The Bible for Practical Living

I've been studying the book of Proverbs for the last several weeks. The title of the study is "God's Answers for Today's Problems." I've always believed the Bible to be relevant to life today and not just an ancient history book so I believe that title to be true.

As I was reading in chapter 23 today, the assignment was to mark all the DO NOT'S in a particular section of verses. Now, if you know me, I do not like to be told what I can and cannot do. Even the words make me want to rebel! But this is Solomon, wise man, speaking (what God wanted him to say) so I figured I'd better hush up and listen.

As I marked each DO NOT, it came to my mind that our lives would be so much better if we would just fall in line with God's instructions. Me? I often think I have a better way. I really am a rebel at heart. I don't openly defy God's instructions. Or do I? This passage gave me pause today. What about you?

DO NOT'S from Proverbs 23:1-21:

• Do not weary yourself to gain wealth.
• Do not eat the bread of a selfish man or desire his delicacies.
• Do not speak in the hearing of a fool.
• Do not move the ancient boundary stone or go into the fields of the fatherless.
• Do not hold back discipline from the child. (Note: I like this one!) 
• Do not let your heart envy sinners. 
• Do not be with heavy drinkers of wine.

Thank you, Lord, that you can bring new truths from Your Word to us every single day.