Reading the book of Proverbs should be a part of your daily routine. You may disagree and say I don’t need to read the book of Proverbs because it is an ancient book of the Bible. Well, let Proverbs speak for itself as to why you need to read it. The book describes its purpose as, “A manual for living, for learning what’s right and just and fair; To teach the inexperienced the ropes and give our young people a grasp on reality. There’s something here also for seasoned men and women, still a thing or two for the experienced to learn—Fresh wisdom to probe and penetrate, the rhymes and reasons of wise men and women.” Proverbs 1:3-6 (MSG)
The book of Proverbs is “A Manual for Living.” What is the purpose of a manual? A manual is a book of instructions, especially for operating a machine or learning a subject. Proverbs is a Manual for living a godly and peaceful life. Proverbs 6:23 says, “For sound advice is a beacon, good teaching is a light, moral discipline is a life path.” (MSG) The verse lists three major areas for you to succeed in life. These are not the only areas that will make you successful, however, they are what I call the foundational blocks for success. The blocks are Advice, Teaching and Discipline.
Let’s review each block separately. We will begin with the word advice. Advice is guidance or recommendations concerning prudent future action, typically given by someone regarded as knowledgeable or authoritative. The Proverbs states that advice is a beacon, and a beacon is a light set on a high prominent position as a warning, signal, or celebration. Let’s summarize what advice is. It is guidance given by a knowledgeable or authoritative person in your life, which helps you to make clear decisions. Remember, guidance only makes you successful when it is followed.
The next foundational block for success is teaching. Notice the Proverbs says good teaching; there is a difference between good and bad teaching. Bad teaching leads to disaster and misunderstanding. Proverbs describes good teachings as light. And what does light do? It banishes darkness.
The final block is discipline. The practice of training yourself to obey rules or a code of conduct, or using punishment to correct disobedience – discipline is required in every area of life. It takes discipline to maintain good health, to be financially secured, to learn, and to be successful. The kind of discipline Solomon speaks of is moral discipline. Yes, moral! It appears that morality has become an appalling word to this generation. Let me define what morality means so that we may return to living as God intended us to live. To be moral is to be concerned with the principles of right and wrong behavior and the goodness or badness of human character.
Where do you find the principles of right and wrong? Where do you find what is good and acceptable behavior? Where do you find the principles for human character? You can find all of these principles in the Word of God!
Success means walking in your purpose! Therefore, remember the building blocks for success – Advice, Teaching and Discipline. Embrace them and become who God has destined you to be.
Be Blessed,
Bishop Jemmott