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.)
As strong and truthful as our words may be, they possess an inherent weakness: they cannot compel a right response. Good words may or may not be heard and heeded. Proverbs 29:19 confirms, “A servant will not be corrected by words: for though he understand he will not answer.” The picture is of an individual who is surly of heart and stubborn of head. Proverbs 17:10 provides a clear contrast between the wise and the unwise: “A reproof entereth more into a wise man than an hundred stripes into a fool.” The ungodly are not interested in appropriate admonition that can aid them, but they are eager for evil enunciations; Proverbs 17:4 warns, “A wicked doer giveth heed to false lips; and a liar giveth ear to a naughty tongue.” Yes, we are often frustrated that people whom we love will not listen to us yet will quickly accept that which is “false” and “naughty [destructive].” Still, the Word is clear that good words are pleasing to God, right for God’s people, and life-changing to those who will finally listen. We have ample reasons to continue in communicating with contumacious kith and kin.