Kevin Miller - Better Than Gold

Better than Gold

HOW MUCH BETTER TO GET
WISDOM THAN GOLD!

PROVERBS 1 6:16

WRITTEN BY KEVIN MILLER

WITH JENN MILLER

Copyright 2018 Kevin Miller; Jenn Miller.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

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The Holy Bible, English Standard Version (ESV)

Copyright 2001 by Crossway,

a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

All rights reserved.

ESV Text Edition: 2016

ISBN: 978-1-9736-3780-6 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-9736-3779-0 (e)

WestBow Press rev. date: 09/12/2018

Contents

Have you ever held a brick of gold? You know, like the gold bricks in the bank heist movies. Ive never held one, but Ive always wanted to. The weight of the brick, the shimmer of its finish, its inherent valueits all so intriguing. Criminals in movies and in real life go to great lengths to acquire the gold, knowing it will change their lives.

What if we viewed Gods Word in a similar light? Its weightiness, its value, and its ability to change our lives are intriguing. Spiritually speaking, when you hold Gods Word, its as if you are holding a gold mine of wisdom, knowledge, and direction.

Actually, gold doesnt even compare to the eternal value of Gods Word. Gods Word is better than gold!

Wisdom is something everyone is after in some way. Whenever we try to learn more, lead better, streamline something, or excel in an area or craft, we are seeking wisdom. Proverbs 16:16 says it is better to get wisdom than gold! Thats quite the statement. A brick of gold could go a long way, but Gods Word will go much further.

Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon are often referred to as wisdom literature. These books are written in poetic language, containing a gold mine of wisdom and guidance for the Christian life. As you work at developing a habit of daily time in Gods Word, I suggest reading a Proverb each day. Since there are thirty-one chapters in Proverbs and seven of the twelve months have thirty-one days, its easy to remember which Proverb to read each day. I hope you find this book useful and applicable, but most importantly, I hope it gives you a greater appreciation of and hunger for Gods Word.

Here are five things that will be helpful as you discipline yourself to spend time daily in Gods Word

PLAN

Studies show that you are much more prone to work out in the morning if you set out your workout clothes and shoes the night before. The same is true for your time with the Lord. You wont have time to spend in Gods Word; you need to make time. I recommend having a place in your house (office, living room chair, back porch) where you frequent, as well as a reading plan that will help you stay on track with reading the Bible. Be strategic. Staying focused on Gods Word will not happen accidentally.

PAGES

I love technology and I regularly recommend using Bible apps for your phone, tablet, and computer. However, one thing Ive learned about myself is how easily distracted I am when technology is in the room. An actual paper Bible isnt the only way to read, but I recommend it as a way to keep you focused. Find a translation of the Bible you enjoy reading (The English Standard Version, New Living Translation, and the New International Version are all great), then dive into the pages of Gods Word every day.

PEN

Weve all read somethingmaybe even most of a bookthen realized we have no idea what we just read. Having a pen in hand may not seem like a big deal but for me, its very important. Having a pen ready to underline, circle, and make notes within my Bible is key to keeping me focused. Staying focused on underlining important words and phrases helps keep my brain and heart engaged, and helps in my fight against forgetfulness. I regularly write things down in my journal that God spoke to me through His Word.

PRAYER

Its fun to meet your favorite author and get a quick signature and a handshake but honestly, its normally quick and impersonal. Heres some really good news: every day you are first in line to talk to the Author of the Bible. God Himself, who made sure the words of Scripture were penned for our benefit, tells us to with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need (Hebrews 4:16). There are no crowds to fight, lines to stand in, or pushy security guards. You are the only one who stands in your way of talking to the Author through prayer! Before you open your Bible, ask God to speak to you through it, then keep the conversation rolling as you read.

PAUSE

Our culture is so focused on getting things done, checking off to-do lists, and moving at the speed of life that its easy to rush through your time in Gods Word. Remember, reading Gods Word is about so much more than reading some words on a page (or a screen). Time in Gods Word is about time with God, allowing Him to shape our lives and build on the foundation of our faith. God tells us that ALL Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable (2 Timothy 3:16). In that case, every word is there on purpose and our job is to take the time to see how we can learn more about God through each word.

At the end of each chapter in this book, we have provided some questions to help you dig deeper into the gold mine of Gods Word. We hope you use this book as a practical resource in your daily time with the Lord as you learn that Gods Word is Better Than Gold.

Proverbs 1
GPS FOR YOUR SOUL

Google Maps saved my life. I guess not literally, but it feels like it sometimes. Its hard to remember the days before GPS when I had to look at a paper map or ask for directions from a human! After years of living in Clarksville, TN, I still often use Google Maps to get around.

I guess what Im getting at is that Ive realized how necessary it is to receive direc tion.

Proverbs is like Google Maps for your soul. It contains direction, warnings, hazards, rest stops along the way, and ultimately points us toward our final destination. The rewards of listening to and living by the wisdom found in this book are better than gold!

Proverbs chapters 1-9 are not actually the proverbs just yet. They are more of a chat from a father to his son.

Proverbs 1:1-7 define the purpose of the book, ending with this reminder:

THE FEAR OF THE LORD IS THE BEGINNING OF KNOWLEDGE; FOOLS DESPISE WISDOM AND INSTRUCTION.

PROVERBS 1:7

The fear of the Lord isnt about being frightened or terrified; its about honor and reverence. The fear of the Lord comes from a posture of humility, understanding that God is the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. The prophet Isaiah reminds us that Gods ways and thoughts are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9). Thats good news because our ability to think, dream, and see whats ahead is extremely limited. The fear of the Lord means understanding that since God sees the whole picture, He is able to guide us safely and more accurately than we would ever be able to guide ourselves.