Proverbs 4:7 tells us that getting wisdom is the most important thing we can do. With that wisdom, we are instructed to develop common sense and good judgment.
The book of Proverbs is full of wonderful nuggets of wisdom. Its truth is so blatant and simple for us to apply to everyday life.
Proverbs 9 describes how, “Wisdom has built her house.”
I’m so glad, through Jesus, our Father God has given us all a firm foundation on which to build our lives upon. A foundation that cannot be shaken. Neither does it reposition itself with the winds of shifting culture. It stands resolute. The same yesterday, today and forever.
Recently, I found a prayer book that I was given when I was seven. On one page was a blank space on which you could write your own prayer. I laughed when I read the unsophisticated pencilled writing. ‘I love you Jesus. Sorry that I am silly.’
Left to do what is wise in our own eyes, we can all easily be reckless, stupid and irresponsible. In my youth I did my fair share of crazy things and had to deal with the consequences.
Encountering Jesus and opening my heart up to His Holy Spirit has proven to be the wisest thing I could have ever done.
In my twenties, I read the book of Proverbs many times. I applied its simple truth to my life and I can say with certainty that it has worked!
There is a huge difference between being knowledgeable and wise.
1 Corinthians 8:1 tells us that, “knowledge puffs up but love builds up.” Our Western culture heavily promotes the importance of getting an education. The pursuit of knowledge is big business. But knowledge without wisdom is a very sandy foundation. I know many people who have studied to a high level of education, but their inner lives are very broken.
As a mum of three grown-up children, I was never as concerned about their grades as much as their love and understanding of their Creator and His plan and purpose for their lives. To me that was real success – to see them grow in wisdom, love for God, and a healthy love for themselves and love for others.
Jesus taught in simple wisdom
It’s great how Jesus’s teaching is so down-to-earth and easy to comprehend. Things like:
- “Look at a tree and see it’s fruit. Is it good or bad?”
- “Where your treasure is, there is your heart.”
- “Forgive, and you will be forgiven.”
- “Don’t worry about tomorrow.”
- “Build your life on the rock, not the sand.”
To have a reverent, healthy fear of God is the beginning of all wisdom. To honour and be aware of Him in all we do, will give us rich reward in our souls. While we have breath in our bodies, we would be wise to do as Isaiah instructs us, “Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near.” (Isaiah 55:6)
Wise men sought Him around the time of His birth. Wise men and women still seek Him today.
Kerry is married to Chris Cole who is a trustee of GOD TV and together they founded Cross Rhythms Media Ministry. She is author of The Purple Veil, an art style book, and Exit Darcus. Through these books Kerry offers deep insight into the whole area of relationships.