Wouldn’t you love to be one of those people who knows what to do when faced with decisions, or for people to say about you that, “the words of your mouth are as deep waters; the fountain of your wisdom is a gushing spring” (Proverbs 18:4).
Or perhaps to have the Wisdom of Solomon, who is referred to in the bible as the richest and wisest man who ever lived. (1 Kings 3).
The truth is God actually wants us to be wise, and to value and prize wisdom. He also wants us to know that godly wisdom such as King Solomon’s begins with the fear, respect and honour of God.
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” (Proverbs 9:10)
As we begin to respect and fear God appropriately for whom He is, we are more likely to listen to what He has to say causing us to grow in wisdom and understanding. Therefore a good definition of godly wisdom is hearing and doing the Word of God.
“Keep them and do them; for that will be your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples.” (Deuteronomy 4:6)
Jesus said, “Everyone who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house upon a rock.” (Matthew 7:24).
It stands to reason that if wisdom is found in God’s word, then it would make good sense for us to apply ourselves to read and study the bible, so that we are able to know and do what it says. Even if we may at first struggle to understand what we are reading, God promises that “His word makes wise the simple”.
“The revelation of God is whole and pulls our lives together. The signposts of God are clear and point out the right road. The life-maps of God are right, showing the way to joy.
The directions of God are plain and easy on the eyes. God’s reputation is twenty-four-carat gold, with a lifetime guarantee. The decisions of God are accurate down to the nth degree (Psalm 19:7 The Message).
In contrast to those who choose to read and study God’s word, are those who the bible terms fools or mockers. They see the bible as an old, dusty and boring book, and believe it is outdated. They regard it as too strict, and have no time for the wisdom and secrets of heaven contained within its pages. If it says something they don’t like, they toss it to one side ignoring its instruction and guidance.
The so-called “wisdom of man, or of the world,” usually stands directly opposed to the wisdom of God. In reality people can in fact set themselves up as wiser than God. They say to themselves, “Who needs any other advice? Who needs God? I have no use for God or His words. I don’t want my fun spoilt, and I won’t have anyone telling me what to do.”
Essentially they reject God’s word, and in doing so they reject Him.
“But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere” (James 3:17)
The person who values and seeks after wisdom is the person, who knows God, loves His instruction and word and wants more.
Today if you have struggled to read God’s word, or those books that explain and explore the truths held in the bible, there is good news for you. Don’t be content to remain foolish about the things of God. There is too much to lose.
Many times we don’t aspire or attempt much in our reading and study because we don’t feel like there is any hope. But consider this:
Suppose you read about 250 words a minute, and that you resolved to devote just 15 minutes a day to serious reading so as to deepen your relationship with God, and to grow in wisdom.
In one year (365 days) you would read for 5,475 minutes. Multiply that times 250 words per minute and you get 1,368,750 words per year. Now most books have between 300 and 400 words per page. So if we take 350 words per page and divide that into 1,368,750 words per year, we get 3,910 pages per year. This means that at 250 words a minute, 15 minutes a day, you could read about 20 average sized books a year!
Reading in that 15 minute slot will have you growing in wisdom with time that would have been no doubt wasted anyway.
Today choose a book or chapter of the bible and set aside 15 minutes first thing in the morning, or just before you go to sleep to read. You will not be the same person this time next year. Your mind will be stretched, your heart enlarged, your zeal more fervent. And you will have grown in wisdom and understanding.
Be encouraged, and choose and value the wisdom found in God’s word.
“[The] Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true wisdom. All who obey His commandments will grow in wisdom.” (Psalm 111:10)
“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”(Psalm 119:105)
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ (Matthew 4:4)
Prayer: Lord I humble myself under your word, and instruction. Forgive me where I have thought I knew better than you, or was lazy and worldly in my thinking and summation of the significance and importance of your word. Help me to understand and draw closer to you as I read your word today. In Jesus name Amen.
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