April 22, 2018 | Tom Dunham
The Case for Morality
So you may walk in the way of goodness, and keep to the paths of righteousness. For the upright will dwell in the land, and the blameless will remain in it. Proverbs 2:20,21
Review:
- Proverbs is written especially for young people.
- Proverbs 1-9 are preparatory for the rest of the book, focusing on character & moral foundations so that the seeds of Proverbs 10-31 will germinate and grow.
- Let the proverbs ‘attach’ themselves to you like ‘good barnacles!’
- Proverbs is written to be memorized!
Far and away, morality is given the most ‘ink’ in this book! God’s rules for morality are for our blessing and benefit. When we deviate from the ‘plumb line’ of His commands, there are predictable consequences.
Solomon sounds the warning in many passages:
- 2:16-22 … 5:1-23 … 6:20-35 … 7:1-27 … 9:13-18 … 22:14 … 23:26-28 … 30:20 …
31:1-3 …
- And one final passage: 30:15,16 …
No matter what your past may be, God delights in giving mercy!
He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy. Proverbs 28:13
Blessings are ours when:
- We give ourselves to the instructions of this book.
- And, young people: when you give yourselves to the instruction of your parents. Give your hearts to them!
My son, keep my words, and treasure my commands within you. Keep my commands and live, and my law as the apple of your eye. Bind them on your fingers. Write them on the tablet of your heart. Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,” and call understanding your nearest kin. Proverbs 7:1-4
My son, give me your heart, and let your eyes observe my ways. Proverbs 23:26