A word fitly spoken is like APPLES OF GOLD in a setting of silver (Proverbs 25v11)
Last week we concluded our study in the Book of Ephesians on how we should live as Christians. In a world of self- and celebrity-worship, it was fitting that the last instruction brought before us was to live wisely. Today and for the next few weeks I want to expand on this by focusing on the Book of Proverbs which is all about the need for wisdom and how to obtain it. From chapter 22v17 to chapter 24v22 there are 30 sayings on wisdom! Just as well as we need lots of wisdom to navigate through this life.
Building a home needs a good foundation so likewise we need to lay a good foundation in our understanding of wisdom. So what foundation is this? We find it right at the beginning in verse 17: Pay attention and turn your ear to the sayings of the wise; apply your heart to what I teach, for it is pleasing when you keep them in your heart and have all of them ready on your lips. So that your trust may be in the Lord. The first thing to notice is that if you want to be wise then listen to other wise people and store in your memory. Unfortunately, we are often too proud to seek wise counsel and we can all testify to the consequences we have experienced by being unteachable. If we had only listened to those who are wiser, we could have saved ourselves needless heartache. But advice is only wise when it is backed up with the Bible because God is the fountain of wisdom as the hymn says “God only wise”. All wisdom flows from a close walk with the Lord which is only possible when we are soaked in His Word, the Bible. The answer to every circumstance and every temptation we will ever be confronted with is to be found in the pages of this amazing book. So, if you want the right foundation for gaining wisdom devour the Bible from cover to cover. When there are sections you don’t understand, don’t get bogged down because when the time is right the Holy Spirit will reveal it to you. In the meantime, embrace the wisdom found in the verse ‘So that your trust may be in the Lord. Also notice that when we gain wisdom, we should be ready to share with others who may ask for advice. Not to be arrogant, but in a humble and sensitive way. In conclusion embrace the chorus “trust and obey, for there is no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey”.
Amen
Graeme Greenwood