“The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight.” (Proverbs 4:7, ESV)
When I’m not too sleepy to completely open my eyes, I read the small motivational messages printed on the little yellow packets of sweetener I use in my morning tea. One day I learned, “Every day is a new opportunity.” Another morning I was advised to “Replace I wish with I will.” The one that said, “The perfect moment is now” seemed like a good sermon title. These catchy sayings don’t rival biblical wisdom, but some do contain good advice. Still, I prefer the wisdom I find in God’s Word.
One of my favorite books of the Bible is Proverbs. Within its thirty-one chapters we can find verses which provide practical advice for everyday living. Whether relationships, finances, childrearing, integrity, or diligence, we can discover wise and sensible advice within this book.
Does someone want you to co-sign a loan? According to Proverbs 11:15, that is not wise. “There’s danger in putting up security for a stranger’s debt; it’s safer not to guarantee another person’s debt” (NLT).
Feel a nudge in your spirit to help someone in need? That generosity will return to you some day. “The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed” (Proverbs 11:25, NLT).
Tempted to lash out with harsh words? Think twice about that. “Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life; he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin” (Proverbs 13:3, ESV).
Reluctant to discipline your unruly child? Love means that you will discipline them. “Those who spare the rod of discipline hate their children. Those who love their children care enough to discipline them” (Proverbs 13:24, NLT).
Feeling a bit conceited about your accomplishments? Beware. “Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18, NKJV).
Do you feel enticed to do something that might tarnish your reputation? “A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, Loving favor rather than silver and gold” (Proverbs 22:1, NKJV).
For the next few days, let’s look at some of the wise sayings of King Solomon. The opening words of the first chapter of this wisdom book tell us things we may discover in our quest for godly wisdom.
The proverbs of Solomon, son of David, king of Israel:
To know wisdom and instruction, to understand words of insight, to receive instruction in wise dealing, in righteousness, justice, and equity; to give prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the youth—
Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance, to understand a proverb and a saying, the words of the wise and their riddles.
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.
(Proverbs 1:1-7, ESV)
Lord, there is so much practical wisdom within Your Word. Help me to apply this wisdom in situations that arise in my day-to-day life. Help me to remember that it all begins when I come to you with awe for Your greatness and majesty. I desire Your wisdom in my life for that is true success.
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