Day One

Proverbs 1:8-9 (Dissected and Defined):
My son, hear the instruction (information given) of thy father, and forsake not the law (boundaries) of thy mother: For they shall be an ornament (something which, when added to another, renders it more beautiful to the eye) of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck.

Daily Devo Paraphrase:According to these verses, instruction and law are an ornament.  An ornament is something added to render it more beautiful.

The ornaments of instruction and law will never produce Life.  Though every one of us needs to glean information and set boundaries, they are not a substitute for the Spirit’s work.  He teaches that unless they adorn grace (that is God’s work on our behalf), they are Powerless—that is the Hidden Life!  However, when one lives the Hidden Life that God initiates within, following instruction and remaining in obedience to His law is then adorned to that life, making it even more attractive.
You see, instruction and law compliment the Hidden Life.  They cannot substitute, nor can they produce Life within.  Rather, they become an accent to the Hidden Life within.

These verses compare them to a headpiece and chains that lie upon the neck.  It is referring to a crown and necklace.  To see a crown or necklace in a showcase is beautiful...but yet, it is lifeless.  However, when they “rest” upon the Queen (grace), it is breathtaking to all who behold them!

Solomon is warning his son and all who will follow his advise to his son to remember the value of information gained and to obey his mother’s boundaries!  But, if they don’t adorn grace, they are lifeless.  Why?  Because they accept knowledge and obedience, but reject the work of God.
When adorned upon a Spirit-filled life, instruction and law become an ornament of grace, and then God will complete His work!

This ensemble will become jewelry that points to the Life within.  The ability to place the jewelry of obedience and education onto God’s body of work?  Priceless!
This kind of jewelry is what I call a real Hidden Treasure!