Proverbs 2; Acts 20:17-38

Proverbs 2
In Proverbs 1 we saw wisdom personified as a woman. In Proverbs 2, we see wisdom as a way or a path. In fact, the words "way" and "path" are used at least 8 times in this chapter. This shows us that life involves specific direction, and we can easily stray onto the wrong path.

vv. 1-5 instruct us as to our part; vv. 6-9 assure us that God will do His part.
Look at the active verbs in vv. 1-5:

• Listen to what I say.
• Treasure my commands.
• Tune your ears to wisdom.
• Concentrate on understanding.
• Cry out for insight.
• Ask for understanding.
• "Search for them as you would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures." If we were truly searching for God's wisdom as diligently as we would search for a hidden treasure, I think we would use quite a bit of energy and attention. Imagine if you thought gold was buried in your back yard. I rather imagine that if we truly believed this, we would frantically dig up every inch and probably use a metal detector too!

If we do these things mentioned in the first 4 verses, "Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord, and you will gain knowledge of God." Often I hear someone say, he or she just can't get anything out of the Bible. According to these verses, a person who truly, seriously tries CAN learn from God's Word. Remember that it takes a lifetime of learning, and our knowledge won't be complete until we meet Jesus in heaven.

The remainder of the chapter tells us the advantages of gaining wisdom.

• It will bring you joy. v. 10
• It will keep you safe. v. 11
• It will save you from evil people. vv. 12-15
• It will save you from the immoral woman (or man) who seeks to seduce you. vv. 16-19

Acts 20:17-38
Paul and company arrived at Miletus and from there Paul sent for the elders of the church at Ephesus to say good-bye to them. He began by remembering his past ministry to them. vv. 18-21 Paul had worked humbly through tears and trials. He had told them what they needed to hear--both Jews and Gentiles--"the necessity of repenting from sin and turning to God, and of having faith in our Lord Jesus." v. 21

Paul faced troubles and future dangers along with the Ephesian church leaders. vv. 22-24 He realized that he would likely end up in jail. "But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus--the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God."

Paul left them with advice for how to proceed without him, vv.25-32

• Guard yourselves and God's people.
• Feed and shepherd God's flock--his church, purchased with his own blood. Think how precious the true church is to God!
• Watch out for false teachers. 
• Depend on God and His Word.

Paul left them with his pure and honest testimony. vv. 32-38

• He never coveted silver, gold, or fine clothes.
• He worked to supply his own needs and the needs of those who were with him.
• He was an example of hard work.
• He helped those in need reminding them that Jesus said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive."

His touching parting from them is recorded in vv. 36-38.