At the heart of the Book of Proverbs lies the way to obtain wisdom – which first comes by “the fear of the LORD.” The Book is replete with advice for the good conduct of one’s life. The author(s) bring in the demarcation between the way of the godly and the way of the wicked.

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The chapter brings in a contrast between two personifications- Wisdom and Folly. The contrast is very clear for the reader to make a choice between wisdom and folly. Folly is described as being simple and knowing nothing (Pro 9:13)- driving the meaning- ignorant and prone to evil. To such people the advice is given: "Leave your simple ways … walk in the way of understanding.”

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The path to wisdom/understanding is stated in Pro 9:10: "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” Without knowing your Creator, the Living GOD of the Universe, no matter how hard you try, you cannot find real wisdom and understanding to direct your course of life. He is the Source of all Wisdom. It would be foolishness to go after the ways and wisdom of the world in pursuit of becoming a wise man without knowing Christ. People who live in the futility of their thinking have their understanding darkened, a life separated from God and living in ignorance (Eph.4:18).

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Understanding comes from the knowledge of God and His ways. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths.” Most often we think we can direct our lives by the wisdom of this world and the advice  from well wishers. But seeking God and His counsel especially through His Word will do us good. In applying understanding to our heart by trusting the Lord, we can be sure that we are on the right course as we learn to acknowledge Him.

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Christ is the Wisdom of God (1Corinthians 1:24), and in knowing Him we sure can become wise. As Paul wrote to the Colossians, he desired that they have "the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" (Col.2:2-3). Where can one find the best of wisdom than knowing Christ who is the epitome of all wisdom? Acknowledge Him as your Saviour and Lord and let Him have the reins of your life!

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Prov.9:6 NIV says: “Leave your simple ways and you will live; walk in the way of insight.” Let the simple and the ignorant who have been following their own ways or going after “folly”, leave their ways and find the way of wisdom which is in Christ. In Him are all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge! Find life in pursing His way! Draw from His treasure of wisdom and knowledge!

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Thought for the Day:

People only have true understanding (wisdom) when they look at everything from God's perspective. Authentic wisdom begins when we understand that God is to be the object of our devotion, our adoration, and our reverence (Psalm 111:6).

-R.C. Sproul

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Listen: ‘Trust in the Lord’