Putting the I into WISDOM
The Christians who have most influenced me for good have had a fully functional familiarity with the book of Proverbs. They were (and are) able to take their considerable knowledge and apply it to their lives, providing both godly examples and godly advice. Join with me as each of us endeavors to put the I into WISDOM. Let us seek to exemplify God’s wisdom in our daily lives. (I will be using this opening paragraph for each of the brief messages in this series. The following material will change daily.)
It used to be proverbial that honesty is the best policy. This truth has been discarded by our postmodernist culture, but it is wise to follow God’s way rather than the world’s. The Word of God promotes honest behavior, including honest speech. Proverbs 16:13 says, “Righteous [honest] lips are the delight of kings; and they love him that speaketh right.” While many people like “yes men,” any thoughtful individual recognizes that mutual trust is a key ingredient in good relationships, including between leaders and advisors and between leaders and citizens or workers. This principle applies to personal relationships, as well. Proverbs 24:26 states, “Every man shall kiss his lips that giveth a right [honest] answer.” Just as a kiss is a symbol of togetherness and agreement between a couple, so an honest answer draws people closer. Of course, not everyone will appreciate straightforward words, and we should be careful not to be unduly blunt (“Yes, dear, that dress does make you look like the Goodyear blimp – but, I hasten to add, I’ve always found blimps to be intriguing…”). Honest words should be appreciated, though. Think of the words of Jesus in Matthew 18:3: “Verily I say unto you, except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.” What? I’m not good enough the way I am? I’m grown, but I have to be trusting like a child? I’m not just going to stroll into heaven? No one wants to be told that he is a sinner, but each one of us needs to hear the honest words of Jesus and trust Him for eternal salvation. May our words be likewise distinctively honest.