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GROWING IN GODLY WISDOM
Tuesday, 3 December 2019
Ecclesiastes 7 : 1-29
…But the excellence of knowledge is that wisdom gives life to those who have it. -Ecclesiastes 7:12
The Book of Ecclesiastes was written by Solomon, the king of Israel as he reflected upon his past. In spite of being blessed with divine wisdom and knowledge (2 Chronicles 1:7-12) he failed to walk in godly wisdom. Ecclesiastes is a collection of thoughts from Solomon’s personal experience that shows the futility of a life without God.
Wisdom and wealth are both beneficial but in the key verse Solomon states wisdom as being more valuable than riches as it protects our life. While Solomon talks of knowledge and understanding that safeguards and preserves life in this world, there is a deeper meaning to be considered. Worldly intelligence can give us a healthy and secure life but what happens when we leave this earth is of more importance as this is where we will be eternally? Unless we come to the knowledge of the saving grace of Jesus Christ, we will be lost for all eternity!
Godly wisdom helps us to recognize and accept that without our Creator God, we perish. Godly wisdom leads to spiritual life. “For whoever finds me (Wisdom) finds life and obtains favor and grace from the Lord.” (Proverbs 8:35)
Like Job, people inquire, “But where can wisdom be found? And where is the place of understanding?” (Job 28:12). Solomon answers in Proverbs 2:6 “For the Lord gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding.” If any of you lacks wisdom, ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. (James 1:5)
The result for someone who truly seeks and receives divine wisdom is inner transformation. The [reverent] fear of the Lord [that is, worshiping Him and regarding Him as truly awesome] is the beginning and the preeminent part of knowledge [its starting point and its essence]. (Proverbs 1:7) Divine wisdom enables us to realize our inability and unworthiness before the holiness and righteousness of God. This revelation changes our ignorance to reverential fear and worship of an awesome God, who gave His all to reinstate and rescue our life from damnation. Paul reminds us that the Holy Scripture taught to us from childhood gives us the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. (2 Timothy 3:15)
How can we grow in godly wisdom? We grow in godly wisdom, by spending quality time in the Lord’s presence, like meditating on His Word, following the counsel of the Holy Spirit through obedience. The Bible is God’s Word of instruction for our daily walk with Him. "Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path." (Psalm 119:105) Daily meditation of it will strengthen us in moments of sorrow, guide us in periods of uncertainty and build us up in times of trials and testing. Further, the Holy Spirit will guide us in all wisdom - "The spirit of wisdom and understanding, The spirit of counsel and strength, The spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD" (Isaiah 11:2). No matter how great the trail we may be facing, God’s Word and His Spirit will provide us the divine wisdom and assurance we need to overcome difficult times.
When we grow in godly wisdom, our very lives will bear evidence of it. “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” (James 3:17) Divine wisdom transforms us into considerate and gentle people, humble before God and compassionate and loving towards others. Oh! How blessed are the brethren who walk in divine wisdom!
Let us desire to grow in godly wisdom that leads in a closer walk with the Lord and loving fellowship with our brethren.
Prayer:
"I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.”
(Eph.1:17)
Listen- 'We choose the fear of the Lord’
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