WISDOM'S JOURNEY: How does the Holy Spirit use Provoking Words? Proverbs 17:16

What are "provoking" words?



TODAY'S PROVERB: Of what use is money in the hand of a fool since he has no intention of acquiring wisdom? Proverbs 17:16

There's a process of meditating on the Bible that I loosely call the "Provoke Method." I read a novel where the characters used this method. Over the years, I've always known it as "When Something Causes a Really Strong Emotion Method." I like their name better.

Essentially, the method employs reading a verse or section of Scripture several times--they recommend reading out loud, but I don't--all the while paying attention to words or phrases that "provoke" us. These are the words or phrases that tug at strong emotions.

The wonder of that provocation or emotion is that it's the Holy Spirit touching us--directing us to something deeper. Deeper inside us that might need some looking at with Him.

If we choose to ignore that prompting, we're really no different than the fool who has wealth in their hand, and no intention of pursuing where our Heavenly Father is leading us.

What could the Provoke Method look like for us practically?

For me, with today's Proverb, I kept coming back to this verse. But, I honestly couldn't see the connection or what the Holy Spirit was trying to show me.

Full disclosure here: sometimes I'll pray for guidance, but sometimes--as it was this morning--it was, "I don't get why I'm feeling this one. How does this apply to me?"

I stepped away and in the middle of cleaning, I got it: When I ignore that provoking to dig deeper, I'm no less foolish than the fool. Ah!

So, then I grab my handy dandy journal and begin writing.

As I wrote, I wondered if you all had heard of the "Provoke Method" and then thought, maybe it will be a blessing to you as well.

Then, because I love you all, I transpose this onto today's blog so I can get your feedback, too.

After over 15 years of reading the same passages each day, knowing that the Holy Spirit is there waiting to take me deeper is really pretty exciting, don't you think?

Anything that draws me closer to Daddy, I'm game? How about you?

May I notice the provoking words, my friends.

Proverbs 17:16, Tree of Life Bible Society, Tree of Life Version - TLV, #tlvbible #tlvproverbs

[WATCH Tree of Life Bible Society's CEO, Daniah Greenberg and me, Terri Gillespie, Author dig a little deeper with this proverb. Check us out at Tree of Life Bible Society, Monday through Friday, LIVE at 8:30am EST. Watch previous episodes there as well. Stay wise, my friends!]

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