27 The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life,     turning a person from the snares of death.28 A large population is a king’s glory,     but without subjects a prince is ruined.29 Whoever is patient has great understanding,     but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.30 A heart at peace gives life to the body,     but envy rots the bones.31 Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker,     but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.32 When calamity comes, the wicked are brought down,     but even in death the righteous seek refuge in God.REFLECTIONSWritten by Jess AndersonDo you remember the first step to wisdom, back in chapter 1? It’s the fear of the Lord – humble, worshipful submission to God (1:7). Now the fear of the Lord is described as a fountain of life (verse 27). It’s refreshing, beautiful, life-giving. And more than that, it turns us away from the snares of death – from traps that can destroy us. Would you rather choose the fountain of life or the snares of death? It seems pretty obvious when you put it like that. But in our daily life it’s often not so simple. All kinds of things distract, tempt and discourage us. So let’s keep reminding ourselves and each other of the goodness and beauty of the fountain of life – the fear of the Lord.We see some of that beauty in verses 29-31. God’s way is better for us! Instead of being quick-tempered, we can be patient people with great understanding. Instead of being envious, we can be at peace. Instead of oppressing the poor (which can include those who make the things we buy), we can honour the God who made all of us. That’s a beautiful way of life. Is anything getting in the way of that for you? How are you going at avoiding the traps of a quick temper, envy and oppressing the poor? Ask God to show you how you could grow in these areas and to help you do it.The last of our proverbs for today shows another reason why living God’s way is so good. The wicked might seem like they’re going great, but they will eventually be brought down. But we have a refuge with God that lasts even beyond death. And this is even more clear through Jesus. It reminds me of a song we sing at church, called “I Have a Shelter”, by Sovereign Grace Music. You might like to listen to it now (here’s a link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UvddcxRzZb4) or just reflect on the words of the first verse below. Thank God for the refuge we have in him through Jesus!I have a shelter in the storm When troubles pour upon me Though fears are rising like a flood My soul can rest securely O Jesus, I will hide in You My place of peace and solace No trial is deeper than Your love That comforts all my sorrowsABOUT THE AUTHORJess is a Student Minister at our Bossley Park Morning Church while studying at Moore Theological College.

15 The way of fools seems right to them,     but the wise listen to advice.16 Fools show their annoyance at once,     but the prudent overlook an insult.17 An honest witness tells the truth,     but a false witness tells lies.18 The words of the reckless pierce like swords,     but the tongue of the wise brings healing.19 Truthful lips endure forever,     but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.22 The Lord detests lying lips,     but he delights in people who are trustworthy.REFLECTIONSWritten by Sam DarmoArabs had a proverb: “Follow the one that makes you cry, don’t run after the one who makes you laugh,” with the understanding that the wise ones followed the one that made them cry because it meant that they were being truthfully discipled into maturity.The wise person listens to advice even if it hurts (v 15), for God disciplines those whom He loves (Hebrews 12:7), and if a prudent person is insulted, they forgive (v 16; Colossians 3:13). The wise speak the truth (v 17, 22) because they belong to the truth (John 4:23) and they have better control over their tongues (James 3). In fact, the truths spoken by a wise tongue endure forever (v 19) – remember that one day every tongue will acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:11).Now the opposites of these things come from the other kinds of people who are mentioned: the fool, the false witness, rash people, liars, and those who are an abomination to the LORD.Galatians 5:22-23 says: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”And the Spirit’s fruit will only truly grow in those who are children of God through Christ.Father, we pray that we will continue to see the fruit of the Spirit growing in us daily, and we ask it in Jesus Christ’s holy name. Amen.ABOUT THE AUTHORSam is an Assistant Minister with our Assyrian and Arabic churches, as well as our Fairfield English Morning Church.

13 A gossip betrays a confidence,     but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.14 For lack of guidance a nation falls,     but victory is won through many advisers.15 Whoever puts up security for a stranger will surely suffer,     but whoever refuses to shake hands in pledge is safe.16 A kindhearted woman gains honor,     but ruthless men gain only wealth.17 Those who are kind benefit themselves,     but the cruel bring ruin on themselves.18 A wicked person earns deceptive wages,     but the one who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward.19 Truly the righteous attain life,     but whoever pursues evil finds death.REFLECTIONSWritten by Hannah PhungIn a span of a day, we make hundreds, if not thousands of decisions. Sometimes they are tricky – some decisions may or may not honour God. Sometimes we simply forget about God and make a poor decision, or sometimes we take the easiest option because it’s what others around us are doing. It is in these moments that we forget the seriousness of disobeying God and living for the world instead. Today’s proverb reminded me of the importance of living God’s way.V16, “A kind-hearted woman gains honour, but ruthless men gain only wealth.”Money is a common theme in this passage and it’s something we need to be reminded about every day. Wealth seems appealing in the short term. Honour doesn’t seem appealing in the short term. The world lives and reacts to short term benefits, but this often comes with grave consequences in the long term.V17, “Those who are kind benefit themselves, but the cruel bring ruin on themselves.”To be kind might seem easy, but our kindness is often tested when we have to make a sacrifice. On the other hand, to be cruel often brings a reward. The author states the long-term consequences clearly.V18, “A wicked person earns deceptive wages, but the one who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward.”The passage continues with this theme of challenging the short-term satisfaction of money and contrasts this with sowing righteousness. The imagery of sowing gives us a picture of farming. It takes patience, and we may not see the immediate rewards for a long time. Yet again, the long-term consequences are clear – a sure reward for those who sow righteousness. Have a think about what it looks like to sow righteousness. At times it feels like I don’t sow righteousness every day, it takes a while. V19, “Truly the righteous attain life, but whoever pursues evil finds death.”I think it's important that we remember that to be righteous is only possible because of what Jesus has done on the cross. Though he lived the perfectly righteous life, He experienced death for us. Because we are made righteous by faith in Christ, we strive to live righteously, making decisions everyday which focus on the long term – ultimately, on God’s Kingdom. What a great hope to have! It’s well worth living for.ABOUT THE AUTHORHannah is part of our Bossley Park Morning Church.

1 The proverbs of Solomon:A wise son brings joy to his father,     but a foolish son brings grief to his mother.2 Ill-gotten treasures have no lasting value,     but righteousness delivers from death.3 The Lord does not let the righteous go hungry,     but he thwarts the craving of the wicked.4 Lazy hands make for poverty,     but diligent hands bring wealth.5 He who gathers crops in summer is a prudent son,     but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son.6 Blessings crown the head of the righteous,     but violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked.REFLECTIONSWritten by David Ponnuswamy When I first read this passage many years ago it came across as common-sense and good instructions to live a godly life. Looking back, little did I realise that I too would struggle to comply with some of the above at times in the past.Solomon is known as the wisest man of all time. When he became king, he asked God for wisdom not wealth. Yet God gave him both. I love how he writes the positive and negative outcomes for each point he brings up. As Christians none of us want to produce the negative outcome, so let’s not dwell there.However, God in his grace always provides us with positive outcomes, so we should live and respond to his master plan for us here and now and for all generations. Wise children are a great blessing to parents. I know I am greatly blessed in this. (v1) We are made righteous through faith in Christ. I am very grateful for Jesus. (v2) God will always provide for our needs not our wants. His word – the Bible – feeds my spirit. (v3)We are always meant to work not only for ourselves but also for God’s kingdom.  We are reminded that wealth on earth cannot be taken with us, so we should store up treasure in heaven where thieves cannot steal and moths cannot destroy. Are we mission minded with the gifts God has given us? (v4)There is a season for everything. A time to sow and a time to reap. What are you sowing or reaping for God’s kingdom right now? (v5)What a blessing it is to be right with God. The love, peace and joy that is brings is so overwhelming. It gives you the energy to go that extra mile. To make that visit or call to someone in need. (v6)Thank you Father for giving us the wisdom to know what is right and wrong. Thank you for your words of blessing, hope and encouragement is this passage. We pray that we will always look to you in all aspects of our lives and be the person you created us to be in your masterplan for humanity. Amen.ABOUT THE AUTHORDavid is a member of the 10.30am service at Bossley Park. Works full time. Studying part time at Vocational Bible College. Is a member of the Ambassadors Christian Motorcycle Club. A work in progress to humbly serve the LORD. (Micah 6:8)

1 Does not wisdom call out?     Does not understanding raise her voice? 2 At the highest point along the way,     where the paths meet, she takes her stand; 3 beside the gate leading into the city,     at the entrance, she cries aloud: 4 “To you, O people, I call out;     I raise my voice to all mankind.…10 Choose my instruction instead of silver,     knowledge rather than choice gold, 11 for wisdom is more precious than rubies,     and nothing you desire can compare with her.12 “I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence;     I possess knowledge and discretion. 13 To fear the Lord is to hate evil;     I hate pride and arrogance,     evil behavior and perverse speech.REFLECTIONSWritten by Tara SingThese verses describing all the places of a city where wisdom is calling out make me think that wisdom is like a very good marketing campaign. Remember when the iPod was first released? Or when McDonalds introduced the option of adding bacon to every burger? Maybe there's another advertisement you can think of, where you can recite a slogan or sing a company jingle because the campaign was so effective. Wisdom is out there, in the open, spreading the word. Wisdom is not sitting quietly in a forest, or hiding like treasure in a cave, waiting for someone to finish the quest and claim it. Wisdom is standing in your face and she wants her message to be noticed and listened to by everyone. Some people say that to acquire wisdom and become enlightened you must spend hours searching, that you must seek with all your strength, or that you need to do a crazy number of extreme tasks to finally understand. God's true wisdom is very different, there are no tricks, no tests to pass, nothing is hidden. This wisdom wants to be heard. Why does wisdom want her message to be heard? Because this is a precious and important message. One that is worth more than the most valuable thing you can think of. Worth more than money, superior to fine jewels. Picture the most desirable thing you can - and it can't even come close to what wisdom has to offer. The precious message of wisdom here is simple: to fear the Lord is to hate evil. Wisdom hates three things here: arrogant pride, evil conduct and perverse speech. They're hated because they stop us from listening to the precious and wise words of God. They are hated because they stop us listening and acting wisely - they stop us fearing the Lord and hating evil.Praise God that he makes his wisdom easy to find and pray that we will listen well and live well in light of it. ABOUT THE AUTHORTara is a member of the Bossley Park morning church.

16 There are six things the Lord hates,     seven that are detestable to him: 17 haughty eyes,     a lying tongue,     hands that shed innocent blood, 18 a heart that devises wicked schemes,     feet that are quick to rush into evil, 19 a false witness who pours out lies     and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.REFLECTIONSWritten by Adam DaviesHopefully you weren't looking for how to get the Lord really riled up, but if someone ever wanted a list of how to really get on God's nerves here it is. Seven things that are detestable to the Lord.Here the writer of Proverbs gives us a summary of some of the behaviours that show when we are living our own way in opposition to God.“Haughty eyes” probably suggests someone who is arrogant and looks down on others. Aren’t we prone to comparing ourselves with others and thinking we’re better? For me, this really comes out in refusing to let others have a go, because I think I can do it better.“A lying tongue” and “a false witness who pours out lies”. We rely on God's trustworthy character for all the promises he has made, so it’s no surprise that lies make it onto this list. How quick I am to exaggerate to make myself look better than I am, or to change a story to minimise my own guilt.Most of us don't literally have hands that have “shed innocent blood”, but how quickly do I tear others down, or throw someone under the bus to get ahead myself?All these are examples of the way our thoughts and actions (“heart” and “feet”, v. 18) tend to lead us to selfishness and sin. But the last thing on the list shows that these things don’t just grieve God. They also damage our interpersonal relationships and our life as a church community. God cares for his people, and when we follow our sinful nature – by lying, tearing others down to get ahead, or seeking to harm someone else – we stir up division and damage relationships.This list challenges me to reflect on my self-centredness and pride. It pushes me to consider the small behaviours that I accept in my life and reminds me to seek to be distinct from those who don’t belong to Christ. But even more, I thank God for his boundless grace in Christ. I often fall flat on my face, and without God’s amazing kindness my “heart” and “feet” would make me detestable to him. But because of Christ’s death, I know I will be presented before the Father “holy in his sight” (Colossians 1:22). He is also working in me now, and knowing that helps me to strive to live his way (Philippians 2:12-13).ABOUT THE AUTHORAdam is a member of the Fairfield Evening church.

1 My son, pay attention to my wisdom,     turn your ear to my words of insight, 2 that you may maintain discretion      and your lips may preserve knowledge. 3 For the lips of the adulterous woman drip honey,     and her speech is smoother than oil; 4 but in the end she is bitter as gall,     sharp as a double-edged sword. 5 Her feet go down to death;     her steps lead straight to the grave. 6 She gives no thought to the way of life;     her paths wander aimlessly, but she does not know it.7 Now then, my sons, listen to me;     do not turn aside from what I say. 8 Keep to a path far from her,     do not go near the door of her house, 9 lest you lose your honor to others      and your dignity to one who is cruel, 10 lest strangers feast on your wealth      and your toil enrich the house of another.ReflectionsWritten by Vincent ChanIs there a more destructive way to completely ruin a relationship than adultery? Sadly, for anyone who has been affected by adultery (children, spouses, family, friends, churches…), they know all too well the pain and heartache it brings. It tears a huge hole into the very heart of a relationship. Trust disappears, lives are shattered and often the damage can seem irreparable. I remember talking to a man whose son-in-law had committed adultery many years ago and you could still feel the anger in his voice as he spoke about it. It’s hard to imagine any man or any woman on their wedding day saying to themselves: One day I will commit adultery and it will be a good thing.That’s why today’s Proverb is so startling. Sin is personified as an adulterous woman. That is, only incredible devastation can follow the path of sin. To say yes to sin is to head down the road where honour and dignity is lost (vs. 9), it is the path of death (vs. 5) and can only end in bitterness (vs. 4). Given the consequences, why would anyone even contemplate listening to sin?But that’s the thing isn’t it – sin is attractive! Here, her lips drip with sweet honey and her speech feels like the smoothest of oil (vs. 3). That is, for all the destruction that it will bring, sin always feels tempting. It promises us satisfaction and pleasure. Didn’t Adam and Even believe this very lie? Today’s Proverb urges us – no more than that – it cries out to us: “Do not turn your ear towards the seductive voice of sin, but instead listen to the lifegiving voice of Jesus!” Sin promises everything and yet in the end only gives destruction. But Jesus says that to listen to him is to know and receive life to the full. I often find myself reflecting on how good it is that our Lord Jesus speaks to give us life and not death!On a very practical note, I think God is calling for us here to examine our hearts. Are there any lies that we’ve started to believe in? Are there any half-truths we’ve given oxygen to that we need to shut down? If so, brothers and sisters, let’s entertain them no longer, for they can only lead to ruin. Let’s run to our Saviour always and bring these things before our Father.About the AuthorVinno is an Assistant Minister with our Fairfield congregations.

3 Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck,     write them on the tablet of your heart. 4 Then you will win favor and a good name      in the sight of God and man.5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart     and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways submit to him,     and he will make your paths straight.7 Do not be wise in your own eyes;     fear the Lord and shun evil. 8 This will bring health to your body     and nourishment to your bones.9 Honor the Lord with your wealth,     with the firstfruits of all your crops; 10 then your barns will be filled to overflowing,     and your vats will brim over with new wine.ReflectionsWritten by Gus CameronI doubt anyone would deny the value of love and faithfulness (verses 3-4) and how important they are to our relationships with each other and with God – except, perhaps, the most stubborn atheist. But then how sad it is that these wonderful qualities are so quickly forgotten. Love, which is all about putting someone else before myself, is so often replaced with selfishness: “I want”, “I need”, “my rights”. And instead of faithfulness, which is the commitment to do what I promised, we see people freely changing their mind without a care for the consequence or hurt caused to others.What is it that leads us away from love and faithfulness? Usually there’s some kind of fear of missing out on something else that’s come along, or the fear of having to work through a difficulty or challenge. And yet when we are faced with a situation where we must decide whether or not to continue in love and faithfulness, we are remined that we should trust God and live his way because he really does know best, and he promises to look after those who listen to him (verses 5-10).Of course, in Christ Jesus’ death we see both the depth of God’s love for us and his unending faithfulness in keeping his promises. Living each day in love and faithfulness might be hard and costly at times, but never forget God’s promise to look after us now, and the even greater promise of our eternal home with him.About the AuthorGus is an Assistant Minister with our Fairfield congregations and is thankful for the longer evenings and warmer weather of spring.

8 Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction     and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. 9 They are a garland to grace your head     and a chain to adorn your neck.10 My son, if sinful men entice you,     do not give in to them. 11 If they say, “Come along with us;     let’s lie in wait for innocent blood,     let’s ambush some harmless soul; 12 let’s swallow them alive, like the grave,     and whole, like those who go down to the pit; 13 we will get all sorts of valuable things     and fill our houses with plunder; 14 cast lots with us;     we will all share the loot”— 15 my son, do not go along with them,     do not set foot on their paths; 16 for their feet rush into evil,     they are swift to shed blood. 17 How useless to spread a net     where every bird can see it! 18 These men lie in wait for their own blood;     they ambush only themselves! 19 Such are the paths of all who go after ill-gotten gain;     it takes away the life of those who get it.REFLECTIONSWritten by James DavidsonVerses 8 and 9 remind us that the foundational channel for transmitting wisdom is from parent to child. If your parents taught you godly wisdom, thank God for them. If you are a parent, make the most of every opportunity to impart God’s wisdom to your children. It’s the one thing that can make them beautiful on the inside, the place where beauty really counts and lasts.Verses 10 to 19 warn us against the danger of giving in to godless peer group pressure, which people of all ages are susceptible to. The benefits seem enormous (v13,14), our ‘friends’ can sound very persuasive, but the actual result is self-destruction (v18,19). If we follow along with the godless, the end result will be eternal judgement. Jesus said, ‘What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?’ (Mark 8:34) Here’s good question to ask ourselves: Am I allowing a godless person to influence me in some aspect of my life?Also notice that Jesus was the victim of just the sort of ambush described in this passage (v11,12; Mark 14:43-50). Thank God that he was willing to suffer in that way so we could be forgiven.Prayer: Our Father, give us the strength to resist those who would lead us into sin.ABOUT THE AUTHORJames is an Assistant Minister with our Bossley Park congregation and loves going bush and spending time with his children and grandchildren.

1 The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:2 for gaining wisdom and instruction; for understanding words of insight; 3 for receiving instruction in prudent behavior, doing what is right and just and fair; 4 for giving prudence to those who are simple, knowledge and discretion to the young— 5 let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance— 6 for understanding proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise.7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.ReflectionsWritten by Stephen SheadToday we are starting a few weeks of short excerpts from the book of Proverbs. Proverbs is a training course for “gaining wisdom and instruction” (v2). Those who are simple and young will learn so much from this training course (v4) – but none of us are so wise that we’ve got it all covered (v5)!But what is wisdom? I found verse 3 very helpful: this crash-course in wisdom is about “prudent behaviour” and “doing what is right and just and fair”. This isn’t just about knowledge or being smart; it’s about actions and choices. I saw an episode from a kids’ Bible program which described the difference between being smart and being wise with a story about an alligator keeper at the zoo. This alligator keeper amazes visitors with how much he knows about alligators – he’s very smart. But then he sticks his hand through the bars and tries to pat one of the alligators (crunch!) – he’s not very wise.Proverbs is about the importance of learning to make good choices and decisions in life. It’s so good to know that the kind of wisdom that really matters has nothing to do with getting good marks or getting degrees. It’s about learning to tackle practical, everyday situations well.The final verse tells us the most basic ingredient for learning to live wisely: “the fear of the Lord” (v7). That doesn’t mean being terrified of God. It means living in humble, worshipful submission to God – because he is the Lord, and we are his creatures.All of this makes sense when we think about the gospel as well. True wisdom is believing in the crucified Saviour – a message which is foolishness to the world. It doesn’t take intelligence to believe in Christ. “But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise” (1 Corinthians 1:18 & 27). And the most basic ingredient for this true wisdom is to gladly submit to Jesus as Lord. That’s learning “the fear of the Lord.”I’m really looking forward to letting God’s Word show me how my day to day decisions can glorify him!About the AuthorStephen is our senior minister, and has recently discovered that ripping up an old deck is great therapy.