TODAY IN THE WORD
In Worldwide Challenge magazine, author Chuck Klein writes, 'On the farm you quickly learn that at harvest time you go to the ripest fields first....The same is true of the spiritual harvest. Teenagers represent one of the most spiritually ripe and responsive age groups in the entire world. The vast majority of people who trust Christ (some studies show more than 80 percent) do so between the ages of 12 and 18.'

The writers of Proverbs understood the value of youthful commitment to the Lord. Solomon, in particular, urged his readers to heed the advice of godly mentors the way a son would follow the advice of a beloved and trusted father.

One of the consistent themes in this book is the blessing of following and obeying GodÑboth in terms of benefits gained and of evil and pain avoided. And the Proverbs stress the importance of living by God's wisdom in one's early years, before sin has had a chance to wreak havoc.

We need to remember that proverbs are not iron-clad guarantees, but truths about life. That is, it is generally true that living in God's favor can prolong life and bring a person prosperity. But we get into trouble when we try to turn these principles into rigid formulas.

Nevertheless, the promises of God are wonderful for those who seek Him. Jesus grew in favor with God and with others (Luke 2:52), and the person who fears God can enjoy the same favor (Prov. 3:4). Guidance is also a blessing we will find when we follow God's path, because He will not lead us astray.

The theme of these verses is the value of trusting the Lord. If we can trust God for long life, blessing, and guidance, we should have no problem trusting Him in our giving and in the choice of discipline that He brings into our lives (vv. 9-12).

Why do you suppose Solomon chose these two areas? Because they are two of the hardest for us to relinquish. Most of us want to control our money, and we want to have a say in shaping our circumstances. But if God is our loving Father, can't we trust that He won't do us any harm?

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TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Do you remember an incident of discipline from childhood that seemed especially painful at the time?

Chances are you can recall not only the occasion, but the lesson your parent, teacher, principal, or other authority figure was trying to teach you. Those lessons tend to stay with us. Did God put people in your life who were faithful in disciplining you? Thank Him for that training. And if you cannot name anyone like that in your past, thank the Lord that He has promised to fill that need in your life today.

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