Wisdom leads to a life of happiness and prosperity
- By Catholic Knight
- Published 07/3/2008
Catholic Knight
I was raised in the Catholic Church, altar boy, Catholic school etc. I study daily the teachings of the Catholic Church, the life of Jesus Christ and the Bible. My posts will be based on my studies, personal thoughts and experiences as well as prayers and meditations for personal and spiritual growth.
When I made the decision to completely put my life into the hands of God I was a little lost and not really sure what to do next. It was like 'Ok God my life is in your hands, now what?' God led me to the book of Proverbs which is a complete guide book to living a life that is pleasing to Him. Most of us have heard of King Solomon. The book of Proverbs is the Wisdom of God passed down to Solomon through his father King David. (David's teachings may also be found in the book of Psalms but I reccommend newcomers starting with Proverbs) The wisdom contained within this book led Solomon to a long and prosperous life. The book of Proverbs is a gift from God we can all take advantage of. I have followed a regiment of studying Proverbs and it has made a tremendous difference in all aspects of my life. I challenge you to commit to following this regiment for one full year and see if it doesn't make a difference in your life as well.
There are 31 chapters contained within the book of Proverbs. I study and meditate upon one chapter each morning; the chapter I study for the day corresponds with the date (newcomers may want to read the chapter again later on in the day until you are more familiar with the readings). For example today is the 3rd of July so you would study chapter 3. For months that do not have 31 days I study any remaining chapters on the last day of the month.
Just reading Proverbs in of itself will not change your life. You must meditate on the message and how it relates to your life. You must also incorporate that message into your day and into your life. This will not be easy and it will take some work at first but slowly you will begin to change your subconscious thinking and it will eventually become second nature. Change takes time and this is no different which is why I ask for a one year commitment. If you faithfully follow the wisdom contained within the book of Proverbs I guarantee it will change your life in ways you never imagined.
Here is today's scripture to get you started:
Proverbs
Chapter 3
1 My son, forget not my teaching, keep in mind my commands;
2 For many days, and years of life, and peace, will they bring you.
3 Let not kindness and fidelity leave you; bind them around
your neck;
4 Then will you win favor and good esteem before God and man.
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, on your own intelligence rely not;
6 In all your ways be mindful of him, and he will make straight your paths.
7 Be not wise in your own eyes, fear the LORD and turn away from evil;
8 This will mean health for your flesh and vigor for your bones.
9 Honor the LORD with your wealth, with first fruits of all your produce;
10 Then will your barns be filled with grain, with new wine your vats will overflow.
11 The discipline of the LORD, my son, disdain not; spurn not his reproof;
12 For whom the LORD loves he reproves, and he chastises the son he favors.
13 Happy the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding!
14 For her profit is better than profit in silver, and better than gold is her revenue;
15 She is more precious than corals, and none of your choice possessions can compare with her.
16 Long life is in her right hand, in her left are riches and honor;
17 Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace;
18 She is a tree of life to those who grasp her, and he is happy who holds her fast.
19 The LORD by wisdom founded the earth, established the heavens by understanding;
20 By his knowledge the depths break open, and the clouds drop down dew.
21 My son, let not these slip out of your sight: keep advice and counsel in view;
22 So will they be life to your soul, and an adornment for your neck.
23 Then you may securely go your way; your foot will never stumble;
24 When you lie down, you need not be afraid, when you rest, your sleep will be sweet.
Honor is the possession of wise men, but fools inherit shame.
25 Be not afraid of sudden terror, of the ruin of the wicked when it comes;
26 For the LORD will be your confidence, and will keep your foot from the snare.
27 Refuse no one the good on which he has a claim when it is in your power to do it for him.
28 Say not to your neighbor, "Go, and come again, tomorrow I will give," when you can give at once.
29 Plot no evil against your neighbor, against him who lives at peace with you.
30 Quarrel not with a man without cause, with one who has done you no harm.
31 Envy not the lawless man and choose none of his ways:
32 To the LORD the perverse man is an abomination, but with the upright is his friendship.
33 The curse of the LORD is on the house of the wicked, but the dwelling of the just he blesses;
34 When he is dealing with the arrogant, he is stern, but to the humble he shows kindness.
There are 31 chapters contained within the book of Proverbs. I study and meditate upon one chapter each morning; the chapter I study for the day corresponds with the date (newcomers may want to read the chapter again later on in the day until you are more familiar with the readings). For example today is the 3rd of July so you would study chapter 3. For months that do not have 31 days I study any remaining chapters on the last day of the month.
Just reading Proverbs in of itself will not change your life. You must meditate on the message and how it relates to your life. You must also incorporate that message into your day and into your life. This will not be easy and it will take some work at first but slowly you will begin to change your subconscious thinking and it will eventually become second nature. Change takes time and this is no different which is why I ask for a one year commitment. If you faithfully follow the wisdom contained within the book of Proverbs I guarantee it will change your life in ways you never imagined.
Here is today's scripture to get you started:
Proverbs
Chapter 3
1 My son, forget not my teaching, keep in mind my commands;
2 For many days, and years of life, and peace, will they bring you.
3 Let not kindness and fidelity leave you; bind them around
4 Then will you win favor and good esteem before God and man.
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, on your own intelligence rely not;
6 In all your ways be mindful of him, and he will make straight your paths.
7 Be not wise in your own eyes, fear the LORD and turn away from evil;
8 This will mean health for your flesh and vigor for your bones.
9 Honor the LORD with your wealth, with first fruits of all your produce;
10 Then will your barns be filled with grain, with new wine your vats will overflow.
11 The discipline of the LORD, my son, disdain not; spurn not his reproof;
12 For whom the LORD loves he reproves, and he chastises the son he favors.
13 Happy the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding!
14 For her profit is better than profit in silver, and better than gold is her revenue;
15 She is more precious than corals, and none of your choice possessions can compare with her.
16 Long life is in her right hand, in her left are riches and honor;
17 Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace;
18 She is a tree of life to those who grasp her, and he is happy who holds her fast.
19 The LORD by wisdom founded the earth, established the heavens by understanding;
20 By his knowledge the depths break open, and the clouds drop down dew.
21 My son, let not these slip out of your sight: keep advice and counsel in view;
22 So will they be life to your soul, and an adornment for your neck.
23 Then you may securely go your way; your foot will never stumble;
24 When you lie down, you need not be afraid, when you rest, your sleep will be sweet.
Honor is the possession of wise men, but fools inherit shame.
25 Be not afraid of sudden terror, of the ruin of the wicked when it comes;
26 For the LORD will be your confidence, and will keep your foot from the snare.
27 Refuse no one the good on which he has a claim when it is in your power to do it for him.
28 Say not to your neighbor, "Go, and come again, tomorrow I will give," when you can give at once.
29 Plot no evil against your neighbor, against him who lives at peace with you.
30 Quarrel not with a man without cause, with one who has done you no harm.
31 Envy not the lawless man and choose none of his ways:
32 To the LORD the perverse man is an abomination, but with the upright is his friendship.
33 The curse of the LORD is on the house of the wicked, but the dwelling of the just he blesses;
34 When he is dealing with the arrogant, he is stern, but to the humble he shows kindness.
