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 one 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.)
Proverbs 1:1-7 tells us that there is one true foundation for wisdom – “the fear of the Lord” (verse 7). We will consider that fundamental point in the next two days. Today, let us acknowledge that whereas there is one “beginning” place for wisdom, there are many aspects of it. Solomon uses a variety of words in verses 2-6 to communicate this thought. Verse 2 uses “instruction,” a word that implies training and discipline. In other words, acquiring wisdom is not easy and requires focus and intensity, akin to the “temperance” (self-control) of Galatians 5:23. “Understanding” (also in verse 2) means insight and also necessitates effort. In verse 3, “wisdom” is not the same Hebrew word found in the previous verse. It means to act carefully and circumspectly, specifically in the areas of righteousness (“justice”), propriety (judgment”), and fairness (“equity”). Verse 4 employs “subtilty” or shrewdness. Jesus spoke similarly in Matthew 10:16: “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.” This aspect of wisdom is particularly difficult for Christians, for we are often inexperienced or naive regarding the ways of this wicked world. Our gullibility is no excuse, though, for Jesus will never give us a command that is not good for us or that we cannot keep. Verse 5 speaks of “discretion,” which is closely related to “subtilty” and involves the choice of the best option. “Learning” (verse 5) is much like “knowledge” (verse 4); both involve an informed mind. All of these aspects of wisdom are essential. It is a formidable list, and we may be daunted by it. Yet, this well-rounded wisdom is exactly what the world lacks and what is available to us. Work is required, but the positive outcome is assured.