There is no greater need in the Christian community today than for the kind of godly character, which the Book of Proverbs extols and helps us develop. The key verse above reveals 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.” He is the true source of sound wisdom. With our creator 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.”  

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James 1:5 says:“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”  The criteria to be a recipient of His guidance is to have a right heart attitude for V7 states He stores up sound wisdom for the upright.  The first 4 verses of today’s reading instruct us to ask, seek after it by searching it out, incline our hearts to understand and when found, cherish it within us as precious treasure. The outcome?— We will be able to discern “…the fear of the Lord” (Vs 5)- and one of the fruit of this wisdom is humility (Prov.15:33) and it leads to an increase in the knowledge of God.  

There is a sure unseen security in the pursuit of godly wisdom by a life devoted to God (Vs. 7-12).

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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 wall of godly wisdom produces peace.

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Now let us look at the clear warning about heeding our own counsel. Proverbs 3:7: “Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.”  Proverbs 12:15 “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.”  It is considered an evil thing to make certain choices without actually consulting the Lord or those that the Lord has placed in position of godly authority over us. This is clearly illustrated in 1 Chronicles 10:13 So Saul died for his sin against the Lord, because he did not keep the Word of the Lord. He had asked a woman who spoke with spirits what he should do. To be open to receiving and considering advice is a mark of humility as it requires one to admit that they are unsure or need help even to admit that they are wrong.

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Finally, what is the goal of our lives?- To have a good end and to finish well. “For the upright will live in the land and the blameless will remain in it.”(Vs21)  Looking back on our lives, let us say “we have had a lot of good years in the Lord.” As we look ahead, let us pray “So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.”(Ps.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)

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Thought For The Day- “Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? Let him show his works out of good conduct and with the meekness of wisdom.”(James 3:13 )