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A Proverb a Day: Proverbs 8
           Wisdom calls out to all of mankind, yelling and screaming so that all may come to an understanding. Her location is at the highest points, so that all may hear what she is saying. The first who need to hear are those who are naïve and foolish. Wisdom speaks to the truth of the day, calling for all to surrender to the instruction given. She lays before her listeners the evidence of knowledge and discernment. She calls for commitment to love the things that God loves and hate the things that God hate. Her demands are for unity in fear of the Lord and counsel that comes from those who believe in God. There is a recognition of the existence of God, the order of God, and the will of God. If we simply follow the instructions, then we find ourselves walking on the paths of righteousness where we find our security, peace, and justice.

A Proverb a Day:  Proverbs 9
           This Proverbs contains a comparison between wisdom and foolishness. Wisdom is described as a house built with sturdy pillars, a house that is filled with plenty of food and servants. Again, Wisdom is personified and sends out invitations to the those who are practicing foolishness. Although this invitation is given to everyone, the first target is those of the naïve. Repentance, the changing of course, is demanded, or as one translation puts it, “abandon your foolish ways.” 
           The personality traits of the foolish are described as brash, naïve, simple, and deadly. There is a warning of dealing with the personalities of mockers and those who are wicked. Reproving a mocker leads to insults and hate, but reproving a wise person leads to love and learning. The personality traits of the wise are accommodating and listening. Those who practice such traits will enjoy many years of life.
           Finally, folly is presented. She is brash, naïve, and simple. Her knowledge and understanding are non-existent. She too stands and calls.  Using her persuasion, she tempts the simple as the walk by. She claims that ease and flattery are the ways of the successful and leads to luxuries. However, those who follow her are unaware that her paths lead to the dead and their own grave.

A Proverb a Day: Proverbs 10
           Solomon continues his education of his sons with a description of what is necessary for a son to bring rejoicing to his father, wisdom, and a warning that foolishness brings grief. It appears that Solomon wants his children to be hard workers, to prepare for the gathering of the harvest, and to live a life of integrity. Solomon is calling his children to live by principle, to speak with integrity and honesty, to be authentic in all aspects of life. The character of the righteous is foundational, while the character of the fool is destruction. Solomon continues to advise that hope leads to gladness, the plans of God are a stronghold, and fear of God prolongs life. However, Solomon also presents the opposing view, that despair leads to sadness, the plans of mankind are weak, and that arrogance leads to a quick death. These words of Solomon are still true today. If followed and obeyed, life becomes easier, more tolerable, and worth living. It promotes strong relationships, work ethics, and the knowledge necessary to overcome any obstacle. 

A Proverb a day: Proverbs 7 (Warnings of Adultery)
           This Proverb appears to tackle an issue that is vibrant within our society today. It seems that this was also a subject of years past. It is only fitting that Solomon would speak of adulterers, sexually driven people, and the experience of seduction. In the first few verses, Solomon calls to attention the subject of an adulteress and the ways by which his sons would be able to differentiate her through her speech and actions. The scenario that is presented is that of a young man wandering, a man that has no purpose, a man that is naïve to the situation at hand. This young man fails to see the futuristic consequences of his actions; he simply lives in the moment and for the moment, leading to his death. The final verses are Solomon pleading with his sons to pay attention, to avoid those paths and guard their hearts.
           Today, sex appears to be at the center of attention.  It is everywhere. Schools are now teaching sex education, advertisers are using sex to sell their items, and pornography is one of the largest businesses and money-making endeavors of the world.  Solomon appears to want his sons to be committed. The adulteress is not committed. Adultery is a leading cause of many social issues that we are now are facing. Adultery is a lack of commitment. Seduction is used to deceive an individual into the belief of easy gains and fulfilled pleasures without the cost of commitment and responsibility. The result is a society that is filled with neglect, abandonment, abuse, and death. In my opinion, just about every social issue that exists can be traced back to a form of adultery, spiritual or physical. Proverbs 7 a great proverb for our day.
           

The Proverb of the Day: Proverbs 6
           As with all Proverbs, we are to learn how to fear the Lord and find security through the words of Wisdom by applying the proverb. Proverbs 6 provides a warning against behaviors and who we associate ourselves with. The idea appears to claim that we are to accept responsibility for what we can control: signatures, pledges, words, attitude (responses and reactions), and humility. Then, we are called to be very cautious with whom associate. 
The beginning of this Proverb provides warnings against pledges, laziness, and evil people. This also includes what the Lord hates, as well as the solution to the problems that arise when these decisions have been made: Humility.
             The second part of this Proverb deals with the way of an adulterous relationship.  Solomon provides a guide in the avoidance of succumbing to the lust of the eyes and flesh, and the pride of life. The first command is to obey and honor our parents. He then gives a warning that failure to do so will cause great pain, even death. I would opine that this death is in reference to relational, but could also lead to physical death. No mercy will be shown. When the husband arrives, he will take matters into his own hands because of the passion he has for his wife and will avenge his honor.
           We as readers of this proverb are called to practice self-control, to discipline ourselves to overcome the temptations, desires, and lusts we face every day. We are called to be responsible and satisfied with the blessings and gifts that have been given to us and to use those gifts, talents, and blessings for God. Finally, there is a persuasion to think the way that God thinks, to hate the behaviors that God hates, and to love the way that God loves. These are found in the greatest commandments of: Love the Lord your God with all your heart, your head, and your hands, and love your neighbor as yourself.