These proverbs highlight a number of desires that might become all-consuming. The message is to seek wisdom so that your desires do not destroy you. Be passionate about doing the right thing, and let the LORD take care of you.
Please LORD, give us the wisdom to stay away from the desires that war within us.
Gracious speech is a quality that brings wise people good company. No matter who he is, a man with gracious speech will have the king as his friend. But ungracious speech (quarreling) is a curse upon those who have to endure it. Solomon urges his sons to stay away from men or women who cannot control their tongues. It is better to have fewer friends, than to have friends who are always tearing you apart by their words.
LORD, give us peaceful hearts and gracious tongues.
The good news that the LORD is going to rebuild Israel comes in the context of the bad news that it is the LORD who is orchestrating their destruction. The sinners among his people are so sure of their secure position and the support of their political alliances that they boast “disaster shall not overtake or meet us.” But the LORD has a sword with their name on it. The prophets remind us that our Lord’s mercy and grace comes in the context of his own severe justice.
LORD, forgive us for placing confidence in confidence itself. We run to you for cleansing and forgiveness. repair our ruins, and begin with the ruins of our hearts.
The people were fed up with Amos’ words of doom and Amaziah voiced their frustration. He told Amos to go back to Judah and prophesy there. They had had enough of his negative thoughts, and predictions of despair and disaster. Amos turned their request against them. He told them that since they were tired of God’s message – God was going to send them one more disaster in addition to all the others. They would have a revelation famine. They would search for a word from God but not find it.
LORD, give us wisdom to pay attention to your word, especially when it convicts us of wrong.
When a man is young, he glories in his strength. When he gets older, the gray hairs mean the strength is not all there anymore, but hopefully it has been replaced by wisdom. At any time, when you can overlook it when something would ordinarily make you angry, that’s something to be proud of.
LORD, direct our hearts toward your glory.
Amos spoke out against the elite of his people. They considered themselves the best people of the first nation. They spent their time in idol pursuits, and luxurious living. Their pride kept them from even mentioning the name of the LORD. Their land had become a place of rocks, where the horses could not run, and the oxen could not plow – yet they refused to soften their hearts toward the LORD. They would be the first nation to go into exile.
LORD, forgive us for our pride. Draw us to yourself in humility because our lives depend on it.
Revenge is not good. A man with a crooked heart does not discover good. To be partial to the wicked and deprive people of justice is not good.
Look for these good things: a joyful heart, and a spouse to share your life with. These are good things.
LORD, help us seek the good things in life.
The inhabitants of Israel were on their way to destruction, singing and celebrating all their way. The LORD told them through Amos that he hated their feasts and “worship.” It did not matter how religious they were , or how openly spiritual. They kept saying that they were looking forward to the day of the LORD, but God told them that his day would bring darkness, not light.
Forgive us, LORD, for being openly spiritual, yet inwardly selfish. Transform us by your word through the power of your Holy Spirit. You sent your Son to die for our sins. teach us how to die to them.
The fat cows of Bashan stand as a symbol of a people who have chosen to satisfy self above all else. Even their religious practices are a means of demonstrating their selfishness. The only reason they “darken the door” of the temple is to bring offerings so that others can know how rich they are. The LORD sent judgment after judgment upon Israel, and yet they continued to play with life and religion. Now, his only recourse is to force them to meet him in judgment again.
LORD, forgive us for the flippant and selfish way we have treated our churches, and You. Change us into people who truly fear and love you.
We humans will make our plans, and do as we will, some walking in righteousness, others living selfishly and godlessly. But there is another factor involved in the equation: the LORD. He is watching over our lives, and bringing about consequences to our actions. The way of wisdom keeps the reality of the LORD’s sovereign presence in mind. Failure to acknowledge his oversight leads to ruin.
LORD, help us to remember who is watching.
Proverbs 23-24
Proverbs 21-22
Proverbs 19-20
Amos 6
Proverbs 17-18
Amos 5
Amos 4
Proverbs 15-16
