A BUFFET OF BLESSINGS

I love buffets.  You come to these long lines of delicious foods of all varieties, and you can zero in on what you like, take ample samples, and stuff yourself.  The book of Proverbs is much like that from a spiritual standpoint—a buffet of blessings.  You certainly get that kind of variety in chapter eighteen.  Today, we will look at a few tasty truths to nourish our souls.  Remember, Jesus said, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” (Matt.4:4). 

1.  GOD IS OUR SAVIOR.  “The name of the LORD is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe.” (v.10). Salvation is not found in our works, but in God’s.  Calling upon His name is our salvation (see Rom.10:9, 10, 13). God’s name represents His nature.  It stands for all He is, so to call on Him is to find a refuge. Not only does He save us initially when we call on Him and He makes us righteous, but as we righteous ones live in this hostile world, He remains our Defender, as we pray to Him, and find Him mighty to save.  As Luther wrote, “A mighty fortress is our God.”

2.  WISDOM IS OUR TEACHER. “The heart of the prudent acquires knowledge, And the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.” (v.15).  The wisdom of God is found in the Word of God, and a prudent person seeks it diligently.  Each day, we should come to the Lord to teach us from His Word.  Read your Bible.  Read great writers who have walked with God. Listen to your pastor and Bible teachers who dispense doctrine. You will be blessed if you feed at the table of truth.

3.   MARRIAGE IS OUR GIFT. “He who finds a wife finds a good thing, And obtains favor from the LORD.”  (v.22). There are a select few to whom God blesses with the gift of singleness. But, most of us will marry.  Make sure you get God’s gift for you, and don’t open someone else’s!  There are those who made an impulse “purchase,” only to unwrap it and find it came from Satan’s store and not God’s gift shop!  There is a great difference between a Ruth and a Jezebel.

4.  FRIENDSHIP IS OUR HELP.    “A man who has friends must himself be friendly, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” (v.24). If you have a good friend, you have someone who will stick with you in the fiercest storms. Where family might not support you, you can count on a faithful friend. How do you get friends like that?  Be such a friend!  We reap what we sow.

I hope you enjoyed this meal prepared for you today!  Breakfast with the Bible—yum!  Thank you Lord for your salvation, Scripture, a sweet spouse, and supportive friends with which I am blessed!