Proverbs 1:8-19, “Knots” Tied!
January 9, Proverbs 1:8-19
Ephesians 5:1-17 “He that is a companion of riotous men, shameth his father” (28:7)
“Knots” Tied!
When a Boy Scout, we learned to tie knots. How often, in later years, this skill proved very useful. Bishop Ryle wrote a book entitled, Knots Untied. Its purpose was to “unit” difficult Bible “knots” that troubled many sincere believers. It has proved a useful tool. In today’s proverbs we will show the importance of “tying” three Bible nots which are specific in their bearing and practical in their application. “Tying” these “knots” will strengthen young people to honour both parents for both are responsible to God.
- A Sainted Supplication: Forsake not (vs.8). Thy father’s instruction means correction or discipline. Thy mother’s law is her torah, the name given the Books of Moses. Here it means that God’s Torah was this godly mother’s torah. Both thy father’s correction and thy mother’s law are sacred supplications, knots to be tied securely. Therefore, for your soul’s defense, forsake them not. “Wanted – a boy who obeys his mother.” So advertised an employer who said he never know a boy to prosper who did not obey his mother. To violate these “sainted supplications” is a crime against God and brings a curse with it. We may scoff at being “tied to mother’s apron strings,” but if the Lord tied those knots they are like cables keeping the soul steady in the storms of life.
- A Sinful Solicitation: Consent thou not (v.10). This is one of the shortest, sharpest verses in this Book. The word entice or tempt should be a warning against wrong before it starts! Satan knows there is more allurement in wrong-doing than right-doing, revealing the trickery of sin. Sinners entice by carefully concealing the fact that it is sin. They say it is for your good, that you will see life, that it will be a party, that it will liberate you. Traditional values are ridiculed. Sin is smart. Cut loose from the “apron-strings.” “Be free!” “Be enlightened!” Let our defense be different from the enemy’s mode of attack. He creeps us and takes us unawares, but whoever argues or hesitates with sin is halfway to defeat already! Beware of Eve! Remember Lot’s wife! Learn from Joseph! Better lose your shirt than your soul! Our best defense is No! “Dare to do right!”
- A Scriptural Separation: Walk thou not (v.15). Scriptural separation includes both church and daily life. Neither is popular is most Christian circles today. We have become spiritually impotent. Thought Scripture clearly commands this, Christians do everything they can to evade it. Yet it is the Christian’s only safety. If we run with the ungodly, contamination follows. No man goes to ruin alone. The sinner loves company, and tries to take someone else down with him. He that walks with wise man shall be wise; but a companion of fools shall be destroyed (13:20). Evil friends first make us dazed , and then crazed (v.16)! Abraham (Gen. 12:10), Lot (Gen. 19:17), Jehoshaphat (2 Ch. 18:1), Peter (Lu. 12:55), all joined with the ungodly, and lost the blessing and approval of the Lord.
Thought: Covet the ornaments and chains of grace, not bondage to sin (v.9).
Prayer: Lord, help me to tie these ‘knots’ now.