Monday Reflection – July 27, 2020

Divine Wisdom

The Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. Proverbs 2:6

Today’s Watchword is a beautiful follow up from last Monday’s text that challenged us to rid ourselves of being fool-hearted and stubborn-hearted. Such fool-heartedness is evident when we create and pursue gods of money, status, prestige, friends, families, our egos and ourselves. Today’s Watchword invites us to consider the gift of wisdom offered by the Lord. But, what really is this concept of wisdom? J. I. Packer says that “Wisdom is the power to see and the inclination to choose the best and highest goal, together with the surest means of attaining it.”

Solomon understood very well this concept of wisdom and God’s pleasure to offer it to us. We remind ourselves that “At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon and said, “Ask what I should give you.” Solomon said: Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, able to discern between good and evil… It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this. God said to him, “Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches, or for the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, I now do according to your word. Indeed, I give you a wise and discerning mind; no one like you has been before you and no one like you shall arise after you.” (1 Kings 3:5,9-12). 

So many people put up themselves as being wise and smart. Based on the Scriptures, there are two kinds of people in the world. First, we find those who are wise – these follow the word of God, accept Jesus Christ as Lord and live by the principles laid down for God’s people. These live a life pleasing and productive for the Lord. On the other hand, are those who are foolish – these follow their own ways even if they go against the things of God. They reject Jesus Christ as Lord and despise divine wisdom. So we have those who are sold out for God and some who couldn’t care less.

We must ask, how do we acquire divine wisdom? Simply put – In the words of God! The written word of God to us, the Bible, is inspiration, gives us direction, tells of God’s plan for humanity, and shows us what God is like and what he expects. We must delve into God’s word as we face the issues of life and seek guidance for the decisions we have to make. While we strive to exercise wisdom, remember man’s wisdom must always be put up against the word of God and if it doesn’t measure up, it must be dismissed. Wisdom is gained from God’s instructions and heartache is brought on by being a fool. We must therefore treasure the words and wisdom of God. Remember too that wisdom is a precious gift from God and our seeking of it opens up an unlimited storehouse of God’s blessings and protection.

James reminds us in today’s New Testament text: If any of you is lacking in wisdom, ask God, who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and it will be given you. James 1:5

Let’s seek divine wisdom and be guided by it in our daily lives.Jermaine Gibson