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.)
We close our consideration of Proverbs 1:26-33 today. Verse 31 speaks of “the fruit of their own way,” a poetical means of speaking of the consequences of actions. “Filled carries the idea of having overeaten and suffering from surfeit; being “filled with their own devices” points to the sad end of selfish scheming. What is true of gustatory gusto is also true in the spiritual realm, and verse 32 makes it clear that the consequences of unwise behavior are primarily spiritual and eternal (note especially “slay” and “destroy”). The wicked may possess some complacent “prosperity” now, but it is temporary (see Psalm 73 for a fuller exposition of this truth). Verse 33 begins with that blessed conjunction of contrast – “but.” When reading Scripture, always look on either side of “but” and choose the right one. If we obey (hearkeneth”), we move into a different place, a place of settled security, free from the fear of danger, dismay, and dread. God always provides a clear path to His way, the best way for us. His wisdom is absolute, and He communicates it to us. May each one of us rest in His gracious counsel.