Originally posted: 1/16/2021

Do not let your heart envy sinners,
But live in the fear of the Lord always.
¹⁸ Surely there is a future,
And your hope will not be cut off, (23:17-18).

Eleven times in today’s reading we read of a father’s advice to his son that begins with the admonition, “Do not.” This chapter is laden with warnings of what is not wise behavior. This chapter is also filled with encouragement of His Sure Future and Hope, if we would but give our hearts to the Father and learn to delight and live in His ways.

Give me your heart, my son,
And let your eyes delight in my ways, (23:26).

The Book of Proverbs is a collection of wise principles, and when applied and followed, result in the best way we can live this life. Through faith in Jesus Christ, God promises us His Sure Future and Hope for all of eternity. But we don’t just have assurance for the afterlife. If we will follow His wise counsel throughout our lifetime and answer His call to live in His Sure Future and Hope for each and every day we walk this earth, we will enjoy the blessing of living according to His Will.

As Solomon counsels his son, to “not” engage in a particular behavior, he is at the same time directing him to choose the wise option in lieu of that which is foolish.

And choosing the wise option always begins in the fear of the Lord.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding, (Proverbs 9:10).

He Calls us to walk in the fear of the Lord and follow His counsel; and as we do, He will guide us into knowing and understanding Him, that we may also know and live in His Sure Future and Hope.

Consider His Call to Live in His Sure Future and Hope

Living in His Sure Future and Hope is His Call…

• …to desire integrity.
  • Do not desire his delicacies,
    For it is deceptive food, (23:3).

• …to be generous.
  • Do not weary yourself to gain wealth,
    Cease from your consideration of it, (23:4).

• …to become selfless.
  • Do not eat the bread of a selfish man,
    Or desire his delicacies, (23:6).

• …to walk in discernment.
  • Do not speak in the hearing of a fool,
    For he will despise the wisdom of your words, (23:9).

• …to extend charity.
  • Do not move the ancient boundary
    Or go into the fields of the fatherless, (23:10).

• …to care for and train up our children.
  • Do not hold back discipline from the child,
    Although you strike him with the rod, he will not die, (23:13).

• …to recognize true contentment.
  • Do not let your heart envy sinners,
    But live in the fear of the Lord always, (23:17).

• …to avoid temptation.
  • Do not be with heavy drinkers of wine,
    Or with gluttonous eaters of meat, (23:20).

• …to honor authority.
  • Listen to your father who begot you,
    And do not despise your mother when she is old, (23:22).

• …to pursue and guard truth.
  •  Buy truth, and do not sell it,
    Get wisdom and instruction and understanding, (23:23).

• …to employ self-control.
  • Do not look on the wine when it is red,
    When it sparkles in the cup,
    When it goes down smoothly, (23:31).

How do we respond to His Call to Live in His Sure Future and Hope?

Can’t you just hear His heart? He desires so much more for us than we can even imagine.

“Things which eye has not seen and ear has not heard,
And which have not entered the heart of man,
All that God has prepared for those who love Him,” (1 Corinthians 2:9).

And what He has prepared for us is not just about heaven. It’s about here and now; for His Call to Live in His Future and Hope is His Call to Live the Abundant Life in Christ.

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly,” (John 10:10).

As we answer His Call, all the “things” needed to walk in the assurance of His Sure Future and Hope will be added to our lives.

But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you,” (Matthew 6:33).

• Let us answer His Call by faith and in the fear of the Lord; and as we do, we will be empowered to avoid the snares of death to freely enjoy His blessings for Life, overflowing with His Sure Future and Hope.
  • The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life,
    That one may avoid the snares of death, (Proverbs 14:27).

• Let us answer His Call as we intentionally apply our hearts to His truth, that we would daily Live in His Sure Future and Hope.
  • Apply your heart to discipline
    And your ears to words of knowledge, (23:12).

• Let us answer His Call as we choose His wisdom and righteousness, that we would gladly Live in His Sure Future and Hope.
  • My son, if your heart is wise,
    My own heart also will be glad;
    ¹⁶ And my inmost being will rejoice
    When your lips speak what is right, (23:15-16).

• Let us answer His Call as we intentionally listen and direct our hearts in His way, that we would purposely Live in His Sure Future and Hope.
  • Listen, my son, and be wise,
    And direct your heart in the way, (23:19).

• Let us answer His Call to vigorously guard His Truth, no matter the cost, that we would confidently Live in His Sure Future and Hope.
  •  Buy truth, and do not sell it,
    Get wisdom and instruction and understanding, (23:23).

Oh, that we would give Him our hearts, and with all that we are we would find all our delight in answering His Call to Live in His Sure Future and Hope.

 Give me your heart, my son,
And let your eyes delight in my ways, (23:26).

Let’s Grow Together!