These are the proverbs of Solomon, David’s son, king of Israel.
Their purpose is to teach people wisdom and discipline, to help them understand the insights of the wise.
Their purpose is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives, to help them do what is right, just, and fair. Proverbs 1: 1-3 (NLT)
Food has an interesting effect on me. It makes me stupid. For example I can eat a lot of terrible food for my body, “because it makes me feel better” (even though it’s actually hurting me.) Then I eat more because “I already ate bad so why stop now?”
So let’s get this straight…
1. Before I eat I tell myself it is a good thing
2. After I eat I tell myself I’m bad
3. Next, I feel so horrible about it I tell myself I may as well just keep eating
4. I just feel worse
5. Gain weight
7. Feel even more horrible
8. Repeat
Huh? This line of thinking is ridiculous and yet it’s been a thought+food pattern I’ve followed for decades.
The truth is our self created thought+food patterns can be very contradictory and self-destructive. If we’re not finding success with our own wisdom, we need to find better instructions. But where?
Proverbs is one of the most practical, hands on books of the Bible for everyday living. It is written by King Solomon, a man who asked God for wisdom and God gave it to Him. The book of Proverbs covers a wide variety of topics, and there is no shortage of help for us when we are asking for wisdom about life and food. Proverbs is useful for all people, all ages, in all times in all stages of growth and understanding.
To teach the inexperienced the ropes, and give our young people a grasp on reality. There’s something here also for seasoned men and women, still a thing or two for the experienced to learn—Fresh wisdom to probe and penetrate… Proverbs 1: 4-6 (Message)
If you’re like me and you want to succeed with food and you’re looking for new ideas, join me as we dig into the Proverbs to find fresh wisdom and insights. Wisdom is abundant and for the taking in Proverbs, let’s find it together!
For reflection during your prayer time:
- Ask God to show you thought + food patterns in your life that are preventing your success.
As you go through your day:
Pay special attention to and write down what your inner voice is telling you when it comes to food.
What is your inner voice telling you before you eat?
What is your inner voice telling you when you’re eating?
What is your inner voice telling you after you eat?
Practice this for a day or two and note any inconsistencies.
Continue to pray and ask God for help: Lord please help me see and learn new things in Your Word. Please give me willingness to try Your tools in my life, knowing that You have promised success.
This is Day 2 in “Eating Through the Proverbs,” a Bible study about food, by Julia Fikse ©2019.
Photo by sheri silver on Unsplash
