1 Corinthians 1:18-25 => Christ is the very Wisdom of God.
Colossians 1:15-20 => Christ is the very fullness and express image of God.
God gives Positive Incentives to Obedience.
- Solomon is modeling God and giving fathers/parents an example of how to instruct their children.
OBSERVATION
| INSTRUCTIONS | INCENTIVES |
| v. 1 My son, do not forget my law, But let your heart keep my commands; | v. 2 For length of days and long life And peace they will add to you. |
| v. 3 Let not mercy and truth forsake you; Bind them around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart, | v.4 And so find favor and high esteem In the sight of God and man.
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| v. 5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding;
v. 6a In all your ways acknowledge Him, |
v. 6b And He shall direct your paths.
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| v. 7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and depart from evil. | v. 8 It will be health to your flesh, And strength to your bones. |
| v. 9 Honor the LORD with your possessions, And with the firstfruits of all your increase; | v. 10 So your barns will be filled with plenty, And your vats will overflow with new wine. |
| v. 11 My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD, Nor detest His correction; | v. 12 For whom the LORD loves He corrects, Just as a father the son in whom he delights. |
INTERPRETATION
| INSTRUCTIONS | INCENTIVES |
| v. 1
Negative: Do not forget. (Through active negligence or passive neglect.)
Positive: Comply with, observe. (To guard through practice) |
v. 2
Quantity: Long life, implying or including eternal life.
Quality: Peace, well-being, success. Has the idea of fellowship with God. |
| v. 3
Negative: Do not let go of:
Mercy: hesed => Going beyond what is required.
Truth: Everything that is right in God’s eyes.
Positive: Make them a permanent internal part of your life. |
v. 4
Reputation: How men know you.
Character: How God knows you. |
| v. 5, 6a
Positive: Internally and externally give God first place in your decision making.
Negative: Do not depend on yourself. |
v. 6b
The promise of God’s guidance in your life. |
| v. 7
Negative: Do not listen to and depend on your own opinions.
Positive: Practice God’s presence in your life by turning from evil. |
v. 8
Physical health and emotional/mental health. |
| v. 9
Practice stewardship with all your possessions.
Realize that everything I have is God’s and is given to me by God to be a steward of. |
v. 10
You can’t out give God! (Malachi 3:10) |
| v. 11
Negative:
Do not neglect and/or openly oppose God’s chastening or correction.
Chastening: Correction that leads to wisdom (i.e. instruction)
Correction: The physical discipline that accompanies instruction. |
v. 12
It is a very real evidence of God’ love toward us. |