F – WISDOM OF PROVERBS – 6
PROHIBITIONS
Righteousness demands obedience as we pursue it. Deut.6:25 If we hunger and thirst for righteousness, we need to have knowledge of God’s commandments and hence, the prohibitions that are contained in His Word for us to follow. Prohibitions about our speech have already been covered. Proverbs contains many prohibitions about sexual relations outside of marriage as well as those regarding strong drink. Hopefully and prayerfully we as Christians have grown above these types of prohibitions although the temptation is present and unfortunately some within the church do fall.
Many prohibitions are given regarding sinners. Satan uses people to bring temptation upon us. “Just say,’No’.” This is wise advice in many instances. Prov.1:10 We cannot wait until the temptation comes to decide whose side we are on. 1 Pet.5:9 “Consent not.” “Resist” These are strong words but we must know where we stand. Know with Mary, Jesus’ mother, “I am the Lord’s servant.” Lk.1:38 This reminds one of the song, “I Belong to Jesus”. We need to make sure that we do.
We live in the world but not of the world. Jhn.17:15,16 We do not walk out in the path of a car because we do not want to be hit but do we walk in the path of a sinner? Jesus prayed that we be kept from the evil one but when we walk with them, we are in danger of being “hit” with temptation and then falling. Prov.1:15 We need to heed the advice given in Prov.4:14,15 Avoid it. Pass by it. Turn away from it. Pass on. The way to approach sin is—don’t approach it!
Many times we look at those of the world and see their popularity or success. Maybe they have new cars and big homes. We do not understand what is behind the scene. Too often these things cover the lack of happiness and hope. Proverbs tells us not to envy them. Prov.23:17 Our happiness and our hope is far-reaching. Prov.24:19 Sometimes we become desirous to be seen with the popular, successful or wealthy. It inflates our ego. Prov.24:1 These types of things are not what a Christian loves. 1 Jhn.2:15
Our associations, our friends, are very important to our faithfulness. It has been said that two people that have been married a long time begin to look alike. Their thoughts follow the same line and one is able to finish the sentence of the other. This is the influence that our associations can have on us. Prov.24:21 We are to be steadfast and rooted. Col.2:7 As we grow, we change but we become more like our Master. That is not the way of the world. At times we never know what an association is going to be like the next time.
We are warned against a person prone to anger. Prov.22:24 A slanderer is also warned against. Prov.20:19 Another bad association would be a man of violence. Prov.3:31 We are to be peacemakers. If we have the wrong associations, we can be drawn into the pit of sin right along with them. It is better to stay away than to have to dig ourselves out of an ungodly situation. 1 Cor.15:33; 2 Cor.6:14,15 A true friend in Christ is a jewel. Prov.17:17; Prov.27:10
Our neighbors are important to us. Let us be important to them. Prov.3:29 In the familiarity and closeness of a neighbor, it can become easy to be contentious. Prov.25:17 We can wear out our welcome. Prov.25:8 In familiarity it becomes easy to talk too much. Prov.25:9,10 Revealing secrets becomes a blight on our character. Prov.11:13
Another prohibition throughout Proverbs also holds true in instruction for a Christian. That is one dealing with generosity. Prov.3:27,28 Eyes of understanding and sympathy can close when it means that we must give up our goods, whether financial or otherwise. James has a very similar exhortation. Jam.2:15,16 Blessings come with giving. Prov.11:24 “The Magic Penny” is a child’s song with the idea that if you hold on tight, you will loose it; but if you give the penny away, you’ll end up having more. That’s God’s way. We don’t give to just our friends and neighbors. We even give to our enemies. Prov.25:21,22 This Scripture is quoted in Rom.12:20
Lastly, the prohibition that should be close to our heart is that of remembering and following the teaching of the Lord. Prov.4:20,21 It is important to hear, pay attention, and lay hold of these teachings; however, they must be in our heart. Prov.3:1 Sometimes we think the Word is deeply implanted in our heart but we abandon what we have learned. Prov.4:2 The same exhortation is given in 1 Cor.10:12 May we never get too sure of ourselves. Prov.4:5,6
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