The Priority and Passion of the Pursuit

God has always wanted us to enjoy his creation, to benefit from it, and even to need it. Food, wine, money, sex and relationships are all part of God's created order, designed to sustain and bring pleasure to man. These same things are mentioned throughout Proverbs as things that can destroy us if they become the driving focus and pursuit of our life. "Do not crave his delicacies..." (23:3). Do not wear yourself out to get rich..." (23:4). "Do not move an ancient boundary stone" (23:10). These stones were property markers indicating boundary lines. "Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat..." (23:20). "Do not let your heart envy sinners..." (23:17).

You will notice in all of these statements that it is not the thing pursued that is dangerous or sinful, but the priority and passion of the pursuit. They are given to high of a value and thus are pursued wrongly and to excess. Wisdom teaches us to have a value system (heart) that pursues God's priorities and passions. It is a life that is zealous for the fear of the Lord (23:17). It is a heart that applies itself to instruction and listens to words of knowledge (23:12). Revelation of God and a relationship with God guide the pursuits and passions of our heart. Wisdom gives us an appetite and taste buds for godly passions and pursuits.

Think about your day thus far. What was on your mind when you woke up? Have you talked to God and listened for his voice? What goals and plans do you have for the day? Do they include God? Better yet, are they guided and dictated by God? When you eat, work, drink, play, is it done for God and in his way? Passionately pursue God and surely there will be "a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off" (23:18).