 “Then the Lord said to Moses, “Give the following instructions to the people of Israel. I am the Lord your God. So do not act like the people in Egypt, where you used to live, or like the people of Canaan, where I am taking you. You must not imitate their way of life. You must obey all my regulations and be careful to obey my decrees, for I am the Lord your God. If you obey my decrees and my regulations, you will find life through them. I am the Lord.”

God doesn’t impose harsh rules on us. He gives us instructions to live a safe, blessed, holy and free life. Who better to tell us the best way to live but God!?!

Proverbs 4: 20-23 “My child, pay attention to what I say. Listen carefully to my words. Don’t lose sight of them, let them penetrate deep into your heart, for they bring life to those who find them, and healing to their whole body. Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.

So, if you happen to see this movie, you’ll know how not to live. Read God’s word and you’ll know exactly how to live.