Proverbs 10

Hello cyber world!  It has been a busy 2 months but I am back and ready to share one of my quiet time findings with you.

     I was reading Proverbs 10 tonight and added some new markings to the margins of my Bible.  There were a few big points that really stood out to me this time through but one in particular is how our lips can impact our lives.  I think we have all heard the saying, "Think before you speak."  This particular chapter of Proverbs really speaks to the control of our lips.  Proverbs 10:8 says, 

"The wise in heart will receive commands, but a prating fool will fall."  

I don't know about you but my vocabulary, until tonight, did not include the word "prating".  So, I grabbed my phone, opened up the Merriam Webster dictionary and looked it up.  The definition of 'prate' read, "to talk long and idly".  Have you ever met someone who is long winded about something of no value?  Who babbles on? Have you ever been this person?  Even as I write, I think of how easily we can slip into the trap of gossip.  Does that not fit into the definition of prate?  For what is gossip but idle talk that is usually long winded? Looking at the end of that verse we see that the "prating fool will fall".  My Bible gives two other translations of 'fall'.  The first, "be thrust down" and the second "ruined".  I don't think that long winded idle talk is worth the consequence this verse lays out.

     The next thing that drew my attention was that the second half of Proverbs 10:8 is not the only place in this chapter that says, "but a prating fool will fall".  It is repeated 2 verses later in verse 10!  I'd say it's pretty important if Solomon couldn't even wait another chapter or two to reinforce the idea.  This chapter of Proverbs states numerous times that a fool does not know the difference between the proper time to speak and the proper time to be silent.  One who practices the discipline of controlling their lips is wise.  (Proverbs 10:19)  Lord, teach us how to be the wise in heart!

     Heavenly Father,  

          I thank You for Your life giving Word!  I am overjoyed that You have given it to us as a means by which to know You better.  It is my prayer that You would open our eyes to our own prating and help us to remove that from our lives.  Give us grace that we might be the righteous; who's lips know what is acceptable.  Shape us into the wise in heart that we might receive commands and grow because of them.  I thank You for opening my eyes that I might benefit greatly from Your Word.  I thank You and praise You in Christ's Holy name, Amen!

To His Glory Alone,

JMarie

Let me start by saying that it has been a VERY long time since I have written.  It kind of makes me sad.  I will try to be writing more. :)

....ok, now on to the post :) ....

I am in such a singing mood tonight!  I have been on youtube listening to a man by the name of Jeremy Best.  He has a bunch of videos in which he sings hymns (and plays guitar).  In listening tonight I am just captivated by the lyrics to these hymns.  They're not unfamiliar hymns, in fact I've been singing along.  But the Holy Spirit is at work tonight pointing out the amazing truths in the words I am singing.   From the beauty that, "this  (the blood of Jesus) is all my hope and peace" to the "marvelous grace of our loving Lord" I can do nothing but praise Him and "stand amazed in the presence of Jesus Nazarene"!  I am left with a heart full of joy and thanksgiving!
     The sad part is I feel like my generation is afraid of hymns.  That a lot of churches today are moving away from them in part because "the younger generation" doesn't listen to this music on a daily basis...if at all.  In my opinion, it's a HUGE mistake.  Don't get me wrong, there is a lot of contemporary Christian music that is full of the truth and glories of God, but why do we run from hymns? Is it the doctrinal truth? Is it because they "just aren't as moving"?
     I would have to venture a guess that if the truth in a hymn can't move us to worship the one true God, our "worship" may be based more in the tune of the music rather than the words which are written within.  And in this case...are we really worshiping our Lord or the music and the composer of the music?  Are we more caught up in the music than the JOY that is our salvation?  A hymn's truths are just as capable of causing our arms to stretch out over our heads in praise and tears to come to our eyes.  If we take the time to slow down and listen to the words...beautiful things are revealed!  Maybe that's part of our problem; we live in a culture where we never slow down.  Where slowing down and taking the time to appreciate something is frowned upon.
     Again, I'm not trying to put down the Christian music of today.  (I listen to that as well and a lot of it does share the amazing truths of God.)  I am simply trying to bring to light the beautiful hymns that our churches and this generation seem to be turning its back on.
     If you get the chance I would encourage you to take a listen to some of Jeremy's videos. The URL is at bottom of this post. The hymns are some of my favorites and they share God's character in a very real and simple way . They lead me to praise the Lord with such a happy heart! <3

To His Glory Alone,
JMarie

http://www.youtube.com/user/1513Fulton