…That You May Maintain Discretion
BRD REFLECTION 2025
Proverbs 5: 1-23 and Psalm 105 (NIV)
(Stanley Loh from Small Group Ministry)
READ:
I focused on Proverbs 5:1-14 and Psalm 105:1-4.
OBSERVE:
King Solomon who is known for his request for wisdom from God, is believed to be the author of Proverbs. He appealed to his son to pay attention to the father’s wisdom, and hear the words of insight “that you may maintain discretion…” The passage tells of the adulterous woman who will lead many to their graves. There are strong words of warning (v7) not to turn aside from the father’s teaching and keep to a path far from the adulterous woman, not to go near the door of her house (v8).
APPLY:
Who is the ‘adulterous woman’ in my life today? To me, it is anything that draws me away from the Lord or takes me away from a faithful and personal walk with Him. In the past, there were the attractions of youthful living, the lure of the corporate world, desire for progress and possessions, the little lies that would place me ahead of my competition or fool the client for the contract, etc. It was after all, acceptable and perhaps permissible because I had allowed my faith, values and principles to be compromised. Like Peter, I had my own reasons for denying Jesus.
Now that I have crossed the midpoint of life and am closer to the end where I will groan when my flesh and body are spent (v11), I can identify with verses 12 and 13. I should not have hated discipline, but accepted correction, turned to and obeyed my teachers and instructors.
DO:
For the big sins that did not cross my path to tempt me, I praise the Lord (Psalm 105 v1). For the other sins that I was confronted with and did manage not to yield to, I too praise the Lord that His Word had kept me safe. For the less damaging sins that I could not avoid and fell to, I praise the Lord who (v3) forgave all my sins when I repented. For the darting arrows that will continue to come my way today and in the days ahead of me, I too praise the Lord that He has my back, He is right beside me and He goes before me to shield me. I will praise the Lord.
For 1 Corinthians 10:13 says “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” Praise the Lord.
PRAY:
Dear Lord, this world is not my home, I’m just passing through. Forgive all the sins that I have committed and forgive my willful ways. Help me to know Your will for me. Then melt me, mold me, fill me, use me. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
