Tag: proverbs

The Wise Small Ones

by Ms. Rita's Minute

Proverbs 30:24

“Four things on earth are small, yet they are extremely wise:” …

The Bible doesn’t describe these things in Proverbs 30 as wise alone, but rather as extremely wise. This means they exceed the average level of wisdom, possessing good judgment and sense, and applying their knowledge and experience to achieve good results.

Ants: They are “creatures of little strength, yet they store up their food in the summer” (Proverbs 30:25). The Bible also highlights their wisdom in Proverbs 6:6-8. It speaks of how their ways are to be considered–how they have no overseer, but they store food in the winter and gather it at harvest.

They can carry 10 to 50 times their own body weight, and they have no ears, but detect vibrations in the ground using a sensory organ below their knee. Not only that, they communicate by releasing chemical signals called pheromones that act as alarm signals, food trails, or indicators of death.

As tiny as they are, ants have two stomachs, one for their own consumption and the other for storing food to share with other ants in the colony.

Remarkably, they’ve been around for 130 million years, having survived an extinction that killed the dinosaurs. A more in-depth study of these individuals reveals how wonderfully they are crafted. To us, they may seem a nuisance, but what I’ve gathered of them recently reminds me of how fascinating they actually are.

Hyraxes: They “are creatures of little power, but make their homes in crags” (Proverbs 30:26). Crags are steep, rugged masses of rock that project upward or outward from larger rocky masses, cliffs, or mountains. Hyraxes have rubbery, suction-cup-like feet for climbing, have tusk-like incisors, and live in colonies. Though they look like rodents, they are closest to the elephant family. Hyraxes are also mentioned in Psalm 104:18, where crags are described as a refuge for them.

Locusts: They “have no king, yet they advance together in ranks” (Proverbs 30:27). The Bible mentions locusts as a tool of God’s wrath and judgment, a devastating force, multiple times, particularly in the plague of locusts in Exodus 10, and the prophetic descriptions in the books of  Joel and Revelation.

Lizards: Interestingly, these creatures “can be caught with the hand, yet it is found in kings’ palaces” (Proverbs 30:28). In the Bible, this indicates how they are easily captured, yet found in high places, symbolizing the power of perseverance and ability to overcome limitations and achieve great things, even in high-status environments. 

Moreover, lizards have shown how the seemingly weak or humble can demonstrate great wisdom and resilience, finding their way into positions of influence through shrewdness and an unwavering spirit. 

These are just a few amazing creatures, among others, that apparently God thought interesting enough to mention in His wonderful book. They are just small masterpieces that God has so graciously given them unique qualities, and He counts them as wise. Though small, they are great at their jobs. Upon further study, you may find various other amusing things that they are all known for.

When Wisdom Calls

by Ms. Rita's Minute

I’m thankful for the Lord’s grace in providing us with His teachings on wisdom and the blessings and consequences of accepting or rejecting them. We see in the book of Proverbs many references to wisdom and its effect on those who evade, or walk, in it.

One reference stands out to me: “For the waywardness of the simple will kill them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them; but whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm.” (Proverbs 1:32-33) I remind myself that I actually believe these verses of scripture, or I don’t.

I’m imagining those times when a parent may tell their little one not to do something. Yet at their child’s own desire, they proceed to do the very opposite only to find the results to be painful. Most parents, of course, then feel some measure of sadness but are quick to remind their children “I told you so.”

When Proverbs 1:32-33 talks about waywardness in Hebrew, it is defined as away, as in going away or backsliding. Complacency is described as tranquility, all is good (when it really isn’t), no concern for harm, and carelessness.

Sometimes, offense, grief, the lust of our eyes, or the pride of life may cause us to act out in unhealthy ways to appease our own selfish cravings. Not stoking the fires of our passions toward the Lord’s will for us can cause us to lean more toward carnality and worldly desires.

We must seek the Lord’s help in prayer, and welcome encouragement from the Body of Christ, a huge help for us.

Moreover, safety is defined as security, peace, quiet, comfort, and confidence, while harm is defined as damage, injury, and loss. Most of us would welcome the former over the latter results. So, this passage provides a clear explanation of the outcome of embracing or ignoring wisdom.

At certain points in our lives, we all experience wisdom’s call in navigating various circumstances. Nevertheless, sometimes we refuse to listen and disregard the advice given. The Bible tells us the results can be disaster, calamity, distress, and just plain trouble. This is described scripturally as hating knowledge and choosing not to fear the Lord. Ignoring the Lord’s advice, which is His help, we incur the fruit of our own wrong choices.

As the Lord makes His teachings available to us, and we decide to disregard His instructions, we are admonished to pay attention, and repent, and He will pour out His thoughts to us (Proverbs 1:23).

Chapters 2 and 3 of the book of Proverbs provide the benefits and well-being of receiving and living in God’s wisdom: success, protection, understanding, health, peace, prosperity, and long life.

It is to our great advantage to keep wisdom, understanding, sound judgment, and discretion before us. These things are important because they are life for us. When we are wise, we inherit honor, but fools get only shame.

More reading: Psalm 25:12; Psalm 112:1-8; Proverbs 1:20-31

True Happiness

by Ms. Rita's Minute

People seek happiness or “the good life” in many things. However, according to God’s wisdom, only a few things are required to achieve it.

If we truly desire a full life of peace, success, favor, and good health, here within three bible passages, is God’s prescription:

1. Proverbs 3:1-2/NIV
My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity.

    2. Proverbs 3:3-4/NIV
    Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.

    3. Proverbs 3:7-8/NIV
    Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.

    To practice God’s wisdom in obtaining happiness in life, we must first know:

    1. God’s commands;

    2. God’s definitions of love and faithfulness;

    3. what it means to fear the Lord; and

    4. how to identify evil, and avoid it.

    We learn God’s commands by availing ourselves of His resources (i.e., the Bible; the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers; and other Holy Spirit-led, wise counselors).

    Godly love and faithfulness entail traits such as compassion, kindness, humility, steadfastness, honor, empathy, sacrifice, forgiveness, and patience.

    Fearing the Lord denotes reverencing and holding Him in high regard; appreciating and acknowledging Him; placing Him first in our lives; and showing Him the utmost respect He deserves.

    Discerning good and evil is accomplished by the study of God’s Bible and the indwelling of His Spirit within us. Right and wrong are clearly established in His word, as well as the laws of our society that can be traced back to the Bible. In addition, hopefully, wise training in good and evil is also provided by one’s parents or guardians.

    The length of time and maturity in applying these things will prove different for every believer. However, we are blessed beyond measure to have God’s grace and wisdom during our growth.

    The Safety of Wise Choices

    by Ms. Rita's Minute

    It’s interesting how with all the wisdom the Bible provides regarding trusting the Lord for protection, it instructs us in the practical ways to live safely.

    There’s a passage in Proverbs 2 that teaches us that wise choices will watch over us and understanding will keep us safe. This means we should seriously consider and pray about our options regarding any decisions we make in life. What might be the outcome and what are the related costs? Having a good understanding of all of the elements involved and their effect on our lives, along with seeking God’s will in each case, will provide protection from unnecessary, future distress.

    This passage also teaches us that wisdom will save us from people who don’t mean us well and who use words that are unhealthy or distorted. Further, it indicates that these people turned from a right path onto a wrong one which leads to darkness and corruption. These are people who enjoy doing wrong and the perverted ways of wickedness. These are people who only bring problems to your life and should be avoided.

    In this new year, we should make it our aim to gain wisdom and understanding for making godly choices in all areas of our lives. The Bible has more than enough information to help us gain all the wisdom and understanding we need. We just need to apply ourselves by taking some time during the day to read and pray. This needn’t be a lengthy amount of time, but just a consistency of time, so that we are successful in acclimating ourselves to God’s character and principles.

    In this age of information technology, there are so many convenient resources available to us. Not to mention the traditional ways of learning via counsel from people personally, or through books or other forms of media.

    Doesn’t it feel good to know you can be safe, avoiding unnecessary trouble and deception through wise decision-making? I’m so glad God has given us His very own word for assistance.

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    Wise choices will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe. Wisdom will save you from evil people, from those whose words are twisted. These men turn from the right way to walk down dark paths. They take pleasure in doing wrong, and they enjoy the twisted ways of evil. ~Proverbs 2:11-14/NLT