Looking for Wisdom? 31 Days of Proverbs

Bible

I don’t particularly like resolutions.

So rather than set myself up by calling it that, I am just reaffirming my need for wisdom.

In doing so, I want to look deeper into the book of Proverbs, a book of the Bible that was written to show us what wisdom looks like.  Whether you are starting a new month or a new year, a new job or a new season of life, God’s Word will always be your best resource.

There are thirty-one chapters in the book of Proverbs, one for each day of the month.

Proverbs 1 begins by telling us who penned these words– “Solomon, son of David, king of Israel”.

What was the intention of his writing? Verses 2-6:

“For gaining wisdom and being instructed; for insightful sayings; for receiving wise instruction in righteousness, justice, and integrity; for teaching shrewdness to the inexperienced, knowledge and discretion to a young man–a wise man will listen and increase his learning, and a discerning man will obtain guidance–for understanding a proverb or a parable, the words of the wise, and their riddles.” 

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge…” (v. 7)

Are you looking for wisdom?

How could anyone know what is right and what is wrong in a world that says everything is relative and that there are no absolutes? What parent is not looking for wisdom to raise that defiant toddler or wayward teen?  What spouse would not want wisdom and discernment for their marriage?  Who would dare face an unknown future with his own limited abilities or knowledge?

“Wisdom calls out in the street; she raises her voice in the public squares.  She cries out above the commotion; she speaks at the entrance of the city gates; ‘How long, foolish ones, will you love ignorance? How long will you mockers enjoy mocking and you fools hate knowledge?’” v. 20-22

WISDOM:  Knowledge of what is true or right coupled with just judgment as to action; sagacity, discernment, or insight. [dictionary.com]

For the believer, wisdom has a more specific definition.  You can gain wisdom from experience, yes.  You can trust authority or law to determine what is just or right (even though the culture is constantly changing, and because of that, the definition is never concrete.)  It is fair to say that discernment is relative to the owner, and insight can vary depending on the person and circumstance.  Wisdom, on the other hand, is concrete.

So how do we know what true wisdom is and how we can have it?

“Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God—who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly—and it will be given to him.”  James 1:5

For the skeptic, wisdom is self-defined.  For the believer, it is God-inspired.

True wisdom is seeing life through the lens of faith.

Wisdom sees the world (and your very existence) the way God sees it.  Understanding comes through knowledge.  Knowledge comes through revelation.  When we read God’s word, He reveals truth to us.  Even the most uneducated can understand and recognize truth.

The culture around us may be in a constant metamorphosis, but the truth in God’s word never changes!

“All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”  2 Timothy 3:16-17

Don’t you see?  Wisdom remains the same.  Recognizing that there is a standard of truth gives us a firm foundation to build on.  Shifting sand will always cause collapse.

Concrete values that are built on truth from the Bible will give you foundation that will stand the storms of life.

There are no guarantees in this life.  We are not promised one more day or one more year, but we have a promise from God that this life is only a prerequisite to eternity.

Won’t you place your FAITH in Him today and trust Him for all your tomorrows?

I’m choosing to start the year looking to God’s Word for wisdom.  You can join me on this journey by opening your Bible right now.  Read one chapter from Proverbs every day and expect God to give you insight.  Look for ways that He is speaking directly to you–and choose to walk a wise path by obeying what He reveals to you.  Instead of making a resolution, let this be an affirmation. Reaffirm your commitment to growing in wisdom.  Let God’s truth change how you see life–through the lens of Scripture.