John Newton -the song writer of one of the greatest hymns in history, ‘Amazing Grace,’ has this epitaph, "John Newton, Clerk, once an infidel and libertine, a servant of slaves in Africa, was, by the rich mercy of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, preserved, restored, pardoned, and appointed to preach the faith he had long labored to destroy."* History records the story of this man who “once was lost” in the maze of foolish ways, “was blind” of his sinful ways but later “found” by God  leading him to walk in the way of understanding and became a preacher of the gospel!

Wisdom and Folly are personified in our reading today, each trying to lure people, invite them to enjoy their hospitality. But the outcome of each is also seen: LIFE for those who choose wisdom (Pro 9:11) and Death, the end of those who choose folly (Pro 9:18). It just points to one thing- the CHOICE one makes in life!

To choose the way of wisdom one needs to keenly understand Pro 9:10: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”

 

• The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: We find ourselves living in a world where the fear of the Lord is diminishing day by day. That an All- Knowing and All- Powerful God knows our every thought, watches our every action is most often forgotten by those who walk into sin, do things detestable in God’s sight. They do not think of a Day when every man will be judged by God! Romans 14:12 says, “So then each of us shall give account of himself to God.” If only we would live our lives in reverential fear of God, we would learn wisdom to guide our steps each day!
   

• The knowledge of the Holy One is understanding: To walk in the way of understanding is first to know GOD! 1 Cor.1:20 says, “…Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?” To those who seek after other gods, other means, philosophies to understand life are far from the prescribed way God has made to know Him: “Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God!” (1Cor.1:24).  In Christ “… lie hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”(Col.2:3). Knowing Christ in an intimate and personal way is the key to understanding! 

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To those of us who have strayed away in the path of the folly, being “worldly wise” or thinking “My way is highway!” its time to reconsider your ways and TURN to God and His prescribed way in Christ! If we confess our foolish ways and surrender our lives as Newton did, GOD can change us inside out! In accepting Christ is the first step to walk in the Way of Life eternal. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” 

You will become the owner of a transformed life energized to walk in His wise ways and your life “purpose-driven!” Let the Creator who designed your life for a purpose while sending you to earth have the reigns of your life and you will see yourself “custom-made” to suit His design as you willfully surrender each day to see His plan unfold!
My friend, heed the call of Wisdom!

Thought for the Day:

“People who accept discipline are on the pathway to life,

but those who ignore correction will

go astray.” Prov.10:17[NLT]

Listen - 'We choose the fear of the Lord'