Proverbs 3:32 “for the devious person is an abomination to the Lord, but the upright are in his confidence”
As a young Christian, I think I had moments when I doubted that I was saved. I had a great need for reassurance from God and I would spend a lot of time on my own, studying the bible, reading commentaries, and praying. I so wanted to hear God’s voice, but among all the thoughts that ran through my head each day, how could I make sense of what was me, what was God, and what was maybe from the enemy of my soul.
I was [and am] willing to do anything God would want of me, and I think there was a bit of me that was like Peter in the bible when he picked up a sword and tried to split’s the High Priest’s servant’s head in two. I was looking for the one big act of sacrifice that would position me for the future, that would establish my credentials, and allow me to play some small part in my own salvation.
I remember a turning point late one Sunday night, after a day at church, I was sitting reading the bible and praying on my own. It felt like an internal whisper that I just overheard, “come away with me, my beautiful one…….”. [S.o.S. 2:10]I cried for five to ten minutes afterwards, knowing that I was hearing God’s voice. The words from Jeremiah came to me, [29:13], “you will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart”.
I think in those moments I was unguarded and was seeking God just for who he was, not to do something for me, or to make me feel better, or even so my questions would be answered. When I heard his voice it was as if I could so easily of missed it, but also I could never miss it (I hope that makes sense), it was the lightest of moments, the faintest wisp, yes yet there was such clarity and resonance it was unmistakable.
His voice came with his word, his voice came with his instructions, and his voice asked a question of me that went to the deepest parts of my mind and soul. Would I spend my life “coming away” in pursuit of relationship, intimacy and friendship with God? Over thirty years later I am still listening to that voice and answering that first question………..
KNOWLEDGE
So we remember this is Old Testament thinking and we consider this through the eyes of the work that Jesus completed on the cross. There is simplicity and clarity in this stated position by the writer of proverbs. It’s black and white, there are goodies and baddies, a hero and a villain, the pure and the impure.
Nothing has changed in that God hates sin and the damage it is causing to his whole creation. God can take no part in sin or anything connected to sin, it truly is an abomination to Him. Sin is what is responsible for the essential sacrifice of his only Son Jesus. We as humans are not able on our own strength, understanding, or capabilities to remove ourselves from sin – it lives in us as part of our nature – therefore we need a new nature. God brings us close to himself – he comes and lives in us when we accept that Jesus died for our sins, and he establishes a new nature as we are “born again”.
We are invited into his close circle of friends now by him, through him, and for him. Now we start to hate what God hates and love what God loves. We hate sin. We love wisdom.
UNDERSTANDING
Let’s pick one word from this verse to look closer at and see if that can help us gain a deeper insight into how God would love us to live?
“Confidence” in the Hebrew language is pronounced as “sod” and is seen 21 times in the Old Testament. In the English [ESV] it appears as, council; intimate [friends]; friendship; plots; plans; company; secrets; and, gatherings. Here in verse thirty-two, we pick up on the idea that God would include us in his thoughts and conversations.
WISDOM: how do you view sin and wisdom now?
STRENGTHS THOUGHT: Self-assurance, you back yourself to make good decisions, and like to surround yourself with others who do the same. Don’t allow your confidence to become unkind to others.
Allan’s Unauthorised Version – [the crooked and perverse person is a loathsome and detestable thing to our covenant-keeping God, but the ethically straight person is drawn into his intimate circle of friends.]
PRAYER: Father, thank you for today. Help me to consider my actions, my communication and my interpersonal skills today, and to allow you to lead me in these areas, especially when I feel under pressure. Thank you!
Feedback is gold to me, so please do take a few moments and scroll down and leave a comment…………thank you!
Thank you Pastor Allan. I love your unauthorized version- ethically straight person is drawn …. intimate circle.
I think there is nothing more satisfying than to be in God’s intimate circle of friends.
I love this – Now we start to hate what God hates and love what God loves. We hate sin. We love wisdom.
It so important to surround ourselves with with people who are wise and who are Jesus follows.
Thank you Ps Allan such a great reminder.
Would I spend my life in “coming away” in pursuit of relationship, intimacy and friendship with God.
Love this!
The idea that God would include me in his Thoughts and conversations is staggering! Why would he do that, why would he even want to do that!! What CC an awesome thought to start the day. Thanks Allan
I’m glad I took the time to come away with Jesus and listen to this wisdom and God’s heart. Thank you for sharing this. As a parent and school teacher I need to help guide the little ones to hate sin and love wisdom in grace. Amen
Just beautiful. Thank you. To be an intimate friend of God. That’s a beautiful thought and my hearts desire.
Thank you Pastor Allan.:)
Thanks Allan I appreciate your version of the scripture and prayer . Amen
It’s often when we are under pressure that we slip up and say or do what we otherwise would keep to ourselves . Help me Lord to keep the upright straight path with you at all times
Thanks Pastor Allan!
A further reminder to constantly be in fellowship with my Father God & what a privilege to ‘come away’ with Him & hear His voice where He takes me into His confidence. No wonder He utterly detests sin because He in His great love for me had to sacrifice His precious Son Jesus to pay the price for my sin. He is such a holy God & cannot tolerate sin even though He loves the sinner.
Thank you Ps Allan.
We all need a new nature, we are not able on our own strength, understanding , or capabilities to remove ourselves from sin.
We know that God hates sin, He can take no part in sin or anything connected to sin . Sin is what is responsible for the essential sacrifice for His only son JESUS Christ🙏
Love ready your insights and the wisdom it brings, plus the challenge.
“Come away with me, my beautiful one”.How comforting is that when you know it’s God speaking to you!
When I was going through a tough situation in my family; one night as I am sleeping early hours in the night I hear this words in my ears “Mary, I will fulfill that which concerns you “. I kept hearing this several times. Each time I hear I turn to side with smile inside of me. As I normally wake up at 5 am, I sat up with this words and excitement. I searched the concordance and found this was indeed God speaking to me. (Ps 138:8) During this season I was passing through the valley of shadow of death. But God’s Word produces the assurance, confidence and comfort that I needed!
Thank you for your version and prayers!
His Name and His Word is as ointment poured forth!
Praise be to God!
We learn that God hates sin and He loves wisdom. I pray for wisdom as I navigate through the many challenges of life.
I pray for wisdom to stay upright and be worthy to be counted among His circle of friends.
Man has a sinful nature.
Before we are born again we lead a sinful life.but when we are transformed by the Holy spirit,we are lead to a new life in Him.
Then we begin to love what God loves and hate what he hates.
Godly wisdom saves us,helps us to live life in a manner pleasing to God. Keeps us away from disaster striking us.
I’m very thankful for Godly wisdom,that today has directed my life towards Him.
The continued “come away with me”, I love this intimacy.