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Post by Josh on Feb 2, 2013 9:46:38 GMT -8
Tomorrow's theme is wisdom in the proverbs.
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Post by Josh on Feb 11, 2013 19:49:04 GMT -8
I think it's crucial to an understanding of Old Testament wisdom literature like the Proverbs to understand that they are concerned with general truths. Thus they represent wisdom from God that it usually applicable, or applicable in most situations. They are often not meant to be absolute moral statements. This is why, as we discussed during Robin's teaching, it's important for the Christian to read them in light of the New Covenant in which we now have more direct access to the mind of Christ and the voice of the Holy Spirit within us. For if we live generally by the examples of wisdom in the OT, and especially heed them when there is an absence of definitive direction from the Holy Spirit in a different direction, we will do well. That's because wisdom sayings are often less about obvious moral standards but about being prudent and moderate. Prudence and moderation (as commonly conceived) are usually good things- they can help keep us further from temptation or making mistakes. However, there are going to be times when we are called by the Holy Spirit into situations that seem to stretch the bounds of prudence.
Take for example, as we discussed Sunday, the wise admonition in Proverbs 5:8 not to even go near the door of the house of the adulterous woman. Great advice for 99.9% of the time; God's general wisdom. Still, what if the Holy Spirit were to call you to minister to prostitutes, meeting them where they are? It would still require prudence, but might not literally follow the general wisdom of Proverbs 5:8; God's specific leading.
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Post by Josh on Feb 20, 2013 11:25:30 GMT -8
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