Wisdom in the Workplace

Wisdom in the Workplace (Proverbs 2:1-15)

At the beginning of his reign, King Solomon prayed for one superior gift from God. Not wealth, not long life, but something far more valuable. He asked for "an understanding heart". He asked for wisdom - a heart that would listen and be teachable.

In Proverbs 2:1-5, we see the cost of wisdom.
Wisdom may be had by anyone who will pay the cost of attaining wisdom. The cost is doing the following things:
· We must receive and hide (store up) words of wisdom (Proverbs 2:1).
· We must incline and apply our hearts unto wisdom and to understanding (Proverbs 2:2).
· We must cry out for wisdom (Proverbs 2:3).
· We must diligently seek wisdom as men seek for treasures (Proverbs 2:4).

Wisdom is fearing God and having a knowledge of Him (Proverbs 2:5). The source of true wisdom, knowledge, and understanding comes from God as a gift (Proverbs 2:6). God possesses wisdom, He demands wisdom, and He furnishes (gives), wisdom (to those who meet the conditions).

The rewards given to those who seek and find wisdom (Proverbs 2:7-8).
· They are given sound wisdom (Proverbs 2:7). Sound wisdom is divine wisdom, not human wisdom.
· They are given protection (Proverbs 2:7). The Lord becomes their “buckler,” their shield of protection.
· They are given guidance (Proverbs 2:8). The Lord guides the just in choosing the right path among the many paths before them.
· They are given preservation (Proverbs 2:8). The Lord keeps them walking in the right way.
· They are given understanding of what is right, just, equitable, and good (Proverbs 2:9).

The value of wisdom (Proverbs 2:10-19). It delivers its possessors from the temptations of evil men (Proverbs 2:10-15). Evil men think wrong, talk wrong, and walk wrong. Wisdom, knowledge, and understanding keep us from following the way of evil men.

Repeatedly, I have seen the constructive outcomes of those who have pursued wisdom. This has come to those who do not have charismatic personalities, high qualifications, or are exceptionally talented. These wise people have achieved responsibility and respect for one reason; they have handled themselves wisely in their accomplishments over a long time. In their work and in their relationships, they have applied wisdom and still are receiving honor and reward. On the other hand, those who have foolishly neglected these principles eventually fell by the wayside.

Wisdom works from the inside out. It must be in our heart before it can be in our actions. Doing right on the outside is important, but if things are not right on the inside, it will be revealed in time. We do not receive a lifetime supply of wisdom all at once. We must continually seek it through the pages of God’s Word and from godly counselors. The direction of our lives will be shaped by our heart attitude toward wisdom.

Their Wisdom (Proverbs 2:10). It is one thing to have wisdom, it is another to delight in it. One must have wisdom to have safety, but one must also delight in wisdom to have safety.

Their Warning (Proverbs 2:11). Discretion is having the right discernment which leads to right decisions. Discretion, which originates from godly wisdom, will guard and protect us from the pitfalls of life. Keep God’s principles in your heart and mind and they will guard and keep you from danger.

Their Words (Proverbs 2:12). The words “froward” or “perverse” refer to anything that turns against God’s righteousness and His commands. Words are very powerful (James 3:3-5). The wicked seek to draw others onto their path by their seductive speech. If we are not on guard, the Devil will use his deceitful words to lure us away from God and His commands.

Their Walk (Proverbs 2:13). The wicked deliberately turn away from the straight path that God longs for them to follow. The way of the wicked is crooked, confusing, and chaotic. This is the very opposite of the straight path of uprightness; the road God has designed for people to travel.

Their Will (Proverbs 2:14). The wicked love the way they are and the way they live. They enjoy the wrong they do and take pleasure in their perversity. Their seared consciences have been numbed to the point that God’s commandments matter little to them, so they no longer feel any guilt or shame over their actions (I Timothy 4:2).

Their Ways (Proverbs 2:15). The father emphasized the importance of choosing the right way or path. Godly wisdom will protect a wise person from the pitfalls of corrupt people.

We need wisdom, and in His Word God revealed clearly how we can obtain it. Wisdom is not produced by our ingenuity or learning; it is given by the grace of God. Wisdom comes from God, and He gives it generously to all who seek and ask.
James 1:5 says, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” Wisdom is not reserved for a special class of believers. The promise of wisdom is available to anyone who is willing to ask for it. And God gives it freely without restraint or condemnation because of His nature.

Questions to Consider:
· What are some decisions you have made which you believe were wise?
· What are some ways that you have sought God’s wisdom?
· What moved you to act with wisdom in those situations?
· What are some ways in which practicing wisdom has delivered you from danger?

Points to Ponder:

• Pursuing wisdom requires great effort.
• Practicing wisdom results in great benefits.
  • We need to pursue wisdom continually and wholeheartedly.
  • As we receive the Word of God and develop godly wisdom, we will have the insight to make right decisions in life.

Prayer, Lord, thank You for growing me in wisdom and that You offer me more and more as I immerse my mind in Your Word. Forgive me for placing pride in my own insights. Thank You that Your wisdom is an inexhaustible supply. I can never reach the end of knowing You and learning from You. Thank You for wisdom personified in Your Son, Jesus Christ, in whose name I pray, Amen.

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