Solomon who is the writer of Proverbs, tried to warn his sons not to go down the path he had gone down himself. Solomon had a thousand wives, so we can imagine that he knew a lot about women. His advice to keep away from the wrong areas was genuine.
Notice that Father God will reward those who are obedient in this. How do you suppose He does that? In verse 8 of this chapter, just before we get into the actual words of the prayer, Jesus tells us that our Father God knows what we need before we ask.
All doors do is swing on their hinges. A closed door can protect us from bad weather, help to keep our space warm. A locked door will keep the evil people out and protect those on the inside. Sometimes a closed door gives us privacy, and keeps spying eyes away.
The letter of James is full of good advice. Often things that we do not want to hear because they prick our conscience! He must have been very frustrated with the behaviour of some of the christians he met, and irritated with the leaders of the new churches he visited.
Paul spent a lot of time in Ephesus after arriving there from Corinth. On his first visit he found several believers, who seemed to know the gospel. But they had no knowledge of the Holy Spirit or His gifts. Paul saw that as his door of opportunity.
God wants to be a Father to us; a good Father who gives good things to His children. Whatever we want or need, He is ready to co-operate. But in His wisdom He only gives us what we can cope with at this stage of our lives, whatever that is.
God knows the thoughts of our hearts, and wants us to live as though we are constantly in His view, not the view of others. Others do not need to know how much time we spend in prayer, or what we pray. Both are important to God and He knows.
When we choose bridesmaids in this 21st century we choose good friends or family, those we love and want to help us celebrate that special day. It will be no different for Jesus. He will come to take with Him those He loves and those He knows love Him.
The situation in Sodom went from bad to worse. Lot went out and closed the door, but failed in persuading the crowd to leave, even after offering his virgin daughters to them. After much discussion and rioting, the angels opened the door, dragged Lot inside and shut the door again!
When Abraham bought a field with a cave in order to bury Sarah, the deal was settled at the gate of the city. Job had a seat at the gate of the city. And in the story of Esther we read of things happening at the gate of the king.
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