Showing posts with label happy is the man that findeth wisdom. Show all posts
Showing posts with label happy is the man that findeth wisdom. Show all posts

Sunday, August 26, 2018

Happy Is The Man that findeth Wisdom


*Scripture references have been highlighted in red and are hyperlinked to the LDS Scriptures at LDS.org and will open in a new window. Please click to read!  
  Resource quotes have been highlighted in blue and are noted at the end of the blog.

The following are well-known statements from the books of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes can you fill in the blanks for the missing words?

  1. _______goeth before destruction.Proverbs 16:18
  2. Train up a________ in the way he should go.Proverbs 22:6
  3. To every thing there is a_____ and a _____ to every purpose under the heaven.Ecclesiastes 3:1
  4. ______in the Lord with all thine heart.Proverbs 3:5
  5. A______ turneth away wrath.Proverbs 15:1
  6. For as he______ in his heart, so is he.Proverbs 23:7

The books of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes  from the Old Testament have proven to be the great insights into wisdom that has carried us through the ages.  But did you know that we are more connected with the book of proverbs than you may realize.

The formal wisdom texts in the Bible originated in scribal circles and have been preserved by them, but it is also evident that wisdom from the Old Testament and Proverbs as well as Ecclesiastes in particular had roots in the common experiences of families and everyday life. The claims and teachings contained in wisdom literature did not derive from theory, nor were they attributed to revelation. They came primarily from observation: what worked and what did not.  Just like us in our day, adherence to wise counsel produced, happiness, prosperity, and longevity and though this we have gained the great books of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes.

What Is a Proverb?
The Hebrew word masal is usually rendered "proverb" in the KJV, which represents an attempt to render in words a lesson learned through experience. Proverbs are basically short sayings that generally give counsel about living righteously.  The proverbs compiled in the book of Proverbs represent various literary forms such as multiverse, poetic wisdom "poems,"wisdom "sayings,""admonitions/prohibitions," and "numerical" proverbs.

The Old Testament records that Solomon “spake three thousand proverbs” (1 Kings 4:32). Some of these wise sayings are included in the book of Proverbs. Although Solomon and the other authors of this book were not prophets, much of what they wrote was inspired by the Lord. Their writings generally reflect a belief that true wisdom comes from God.

The book of Ecclesiastes also contains wise sayings, and some people believe Solomon to be its author. The message of Ecclesiastes is that life is meaningful only through God.

The Book of Proverbs
The book of Proverbs is found in that portion of the Old Testament known as the Writings and is categorized as Wisdom Literature.  It is a compilation of instructions and sayings that has as its aim the social, moral, and ultimately, spiritual betterment of people. As an anthology, Proverbs is designed for consultation and study in measured doses. (Studies in Scripture Vol 4 Kent P Jackson)

The book of Proverbs contains much that is attributed to King Solomon. It is a treasured collection of Hebrew wisdom literature derived mostly from the experiences of humankind and written by wise and faithful men and women to epitomize rules of good behavior and to commend their virtues. The book contains less material accredited as divine revelation and more attributed to human observation than do the books of the Prophets; but some inspired advice is included, and ways of thought, speech, and action pleasing to the Lord are commended. Much of it no doubt originated with men and women inspired by the Lord, and in that sense they were prophetic.

Solomon was credited with God-given wisdom and understanding exceeding that of "all the children of the east country, and all the wisdom of Egypt"; it is recorded that "he spake three thousand proverbs, and his songs were a thousand and five" about relationships between nature, man, and God (1 Kgs. 4:29-43).

Three sections of the book of Proverbs are labeled as the proverbs of Solomon. Whether these are all of his compositions, or whether all that are attributed to him are really his, are matters of some speculation, but no doubt much that is in this book was written by Solomon. Other authors are identified in the headings.

The book of the Proverbs is divided into five parts. The first part, Proverbs 1 through 9, is called "the Proverbs of Solomon" (Prov. 1:1); it contains didactic poems longer than the two-line couplets that make up the body of Proverbs proper. The poems are largely advice from father to son; they include some dissertations on wisdom.

The second section, Proverbs 10 through 24, is also—and perhaps more aptly—entitled "the Proverbs of Solomon" (Prov. 10:1); it contains formal, pithy, poetic couplets. There is no evident organization of most of the subjects of the verses and chapters of this section; but there is a collection of short aphorisms, one or more verses in length, that is introduced by an explanatory admonition and covers a variety of moral and social matters (Prov. 22:17-24:34).

The last three sections together are shorter than either of the first two. Proverbs 25 through 29, the third section, is introduced as "also proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out" (Prov. 25:1); it contains proverbs, maxims, and other aphorisms. The fourth section, Proverbs 30, is called "the words of Agur the son of Jakeh, even the prophecy" (v. 1); it too contains a variety of moral and religious observations and admonitions. The fifth section, Proverbs 31, is called "the words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him" (Prov. 31:1); it is a renowned poetic summary of the virtues of a good woman and wife.

The Hebrew title of the whole book, Mishlei, is a plural form of mashal, whose root means "to represent, be like, be similar." Many proverbs do indeed treat similarities using parallel clauses with a synonymous, antithetic, or synthetic relationship.  (Latter-day Saint Commentary On the Old Testament Ellis Rasmussen)



Solomon wrote 3,000 proverbs and 1,005 songs. (1 Kgs. 4:32.) They covered a wide range of subjects, far beyond those which are printed in our Bible.
The scripture says that he spake of trees, "from the cedar tree that is in Lebanon even unto the hyssop that springeth out of the wall: he spake also of beasts, and of fowl, and of creeping things, and of fishes." (1 Kgs. 4:33.)

Those proverbs and songs that we have in our scriptures are highly inspirational. They cover a wide field, from the premortal existence to what the Lord hates, to instructions on rearing children, and finally to the "conclusion of the whole matter." (Three Kings of Israel Mark E Peterson)

The Book of Ecclesiastes
The book of Ecclesiastes is a report of a man's lifelong search for something enduring in this world "under the sun.

The first two chapters introduce "the Preacher" and his problem; they report his observations on what he found transient and what of enduring worth. Then he declared that though there is a time for everything, many things are done out of time and place, and much injustice exists. The report continues in the same vein, after a few proverb-like admonitions, reporting some common frustrations and inequities of life. A short section discusses wisdom and a certain grace engendered thereby. The last chapters present the author's parting advice to the young, with his surprise summation of "the whole duty of man" and his solid conclusion about the ultimate justice of God.
There are many analyses and interpretations of Ecclesiastes, but one might as well study it out for oneself, checking the cross-references to related scriptures, and seeking the Spirit to perceive the truth and applicability of its teachings (BD, "Ecclesiastes").  (Latter-day Saint Commentary On the Old Testament Ellis Rasmussen ) 

The origin of Wisdom literature is usually explained as follows: At an early period of time, short, pithy sayings became popular when they expressed something which seemed to be true to life. Among the Hebrews, who had strong religious instincts, these sayings frequently took on a decidedly religious turn. At a later time when used in literature they became more complex and acquired an extended sense. Thus, the utterances of Balaam (Num. 23:7, 18, etc. are a supposed example. It is assumed that collections of popular sayings were eventually made by different individuals who added to them proverbs of their own. Finally, these collections were written down, and in this way their literary form began. Once the literary form had been attained, there gradually evolved a guild or group of Wisdom writers, Chakamin, "Wise men," or "Sages", who developed the Wisdom literature. It is supposed that the "Sages" came originally from the ranks of the learned scribes who often held important positions of state. The attention of the reader is called to 2 Sam. 8:17, where mention is made of Seraiah the Sopher or scribe, an officer of David's; reference may also be made to 1 Kgs. 4:3; 2 Kgs. 19:2; 22:3; Jer. 36:20, 21. These Scribes may have been trained in a town like Kiriathsepher which means "the book city", or, as the Septuagint reads it, "the Scribe city". (Spirit of the Old Testament Sidney B Sperry)

The following 8 sections show us the highlights of these books and help us to understand important principles in becoming more like Jesus Christ.
  
Part 1: Wisdom
The books of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes emphasize the importance of wisdom. 

What differences are there between being learned and being wise?   Proverbs 1:7; 9:9–10; 2 Nephi 9:28–29

 7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

9 Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.

10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.
 
28 O that cunning plan of the evil one! O the vainness, and the frailties, and the foolishness of men! When they are learned they think they are wise, and they hearken not unto the counsel of God, for they set it aside, supposing they know of themselves, wherefore, their wisdom is foolishness and it profiteth them not. And they shall perish.

29 But to be learned is good if they hearken unto the counsels of God.

In biblical language, to fear the Lord means to reverence and obey him. wisdom is more than knowledge; it is the proper application of knowledge. To the Israelites, wisdom meant obedience to God’s laws.

What can we learn from Proverbs 2:2–6 about how to obtain the knowledge of God? 
2 So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding;

3 Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding;

4 If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures;

5 Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God.

6 For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.
 
Why do you think it requires diligence to obtain this knowledge?  Wisdom is like any other thing in our lives. We appreciate it more and are more likely to utilize it if there has been effort and diligence applied in obtaining it. It is easy to read from the scriptures and say to ourselves that the principles contained therein make sense. But until we read, ponder, pray, and apply these principles, we cannot begin to understand what the Lord is teaching us.

How does the value of wisdom compare to the value of earthly treasures?Proverbs 3:13–18; Ecclesiastes 7:12  (the words she and her in Proverbs 3:15–18 refer to wisdom.)
13 Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.

14 For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold.

15 She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.

16 Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour.

17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.

18 She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her.

12 For wisdom is a defence, and money is a defence: but the excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom giveth life to them that have it.

How does wisdom bring happiness and peace?  True wisdom will safeguard one from "the way of the evil man" and the "strange" woman (Prov. 2:12, 16a); it will lead one in the way to good, whereas the wicked will suffer destruction.

Proverbs 3:18 says that wisdom “is a tree of life” to those who have it. What can this symbol teach us about the value of wisdom?  1 Nephi 11:8–11, 21–25 

The tree of life is a symbol of God’s love.

8 And it came to pass that the Spirit said unto me: Look! And I looked and beheld a tree; and it was like unto the tree which my father had seen; and the beauty thereof was far beyond, yea, exceeding of all beauty; and the whiteness thereof did exceed the whiteness of the driven snow.

9 And it came to pass after I had seen the tree, I said unto the Spirit: I behold thou hast shown unto me the tree which is precious above all.

10 And he said unto me: What desirest thou?

11 And I said unto him: To know the interpretation thereof—for I spake unto him as a man speaketh; for I beheld that he was in the form of a man; yet nevertheless, I knew that it was the Spirit of the Lord; and he spake unto me as a man speaketh with another.

21 And the angel said unto me: Behold the Lamb of God, yea, even the Son of the Eternal Father! Knowest thou the meaning of the tree which thy father saw?

22 And I answered him, saying: Yea, it is the love of God, which sheddeth itself abroad in the hearts of the children of men; wherefore, it is the most desirable above all things.

23 And he spake unto me, saying: Yea, and the most joyous to the soul.

24 And after he had said these words, he said unto me: Look! And I looked, and I beheld the Son of God going forth among the children of men; and I saw many fall down at his feet and worship him.

25 And it came to pass that I beheld that the rod of iron, which my father had seen, was the word of God, which led to the fountain of living waters, or to the tree of life; which waters are a representation of the love of God; and I also beheld that the tree of life was a representation of the love of God.

What qualities of wise people are listed in Proverbs 9:9–10 and Proverbs 15:31–33
 9 Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.

10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.

31 The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise.

32 He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding.

33 The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.
 
Why are these qualities necessary to gain wisdom?  


Part 2: Trust in the Lord Proverbs 3:5–7

What counsel is given in Proverbs 3:5–7


5 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil.

How does the Lord direct our paths?  


What experiences have taught you to trust the Lord? 

 

What does it mean to acknowledge God?  Proverbs 3:6; Alma 34:38; D&C 59:21

 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

 38 That ye contend no more against the Holy Ghost, but that ye receive it, and take upon you the name of Christ; that ye humble yourselves even to the dust, and worship God, in whatsoever place ye may be in, in spirit and in truth; and that ye live in thanksgiving daily, for the many mercies and blessings which he doth bestow upon you.

21 And in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things, and obey not his commandments.

 

How are we blessed as we acknowledge him?

  

Part 3: The words we speak

Proverbs 6:16–19 lists seven things the Lord hates. Three of these things—lying, bearing false witness, and sowing discord—apply to the words we speak. 

16 These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:

17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,

18 An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,

19 A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.

Why is the Lord so concerned with the words we speak? Proverbs 16:27–28; 18:8; 25:18; Matthew 12:36–37 

We know the power that other's words have upon ourselves. We need to acknowledge this wisdom and use our language for building up and strengthening others.

 27 An ungodly man diggeth up evil: and in his lips there is as a burning fire.

 28 A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.

8 The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.

18 A man that beareth false witness against his neighbour is a maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow.

36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.

37 For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.


How can we overcome the problems of lying, gossiping, or speaking negatively about others?


Proverbs 16:24 says that “pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul.” How is this true? 
24 Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.


What are the results of speaking kindly? Proverbs 12:25; 15:1; 16:24.
25 Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.

1 A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.

 24 Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.


How have the kind words of others helped you? 


What benefits come from speaking softly when a disagreement arises?  Proverbs 15:1.

Elder Gordon B. Hinckley said: “We seldom get into trouble when we speak softly. It is only when we raise our voices that the sparks fly and tiny molehills become great mountains of contention” (Conference Report, Apr. 1971, 82; or Ensign, June 1971, 72)


Part 4: Pride Proverbs 8:13; 13:10; 16:18–19

Proverbs 8:13 states that the Lord hates pride. 

13 The fear of the Lord is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.

 

Why is pride such a serious sin? 

President Ezra Taft Benson said: “The central feature of pride is enmity—enmity toward God and enmity toward our fellowmen. Enmity means ‘hatred toward, hostility to, or a state of opposition.’ It is the power by which Satan wishes to reign over us. 

“Pride is essentially competitive in nature. We pit our will against God’s. When we direct our pride toward God, it is in the spirit of ‘my will and not thine be done.’ As Paul said, they ‘seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s’ (Philippians 2:21).  

“Our will in competition to God’s will allows desires, appetites, and passions to go unbridled (see Alma 38:12; 3 Nephi 12:30). “The proud cannot accept the authority of God giving direction to their lives (see Helaman 12:6). They pit their perceptions of truth against God’s great knowledge, their abilities versus God’s priesthood power, their accomplishments against His mighty works. 

“Our enmity toward God takes on many labels, such as rebellion, hard-heartedness, stiff-neckedness, unrepentant, puffed up, easily offended, and sign seekers. The proud wish God would agree with them. They aren’t interested in changing their opinions to agree with God’s. … 

“Pride is a damning sin in the true sense of that word. It limits or stops progression (see Alma 12:10–11). The proud are not easily taught (see 1 Nephi 15:3, 7–11). They won’t change their minds to accept truths, because to do so implies they have been wrong” (Conference Report, Apr. 1989, 3–5; or Ensign, May 1989, 4, 6). 

 

Proverbs 13:10 and 16:18 teach that pride leads to contention and destruction.  

Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.

 

How can pride do this? 

How does pride affect our families?

President Ezra Taft Benson said: “Another face of pride is contention. Arguments, fights, unrighteous dominion, generation gaps, divorces, spouse abuse, riots, and disturbances all fall into this category of pride. 

“Contention in our families drives the Spirit of the Lord away. It also drives many of our family members away. …

“Pride adversely affects all our relationships—our relationship with God and His servants, between husband and wife, parent and child” (Conference Report, Apr. 1989, 5; or Ensign, May 1989, 6).

 


How can we overcome pride? Proverbs 16:19.
 19 Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.


What can we do to be more humble in our relationships with our family members and with God? 


Part 5: Friendship

Why are we warned about unrighteous friends?  Proverbs 13:20; 22:24–25

 20 He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.

 24 Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go: 

25 Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul.

What are some characteristics of good friends? Proverbs 17:17; 27:9 
 17 A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

 9 Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man’s friend by hearty counsel.
 

How have good friends helped you through difficult times? 

What can we do to gain true friends? Proverbs 18:24  To have good friends we need to be good friends.

24 A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.

 How do true friends react when we make unwise choices? Ecclesiastes 4:9–10.

9 Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.

10 For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.
 
Elder Marvin J. Ashton said:  “Someone has said, ‘A friend is a person who is willing to take me the way I am.’ Accepting this as one definition of the word, may I quickly suggest that we are something less than a real friend if we leave a person the same way we find him. …

“No greater reward can come to any of us as we serve than a sincere ‘Thank you for being my friend.’ When those who need assistance find their way back through and with us, it is friendship in action. When the weak are made strong and the strong stronger through our lives, friendship is real. If a man can be judged by his friends, he can also be measured by their heights. …

“Yes, a friend is a person who is willing to take me the way I am but who is willing and able to leave me better than he found me” (Conference Report, Oct. 1972, 32, 35; or Ensign, Jan. 1973, 41, 43)

How can we strengthen friendships among family members?


Jesus Christ has often called his followers his friends D&C 88:62; 93:45
62 And again, verily I say unto you, my friends, I leave these sayings with you to ponder in your hearts, with this commandment which I give unto you, that ye shall call upon me while I am near—

45 Verily, I say unto my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., or in other words, I will call you friends, for you are my friends, and ye shall have an inheritance with me—

How has he shown that he is our friend? John 15:13 
13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

How do we show that we are his friends?  John 15:14
14 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.

How have you felt his friendship?


Part 6: Raising children

Proverbs 22:6 says to “train up a child in the way he should go.”   Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

What should parents do to follow this counsel?  D&C 68:25–28 

 25 And again, inasmuch as parents have children in Zion, or in any of her stakes which are organized, that teach them not to understand the doctrine of repentance, faith in Christ the Son of the living God, and of baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of the hands, when eight years old, the sin be upon the heads of the parents. 

26 For this shall be a law unto the inhabitants of Zion, or in any of her stakes which are organized.

27 And their children shall be baptized for the remission of their sins when eight years old, and receive the laying on of the hands. 

28 And they shall also teach their children to pray, and to walk uprightly before the Lord. 

How can we more effectively teach children the principles of the gospel and nurture their testimonies?

Elder Richard G. Scott said: “You must be willing to forgo personal pleasure and self-interest for family-centered activity, and not turn over to church, school, or society the principal role of fostering a child’s well-rounded development. It takes time, great effort, and significant personal sacrifice to ‘train up a child in the way he should go.’ But where can you find greater rewards for a job well done?” (Conference Report, Apr. 1993, 43; or Ensign, May 1993, 34)

Why do children need rules, boundaries, and loving correction?  Proverbs 19:18; 29:17
18 Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying.

 17 Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul.


 How should children respond to the righteous counsel of their parents?Proverbs 6:20–23 

20 My son, keep thy father’s commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother:

21 Bind them continually upon thine heart, and tie them about thy neck.

22 When thou goest, it shall lead thee; when thou sleepest, it shall keep thee; and when thou awakest, it shall talk with thee.

23 For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life:

 How should parents give correction?  D&C 121:41–44 

41 No power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood, only by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned;

42 By kindness, and pure knowledge, which shall greatly enlarge the soul without hypocrisy, and without guile—

43 Reproving betimes with sharpness, when moved upon by the Holy Ghost; and then showing forth afterwards an increase of love toward him whom thou hast reproved, lest he esteem thee to be his enemy;

44 That he may know that thy faithfulness is stronger than the cords of death.
  
The point is that the simplest fare in a humble home where love and peace abide is more wholesome than a sumptuous meal of meat in a home full of strife. The last phrase, translated literally from the Hebrew, may be rendered "than a house full of sacrifices of strife." To understand the phrase, one must know that flesh was not common fare. It was used for sacrifices on holy days and for food on festive occasions. When used in the home, it was like a kind of sacrifice, and if the spirit of the home was one of conflict and contention, discord and dissention, the sumptuous meal would be, ironically, "sacrifices with strife."
Other proverbs in this chapter also pertain to home management and a good atmosphere; see in particular Proverbs 17:2, 6, 9, 17, 19 through 22, and 25. But of course those may be applied otherwise also, and many others are good for both home and community.  (Latter-day Saint Commentary On the Old Testament Ellis Rasmussen)

Part 7: Happiness and good humor Proverbs 15:13 Proverbs 17:22

Why is it important to develop a happy attitude and a good sense of humor? Proverbs 15:13; 17:22

 13 A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.

22 A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.

 

President Hugh B. Brown said: “I would like to have you smile because after all we must keep a sense of humor whatever comes. I think of all the people in the world we should be the happiest. We have the greatest and most joyous message in the world. I think when we get on the other side, someone will meet us with a smile (unless we go to the wrong place and then someone will grin), so let us be happy. But let our happiness be genuine—let it come from within” (The Abundant Life [1965], 83)

 

What can we do to encourage uplifting humor in our families? Remember the times when humor has helped your families solve problems and grow in love for each other.

 

Part 8: Personal Connections 

The following verses apply to our body, mind and spirit.  How do they apply in our lives?

Proverbs 2:2 (ear and heart) 

 2 So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding;

Proverbs 3:5 (heart) 

 5 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

Proverbs 3:7 (eyes) 

 7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil.

Proverbs 3:27 (hand) 

 27 Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it.

Proverbs 4:26–27 (foot) 

 26 Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established.


27 Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.

Proverbs 8:7 (mouth) 

 7 For my mouth shall speak truth; and wickedness is an abomination to my lips.

Proverbs 10:4 (hand) 

4 He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.

Proverbs 12:15 (eyes)

 15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.

 

Conclusion

Remembering and following the counsel in Proverbs and Ecclesiastes will deepen our desire to be wise and do good,  as we seek these desires that are in harmony with the gospel we become more Christlike, which is our ultimate goal.  The depth of wisdom found in these chapters of the Old Testament, is remarkable, we would do well not to pass them up but to pay them attention with study and heed, with a desire and diligence for knowledge.  This can only bring us safety and peace and an inheritance of eternal life.

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Resources 
Studies in Scripture Vol 4 Kent P Jackson 
Latter-day Saint Commentary On the Old Testament Ellis Rasmussen 
Spirit of the Old Testament Sidney B Sperry
Three Kings of Israel Mark E Peterson 
The Abundant Life [1965], 83
Ensign
Conference Reports