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Whoever walks in uprightness fears the Lord,

    but he who is devious in his ways despises him.

Proverbs 14:2 ESV

I want to focus on the second clause in this verse. “… but he who is devious in his ways despises [the Lord].” This reveals God’s view of sin, and perhaps our own weak view of the sinfulness of sin. Sometimes we may think, “A little lie is not right, but it certainly doesn’t mean I despise the Lord.” Well, this verse argues against that effort to minimize the nature of sin. I don’t think we sit around thinking about these kinds of things, but perhaps we should.

How does being devious indicate that I despise the Lord? Primarily because it means that my affections are for that which is the opposite of the Lord. Jesus said that we can’t serve two masters (Mt. 6:24), but so often we try to do just that. We try to serve the flesh and the spirit. We chase death, but want life.

Think back over the last week or so. Have you done, said, or thought things that suggest you despise the Lord? If so, did you recognize it on the moment, or are you realizing it now after seeing the connection in this verse?

Lord, please help to see – in real time – how my actions/thoughts/words betray my love for you.

No one is established by wickedness,

    but the root of the righteous will never be moved.

Proverbs 12:3 ESV

Here, the author is focusing on the foundation of the wicked vs. the foundation of the righteous. Wickedness does not provide a firm foundation regardless of any appearance of stability or success that may come with it. In the end, it is unstable. On the other hand, the righteous sets his roots deep in the Lord, and they will not be moved.

David says it this way:

For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence,

    for my hope is from him.

He only is my rock and my salvation,

    my fortress; I shall not be shaken [moved in KJV].

On God rests my salvation and my glory;

    my mighty rock, my refuge is God.

Psalm 62:5-7 ESV

… calling to those who pass by,

    who are going straight on their way,

Proverbs 9:15 ESV

Beware of folly. You can’t deal with folly as if folly is neutral, simply satisfied to capture those who are wandering aimlessly. Note here, that folly calls out to those “who pass by.” But not simply those who pass by, but those who are “going straight on their way.” In other words, folly targets those who are on the right path. What would it take for you to be distracted off course?

This is a warning that we must guard our hearts and minds so as not to be drawn away toward folly. Pursue God with a vengeance. The Psalmist offers some helpful thoughts in this regard: “I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you” (Psalm 119:11). “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105).

O simple ones, learn prudence;

    O fools, learn sense.

Proverbs 8:5 ESV

This verse gives a sense of pleading for those who lack wisdom to get it. Wisdom is available for the asking, which reveals that gaining wisdom is a heart matter. There is no lack of supply or availability, only a lack of receptivity. Thus, wisdom pleads for the simple and foolish to taste and see.

Are you among those who resist wisdom? If so, why? If not, what draws your heart toward wisdom?

bind them on your fingers;

    write them on the tablet of your heart.

Proverbs 7:3 ESV

“Them” in this verse refers back to the words and commandments mentioned in verse one. Here, the author uses word pictures to communicate the way we embrace and engage with those words and commandments. First, in binding them on your fingers you are making them “ever present,” a regularly visible reminder. Additionally, we wear things on our fingers to decorate or to adorn our appearance. Dressing in wisdom seems to be a good way to remind and adorn ourselves.

“Write them on the tablet of your heart” communicates a deeply held commitment to the words and commandments. In writing them on the tablet of your heart, you are creating a core belief or value.

This verse helps us to see the need to mark ourselves internally and externally. So, how are you doing in this regard?