https://open.spotify.com/episode/0VL5BPDZZbYsoKZP5XQaor?si=U1ys04scSXGmfHUgbg_LQg

G'day friends, it's Pastor Joe here. In this part of our study on Prevailing Proverbs, we delved into divine wisdom from Proverbs chapter 2. God's wisdom offers heaven's solutions to earth's problems—a godly response to human matters.

We read from the Amplified Bible, verses 11-19, where discretion watches over us and understanding keeps us safe. This protects us from evil people: those who speak perversely, lie, forsake upright paths for darkness, rejoice in evil, and are devious. It also warns against the "alien woman" who flatters, abandons her covenant, leading to death and no return to life's paths.

These wrong people embody evil thinking, speech, actions, and lifestyles that, unchecked, evolve into tragedies. I've seen this in 40 years of ministry—problems spiralling from ungodly decisions, leading to personal and multi-generational failure. Yet, we can circumvent this through God's wisdom, highlighting differences and guiding us back.

The alternative? Verse 20: Walk in the way of good people, keeping to righteous paths. Build life, community, and nations with them. Church attendance is crucial—mingle with like-minded believers, sharing journeys. If between churches, attend eight consecutive services to discern fit. Provision in God is geographical, like Elijah at Cherith and Zarephath.

From Acts 2:40-42, Peter urged saving from a perverse generation; 3,000 were baptised, devoting to teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayers. Hebrews 10:25 warns against neglecting assembly, urging encouragement as the day approaches.

Maintain upward-striving relationships; assist those needing it. Life's tough—seek godly connections and avoid unchanging wrong people (unless unavoidable, like marriage—then pray and build inwardly).

Verse 22: The wicked are cut off; treacherous rooted out. Darkness won't produce light. Praise God for His blueprint via wisdom for a successful life, protecting from evil.

Moving to Proverbs 3:13-20, happy is he who finds wisdom and understanding from God's word and experiences. Mix it up in life—I've faced unemployment, lost a house, but persisted like job-hunting with 25 resumes daily. Never give up, inspired by Elon Musk's rocket trials.

Wisdom is more precious than silver or gold—her ways pleasant, paths peace. She trees life, brings favour. God founded earth by wisdom, established heavens by understanding.

Pray: Show me blind spots, wrongs to fix. Homework: Check gold/silver prices—wisdom's gain exceeds them.

We'll continue next week. God bless—sign up at livingsuccess.org for podcasts.