For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.” - Romans 1:16 –17 (ESV)

The old saying asks, "How do you eat a whole elephant?" The answer: "one bite at a time." It's a weird saying. Why not a cake or watermelon. After all who eats elephants? The point is that understanding or taking in large, complex ideas can seem overwhelming, but taking a piece at a time can help you understand and integrate the whole.

There are six things that the LORD hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers. - Proverbs 6:16 –19 (ESV)

When we talk about theology and use big churchy sounding words, it can easily feel like Christianity and life are two separate spheres of existence. God is interested in the spiritual, but the practical real-life stuff is another matter.

Does not wisdom call? Does not understanding raise her voice? On the heights beside the way, at the crossroads she takes her stand; beside the gates in front of the town, at the entrance of the portals she cries aloud: - Proverbs 8:1 –3 (ESV)

Along the way this summer we have heard from various voices. It's been great to hear God use different leaders in our church to open up God's word, but there is one voice, one call that hopefully has dominated. Solomon continues to point his son toward that one voice. In many ways he was begging his son to not only listen, but to marry her instead of indulge his lesser passions.

But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day. The way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know over what they stumble. - Proverbs 4:18 –19 (ESV)

So far in our study of Proverbs we have heard the need to listen up and pay attention. Wisdom is available and calling, but we have to lean in and listen. When we do that, there are great benefits to be had that are both temporary and eternal. Then we find that this wisdom also has a role in protecting and healing. If you think you have made mistakes and maybe wisdom is beyond you, this week is for you.

My son, keep my words and treasure up my commandments with you; keep my commandments and live; keep my teaching as the apple of your eye; bind them on your fingers; write them on the tablet of your heart. Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,” and call insight your intimate friend, to keep you from the forbidden woman, from the adulteress with her smooth words. - Proverbs 7:1 –5 (ESV)

Did your parents ever have 'the talk' with you? You know the one about the 'birds and bees'. (How did that become the phrase for it anyway?) Do you remember it? Was it awkward? Have you had 'the talk' with your kids? How did it go? It's an odd and uncomfortable but necessary moment in parenting. Knowing how and what to to say is important. Leaving it to chance invites others to provide wrong or even dangerous information.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. - Proverbs 3:5 –6 (ESV)

I hate asking for directions. As a guy I feel that I have some innate sense of how to get from here to there. It's almost as if my ancestors passed on to me how to track the sun, look at moss on a tree, and follow the stream to get from my house to anywhere. With those senses and a good cellphone signal I can get anywhere.