Day 33: Proverbs 2:1-5

My son, if you accept my words
and store up my commands within you,
turning your ear to wisdom
and applying your heart to understanding—
indeed, if you call out for insight
and cry aloud for understanding,
and if you look for it as for silver
and search for it as for hidden treasure,
then you will understand the fear of the Lord
and find the knowledge of God.

This passage speaks of the benefits of wisdom. Wisdom is defined as the “ability to judge correctly and to follow the best course of action, based on knowledge and understanding.” Knowledge is defined as “information gained through experience, reasoning or acquaintance.” A person can have knowledge without wisdom; but one cannot have wisdom without knowledge.

You have knowledge that a red light means stop, and wisdom acts promptly upon that knowledge and applies the brakes. God wants us as Christians to have Biblical knowledge and wisdom. Both are recurring themes in the Bible; and the verses in Proverbs 2:1-5 speak of both. Here are some thoughts on wisdom, with the help of an acrostic.

W -    Walk a path through God’s Word daily.

I -      Inhale the breath of the Holy Spirit as he alerts you to new truth that will enlighten you.

S -      Seek an understanding through further scriptural study of what that truth means.

D -     Discuss with your Father God through conversational prayer how these new revelations might further impact your life.

O -     Open yourself to those changes or affirmations that are sure to be forthcoming.

M -     Meditate in quiet solitude as you are refreshed by the newly discovered knowledge and reverential fear of the Lord as it pours forth over you.

Wisdom teachings follow from the two great themes of the 10 commandments (Exodus 20:1-17) and the greatest command of Jesus (Matthew 22:37-39). The path of wisdom brings us into harmony with God because we are following his will. It brings us into harmony with others because respect for others is the basis of the Commandments. Finally, we experience harmony within, which gives us a sense of self-worth and inner peace. Our reward for acting with wisdom has eternal benefits!  

Terry Ayers | Pastoral Care Pastor