November 27th.—A Temperance Lesson.
To read—Prov. iv. 10-19. Golden Text—Ver. 10.
This book, written by Solomon, contains a selection of his numerous "proverbs" or wise sayings. The early chapters are especially intended for the young, and are in praise of "wisdom," the practical carrying out of knowledge.
I. The Blessing of Wisdom (10-13). Long life often promised as the result of a godly life, e.g. to those who honour parents (fifth commandment); also to those who obey God (Deut. xxx. 20).
Right paths, i.e. right dealing with men, e.g. Abraham paying for burying-place (Gen. xxiii. 13); David in all his life (2 Sam. xxii. 21).
No stumbling. Life like a narrow path. A man burdened by sin walks, as it were, with shackles on legs. A Christian is held up by God's arms (Deut. xxxiii. 27); kept from stumbling to his ruin.
Eternal life. Wisdom (i. 20) personified as Christ, the Divine Word, in Whom is all knowledge (Col. ii. 3). To know Him is everlasting life (St. John xvii. 3).
II. The Folly of Wickedness (14-17). Sin to be avoided. Remind of Eve: of Lot choosing to live in wicked Sodom. The disastrous results: Eve turned out of Paradise—Lot losing home and wife.
Sin grows. Evil takes such hold that some prefer it to good—day and night plan evil, e.g. thieves, drunkards, etc., and take pleasure in leading others wrong.
III. Results. The just. A Christian's course like the light, increasing from early dawn till full light of noon. Perfection, not all at once. Good seed brings forth fruit "with patience," i.e. gradually (St. Luke viii. 15). Christ increased in wisdom as He grew taller and older (St. Luke ii. 52). So we must "grow in grace and knowledge." The more a Christian knows of God, the more clearly does God's light show itself in him.