One of the great needs in the Christian community today is for the kind of godly character, which the Book of Proverbs commends and helps us develop. The key verse reveals that wisdom is directly provided out of the mouth of God Himself. Job 12:12-13 says: “With God are wisdom and might; he has counsel and understanding.” God is the true source of sound wisdom; with Him lies counsel and understanding of a far different kind than what the world provides.  The Bible warns us about worldly wisdom and points to godly wisdom in James 3:15-17 “This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, and demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.”  

God is always willing to give wisdom to those who ask Him for it (James 1:5). But for one to be a recipient of His guidance is to have a right heart attitude for Prov.2: 7 states He stores up sound wisdom for the upright.  The first 4 verses of today’s reading instruct us to ask, seek after wisdom by searching it out, incline our hearts to understand and treasure them within. The outcome?— We will be able to discern “…the fear of the Lord” (Vs 5)- and one fruit of this wisdom is humility (Prov.15:33) and it leads to an increase in the knowledge of God.  There is a sure security in the pursuit of godly wisdom by a life devoted to God (Vs. 7-12).

Now, what is the purpose of this kind of pursuit? To find and remain on the path of righteousness so that we won’t be enticed by evil men or evil ways (Vs 13-19). We face multiple situations in life that lead us to many crossroads of choice. This is the point where we are to stop and search for His voice. Jeremiah 6:16: ‘This is what the Lord says: “Stop at the crossroads and look around.  Ask for the ancient paths, and walk in it. Travel its path, and you will find rest for your souls.”’  The outcome of our choices made within the boundaries of godly wisdom produces peace.

Now look at the clear warning about heeding one’s own counsel. Proverbs 3:7: “Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.”  Prov. 12:15 “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.”  To make certain choices without consulting the Lord or those that the Lord has placed in position of godly authority over us can brew trouble for us. This is clearly illustrated in 1 Chronicles 10:13 “So Saul died for his unfaithfulness which he had committed against the LORD, because he did not keep the word of the LORD, and also because he consulted a medium for guidance.” We need to be open to receive counsel from the Lord and consider advice from godly men and women which is a mark of humility as it admits that we are unsure and also need help when in the wrong.

Finally, what is the goal of our lives?- To live and finish well. “For the upright will live in the land and the blameless will remain in it.” (Vs21)  Looking back on our lives, we should be able to say we have had many good years in the Lord. Looking ahead let us pray “So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.”(Psalm 90:12) and let us look carefully how we walk “not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time,….. understand what the Lord wants you to do.” (Eph.5:15-17)

Think On It:

“Who is wise and understanding among you?

let him show by his good life his works in meekness

of wisdom.”

-James 3:13 [ASV]