Hi there,
Welcome to TPC Day 23.
If you’ve been reading for the last 7 days or even from day 1, I must say well done! You have prioritized your growth and development over the myriad of things that consistently place a demand on your time. I pray that the seed of God’s word blossoms and bears good fruits in your life.
To our amazing host, Tosin Sanni – thank you for the privilege to write this post; and more importantly for following through with God’s instruction to host The Proverbs Challenge. The last 22 days have been most rewarding and nourishing for my soul and spirit. I pray that the Lord refreshes you as well.
Alright, let’s get talking.
If I could give this chapter a title, it would probably read ‘A Practical Guide to Controlling Your Appetites’. The Message translation aptly titles it, ‘Restrain Yourself’ because this chapter is a call to control our appetites – be it for money, possessions, in people relationships, with our emotions, sex, and food; there is a lesson for all of us here.
Dictionary.com defines appetite “as a desire for food or drink; and a desire to satisfy any bodily need or craving; a desire or liking for something”. Contrary to popular culture, which is loud on satisfying our cravings and desires, this chapter is the voice of a loving father presenting to us a tested and proven appetite blueprint. She is called WISDOM. Come along and let’s review a few modules.
Module 1: On People Relationships
The chapter opens with an admonition to consider our manners when invited as guests in other people’s homes. I like to think of this as a call for sensibility and moderation in our people interactions whether before a king (as seen in verse 1) or before a stingy man (as seen in verse 6). Like Daniel (in Daniel 1:8), we need to allow the Holy Spirit to animate our desires, and super-impose on our cravings, otherwise pursuing them head long will tip us overboard, drive us into competition, greed, and ultimately to slavery.
The admonition continues in verse 3 by instructing us to discern motives and missions. We need the Spirit of God to teach us in King James English, how/ when to ‘abase’ and ‘abound’; or as the New Living Translation puts it ‘the secret to living in every situation’. For instance, there is when to take a selfie with someone you admire, and there is when to establish a connection, so you can glean the wisdom they carry. It takes a discerning and understanding heart to capture such moments and to maximize them – as they can be pivotal in the outcome of your life.
Module 2: On Money & Material Possession
Growing up here in Lagos, Nigeria; I’ve seen firsthand how the unchecked desire for money has led good people astray. Irrespective of the city you live in, I’m sure you can testify of the same. The drive for wealth has led good folks into making unbelievably bad decisions. But that’s the catch!
Being ‘good’ isn’t enough, we need wisdom. Growing in wisdom is the only assured way to continually making the right decisions- financial decisions included. (See Proverbs 23:19; Proverbs 21:5). ‘Brilliant ideas pay off and bring you prosperity, but making hasty, impatient decisions will only lead to financial loss’.
Look at verse 5, ‘Don’t compare yourself to the rich. Surrender your selfish ambition and evaluate them properly. For no sooner do you start counting your wealth than it sprouts wings and flies away like an eagle in the sky—here today, gone tomorrow!’
Friends, it takes wisdom to live free of comparison, objectively evaluate your excesses and most importantly, surrender your ‘ambition’ to God. If your sole ambition is to amass wealth, I’ve got breaking news for you, it flies away – it is short-lived, transient and pales to the true wealth that comes from allowing Him to direct the course of your life. Your bright future is only assured by immersing yourself in Him. (See Proverbs 23:18 MSG)
Let’s wrap up this module with verse 10 which reminds us to respect the terms of agreements and desist from attempting to take advantage of the ‘defenseless’ because their mighty protector, the Lord of Lords would stand up for their cause. This one is a clear warning oh! Take heed and be guided! End of story.
Module 3: On Promiscuity, Food & Alcohol
‘Don’t live in the excesses of drunkenness or gluttony or waste your life away by partying all the time’. (Proverbs 23:20, 29-35).
‘Stay far away from prostitutes and you’ll stay far away from the pit of destruction. For sleeping with a promiscuous woman is like falling into a trap that you’ll never be able to escape!’ (Proverbs 23:27)
These verses are instructive advising us to stay clear of illicit sex, alcohol, and food. Why? Not because God doesn’t want you to ‘enjoy’ your life but rather he wants you whole – body, soul and spirit. Whereas indulging these appetites leave you broke, with poor decisions, in anguish, wounded and bruised souls, and a shadow of your best self.
‘To love pleasure for pleasure’s sakewill introduce you to poverty. Indulging in a life of luxurywill never make you wealthy’.(Proverbs 21:17)
So, what’s the solution? How do I effectively control my appetite?
Step 1: ‘Embrace the truth and hold it close.Don’t let go of wisdom, instruction, and life-giving understanding’.(Proverbs 23:23) Posture your heart to glean wisdom from God daily. As you receive it, hold on to it – don’t negotiate it. Allow it to be the final authority and reference for everything.
Step 2: ‘Don’t allow the actions of evil men to cause you to burn with anger. Instead, burn with unrelenting passion as you worship God in holy awe’. (Proverbs 23:17) Don’t allow popular culture sway you; rather burn – be fiery, unrelentless and recklessly passionate in your love for God. Let loving Him be your highest ambition.
