Wisdom of Solomon (Proverbs 4:7)
Proverbs 4:7, “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.” Have a proper perspective of what true wisdom is and where you get it. We are not to base our lives or decisions on soap operas, network news broadcasts, television talk show hosts, unbelieving psychiatrists, unsaved guidance counselors at school, or worldly friends at the work place. Much of what you hear from these sources is not wisdom at all, but foolishness. One of the greatest lion tamers and animal trainers of all time was Clyde Beatty. He was a big game hunter who became famous as a lion tamer beginning in the 1930's and often appeared in films and on television for the next thirty years. Standing only five and a half-foot tall, Beatty had the courage and mastery to go into a cage of 40 snarling lions and tigers with only a whip, a pistol and a chair. The whip and the pistol were used to get an animal's attention, but many people wondered what good would a chair do against a wild animal? It turns out the chair is the most important of the three tools a lion tamer has at his disposal. The tamer holds the chair by the back and thrusts the legs towards the face of the animal. The cat tries to focus on all four legs at once. In the attempt to focus on all four, a kind of paralysis overwhelms the animal. It becomes weak and tame because of its divided attention. Lions and tigers are not the only creatures affected by this problem. We also tend to become unable to perform our duties when our attention is divided among too many things. Don't let the distractions of this world, and there are a bunch, keep you from seeking God's wisdom. Make this a priority in your life. Solomon said, "Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding." The word principal has the sense of ‘primary,’ or ‘first,’ or ‘chief.’ Wisdom ought to be the highest; first priority in life. Wisdom is the ability to exercise the discernment and judgment of God's Word. Wisdom is the ability to apply the Bible to our everyday life. We need to ask God for wisdom in every area of our lives. The Bible tells us apart from Jesus Christ, the Bible declares Solomon was the wisest man who ever lived. No one in all of human history had the intelligence of Solomon (I Kings 10:23-24). He would have broken all records in having the highest I.Q. Both Testaments speak of Solomon’s wisdom in I Kings 4:30-31; Matthew 12:42. In the beginning, Solomon genuinely loved the Lord (I Kings 3:3). He walked in the instructions of his father (I Kings 3:3). He had a heart of gratitude (I Kings 3:6). He was humble (I Kings 3:7). He had a teachable spirit (I Kings 3:7). He feared God and asked for an understanding heart to rule God’s people well (I Kings 3:9). Solomon possessed an attitude that caused him to seek for wisdom and understanding which, in turn, pleased the Lord that He gave Solomon not only great wisdom, but riches and honor as well. The Bible values wisdom greater than any treasure one could ever desire (Proverbs 3:14-15; 8:10-11). According to Proverbs, those who pursue wisdom will reap the benefits that come from receiving wisdom: happiness (Proverbs 3:13, 18), length of days, riches, and honor (Proverbs 3:16), pleasantness and peace (Proverbs 3:17), tree of life (Proverbs 3:18), life to your soul and grace to your neck (Proverbs 3:22), safety and not stumbling (Proverbs 3:23), and sweet rest (Proverbs 3:24). How does one obtain this measure of wisdom? According to Proverbs 2:6, wisdom comes from the Lord. Proverbs 2:6, “For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.” Wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 9:10). One cannot get true wisdom until he gets saved. Wisdom comes by: The Word of God (Psalm 19:7), wise men (Proverbs 13:20), a godly pastor (Jeremiah 3:15), and asking the Lord (James 1:5). Notice: James doesn’t say, “Go to the philosophers” or “go get the latest best seller”. Rather than looking to men for the latest philosophical fad, he urged them to look to God for the wisdom they needed. Wisdom benefits not only the one who has it, but also those who come in contact with the one who is wise. Proverbs 13:20a, “He that walketh with wise men shall be wise.” Children learn an abundant amount of wisdom by what they see in their parents. Every believer, especially every father, needs wisdom. We know that wisdom is priceless and essential, but we must decide we want it. Those who choose to refuse or reject it will make foolish choices. Every father must take every opportunity to make wise decisions. The Lord is just as willing to give you wisdom, regardless of your age, if you will humbly ask. PRAYER: Father, Today I want to start the day with You on my mind and in my heart. Help me to crave Your presence more than I crave sin. Help me grow in the fruit of the Spirit and walk closer with You. Keep my feet from stumbling and my mind from wandering into distractions. Lord, thank You for the people You have placed in my life. Give me a heart of discernment to know when You are using someone to speak instruction into my heart and my circumstances. In Jesus name, AMEN. If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com
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AuthorDr. Blackman is passionate about helping others grow in the grace of the Lord. His devotions are centered on how to grow closer to the Lord through a personal relationship with Christ. Archives
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