Which voice do you answer when called?


Proverbs 1:24--Here we are back at Proverbs 1. Why study Proverbs everyday, over and over again? I don't know about you, but I need the constant reminders. But even more than that I love the deeper insights that only happen with repetition.

It's also part of living the Bible. It's part of learning how to be wise. It's part of honing our discernment and cleaning out our spiritual ears to better listen for GOD's direction . . . and warnings.

This all reminds me of the story of Balaam. You might remember the clairvoyant-for-hire and his talking donkey (Numbers 22-24).


On the surface, it can seem like a fairy tale with a happy ending. Balaam turns down the Moabite king Balak's handsome sum to curse Israel, and instead he blesses Israel. All because the psychic listens to his donkey.

The reality, Balaam listened to many voices, not just GOD's. He was a medium. He wasn't even surprised that his donkey spoke. The guy was into all sorts of things. He didn't even respect the might of GOD, knowing all the miracles He had performed on behalf of Israel.

In Numbers chapters 22 through 24, it appears Balaam learned his lesson in the end. He pronounced one of the most picturesque blessing recorded in the Bible. The Moabite king went away with his "tail between his legs." Or did he?

In the very next chapter (25), "someone" instructs the Moabite women to infiltrate Israel's camp. In short order, even Jewish leaders succumb to the seduction and participate in all sorts of pagan rituals. As a result GOD destroys many of the people--Jews and Moabites--in a plague and by the sword.

The Lord curses Moab and her people.

Who was the "someone?" Balaam. “...You have some there who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who was teaching Balak to put a stumbling block before Bnei-Yisrael, to eat food sacrificed to idols and to commit sexual immorality." Revelation 2:14.

So, why did I go here in this blog? 

Staying in GOD's word daily strengthens us in our ability to not only recognize His Voice, but to respect Him in holy fear and awe. He is the only GOD. He is the only One we serve.

There are many voices out there that can distract us when He calls. Keep us so occupied we don't pay attention to His redemptive outstretched arm. To pay attention to His warning when there is serious danger ahead.

Let's not follow Balaam's journey, but follow the path of GOD's wisdom.

May we come when we're called, my friends.

Proverbs 1:24--Because you refused when I called, and did not pay attention when I stretched out my hand... Tree of Life Bible Society Tree of Life Version - TLV #tlvbible #tlvproverbs

[WATCH MONDAY through FRIDAY LIVE at 8:30EST, Tree of Life Bible Society's CEO, Daniah Greenberg and me, Terri Gillespie dig a little deeper with the book of Proverbs. Watch previous episodes there as well. Stay wise, my friends!]

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