Proverbs 3:23
As I mentioned previously passage in the bog is somewhat treacherous. At points of walking along the floating mat one might encounter a weak spot in the bog moss and find themselves part of the peat soup. I remember walking in a bog in Northern Michigan, stepping into an innocent looking puddle, and finding myself greatly reduced in height with one leg dangling in the water below and the other leg painfully tucked behind me. Because there were others with me, we all enjoyed a good laugh. In some bogs in Europe ancient boardwalks have been discovered in a well preserved state. The boardwalks were built to allow safe passage across the bog (what incredible thinking).
God has placed into our lives something similar to that as we make our passage in this life. With all of the footfalls and treacherous paths that we navigate in our lifetime, it was an act of God’s love.
The main part of that boardwalk is called the Bible. The Bible is God’s direct revelation to us today. God directed men to pick up pen and write down the words that He would give to them – all with those men’s unique personal writing style. He gave us His Word so that we could read about what He expects of us, to give us the necessary information to navigate life, and to encourage us along the way.
Another part of that boardwalk is to take the information God gave to us in His Word and the knowledge which we gain from the world around us and make right, practical application of it in our lives. It is not enough for us to just read and learn God’s Word. It is also important that we take what we learn from God’s Word and apply it to living. You can know perfect Hebrew and Greek and have the whole of Scripture memorized, but if you do not apply the truths which are found in Scripture, you have missed the point. Knowledge without application is empty.
Proverbs is filled with tidbits of advice. The verse mentioned above is part of the “My Son” discourse in which the father is instructing his son in how to succeed in life. The goal of the book is to impart wisdom and to live in that wisdom. Wisdom is the skillful and right application of knowledge. It is knowledge with feet. It is based in the person and character of God.
God has given us what we need to navigate life. He has shown us what He requires (Micah 6:8), He has shown us what He expects (1 Peter 1:14-16) and much more. God is a good God. He has provided us the boardwalk. It will be an easier passage if we stay on the right path. Pray for godly wisdom.
Seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.2 Peter 1:3 How blessed is the man who finds wisdom and the man who gains understanding. For her profit is better than the profit of silver and her gain better than find gold. She is more precious than jewels; and nothing you desire compares with her.Proverbs 3:12-16
