THE END CHAPTERS OF PROVERBS

Today is Sunday!  I love Sundays!  This morning, I finished reading the book of Proverbs.  Proverbs is filled with so many wonderful truths and sayings.  Over the years, I have come to know scores and scores of them by heart.  They have been things I have quoted often and they are so true.  Here are a few drops of truth to share today: 1) BUY, BUY, BUY- When it comes to Truth, it is a Bull Market.  In a Bull Market on Wall Street, you buy, buy and buy some more.  In Proverbs 23:23, it reads:  "Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding."  So we are to buy these four things and never sell them even in a Bear Market.  These are commodities that you buy and hold forever.  Their value only increases!  Buy, and keep buying all of the wisdom you can find in God's Word. 2) DO THE WORK, THEN ENJOY THE REWARDS- There is an important principle of life found in Proverbs 24:27.  It reads:  "Prepare thy work without, and make it fit for thyself in the field; and afterwards build thine house."  The principle is that first you build a work, and then you build a house.  The work must first be accomplished.  You plant a field, and then enjoy the fruit of your labor.  You finish a task and then enjoy the rewards it brings to you.  You build a ministry, a church, a class, and then enjoy the rewards of building something for Christ.  The New Testament says it this way:  "The laborer is worthy of his hire."  Let us concentrate on the work.... and the rewards will come later. 3) TOO FAMILIAR- Proverbs 25:17 says:  "Withdraw thy foot from thy neighbour's house; lest he be weary of thee, and so hate thee."  If we become too familiar, it breeds contempt.  We get that saying from this verse.  The Bible is practical even in telling us how often to visit with good friends or neighbors.  We can look to God's Word for eternal wisdom and practical everyday wisdom for life; and, when we find that truth.... buy it and sell it not! 4) THE PRICE OF A GOOD WOMAN- Proverbs 31:10 says that a virtuous woman's price is far above rubies.  Now rubies (I am told) are rarer than diamonds and worth more because of that.  So rare and priceless is such a woman found in Proverbs 31.  Certainly that should be the goal of every woman, but as you look at her description, you will find that she is rare indeed.  "Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all."  vs. 29   Ladies, let this woman be your pattern; your goal.  And men, let us be sure to praise any attribute that compares to these mentioned in our wives.  Well, hope you have a wonderful day in Church today.  I am so looking forward to being at Church.  I have so much I want to say, teach, and preach.  We have the Lord's Supper this morning as well, and I'm looking forward to that as well.  May God richly bless you my friend.   Pastor Mike Mutchler