Prov 8:15 [ESV] By me kings reign, and rulers decree what is just;
When my children were younger we would often have a lot of fun at home. Sometimes there would also be times that were not quite so much fun. There would be arguments and teasing, and provoking around space and possessions. It would sit in the background at a level as long as it was not becoming loud or disruptive.
When it started to get my attention it was usually quite challenging to work out the rights and wrongs as all parties presented their case forcefully and usually simultaneously.
So I would decide what outcome I wanted from this situation – usually a mess tidied up, and quiet and peace restored.
Once I communicated that that, I would usually find myself ignored. So…I would say loudly – “I’m counting to three…..ONE…..TWO…..” I never got to THREE, and I had no idea what I would have done if I did. But apparently no one else wanted to discover that either. So the decree landed on TWO.
KNOWLEDGE – I love that the word for “decree” in the Old Testament transitions to “Scripture” in the New Testament. It speaks to the authority of heaven, of God, Holy Spirit and Jesus. The same Holy inspiration that flowed through Solomon as he records the proverbs thousands of years ago, that same authority is flowing to and through us today with the power of God’s word in the. Scriptures. They are indeed “decrees”.
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?
The word used for “decree” is pronounced as “haqaq” in Hebrew, and carries the meaning of to mark out; to chisel; to inscribe; to engrave; to command; to be a leader; and to be decreed.
In the LXX the word used is γράφουσι [graphousi] and is translated as “write”. There are 51 occurrences in the New Testament – always translated as “Scripture”.
WISDOM
What are my standards that I aim to live by each day?
STRENGTHS THOUGHT: Significance as a Gallup Strength wants to be involved in a mission or vision that’s makes a real difference, and loves to draw it’s co-workers into the spotlight. If you find yourself bragging or searching for the limelight – you have lost your way.
Allan’s Unauthorised Version – by me royal human rulers are coronated as kings, and princes inscribe, engrave and command righteousness and living according to God’s standards.
By me kings – by me royal human rulers
reign – are coronated as kings,
and rulers – and princes
decree – inscribe, engrave and command
what is just – righteousness and living according to God’s standard.
PRAYER: Father, thank you for today. Help me to pray with fervour for those whom you have installed into leadership and governance.
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