Don't Ignore The Proverbs

The sad thing about Proverbs is how often they are ignored.

Proverbs 23:19–21 (ESV) Hear, my son, and be wise, and direct your heart in the way. 20 Be not among drunkards or among gluttonous eaters of meat, 21 for the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and slumber will clothe them with rags.

One of the warnings of scripture I find our current culture continually ignoring are those concerning drunkenness and overeating. Somehow the broad opinion in the country where I live (America) is that eating poorly or excessively is not all that bad, that we have slow metabolisms, an eating addiction or simply a disease. It's amazing how far we go to justify sins. 

Notice the warning about gluttony. They wind up poor and disheveled. This is indeed what we see as people pay for higher health costs, more electricity, and higher overall costs of living to accommodate their destructive appetites. And the warning for the son of the Proverbs writer is - don't be around them. Get away, they will lead you to where they are going. 

YES. The scripture calls us to avoid those who use food or alcohol in excessive ways! This may be one of the most ignored passages in scripture. 

Then:

Proverbs 23:22–23 (ESV) Listen to your father who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old. 23 Buy truth, and do not sell it; buy wisdom, instruction, and understanding.

Another current cultural disaster we are in concerns the blatant undermining of parental authority in the home. Children are being separated from their parents in sexualized ideology at school, rebellious instigation on social media and pop culture, and even the political divide of our age. No doubt the devil is overjoyed about this. But again, this passage clearly teaches to have respect AND AN EAR for those who brought you into the world. They will give you understanding and wisdom. 

Another:

Proverbs 23:26–28 (ESV) My son, give me your heart, and let your eyes observe my ways. 27 For a prostitute is a deep pit; an adulteress is a narrow well. 28 She lies in wait like a robber and increases the traitors among mankind.

Pornography is everywhere, captivating the attention of our sons. Notice the phrase, "an adulteress is a narrow well." She may offer you something but it's going to get you trapped into a mess. She divides families and nations and churches. Ignoring these warnings will cost you.

The common denominator in these proverbs is simple - there are dangerous addictions waiting to destroy you. There are divisive forces waiting to isolate you. Be on your guard and let God have control. The future of your life is at stake.