"Brief Devotions For Busy Lives" by Rev. Dr. Mary Johnson: Proverbs 3:13-19

 May 24

"Happy are those who find wisdom, and those who get understanding, for her income is better than silver, and her revenue better than gold. She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her; those who hold her fast are called happy. The LORD by wisdom founded the earth; by understanding he established the heavens." -Proverbs 3:13-19 (NRSV)

In this internet age, facts are overabundant, but wisdom is scarce. Wisdom is far more than knowing facts. Wisdom was present at the beginning of Creation and is called "Sophia" in the Hebrew. She offers a basic attitude that affects every aspect of life. The foundation of Wisdom is reverence, honor, and respect for God. While faith in God should be the controlling principle for our understanding of the world, our attitudes, and actions, true wisdom goes far beyond amassing knowledge! It is applying knowledge in life-changing ways. Intelligent people are not necessarily wise.

Real wisdom comes from applying God's Word to life. Since the wisdom God offers is practical, it must be used. To walk safely at night, we need a light so we don't trip over the furniture. Wisdom can be our light to show the way ahead so we won't stumble. Proverbs contains many brilliant treasures wisdom's benefits. If you aren't experiencing these blessings, does it mean you are lacking wisdom? Not necessarily. Instead of guarantees, these verses are general principles. In a perfect world, wise behavior always leads to benefits. Even in our challenging world, living wisely usually results in obvious blessings but not always. Sometimes sins of others or even our own can intervene, and some blessings may be delayed. Yet you can rest assured wisdom ultimately leads to blessings. Keep seeking wisdom!

.

Prayer: God, Thank you for the gift of your wisdom! Amen. 

 Meditation For The Day: Wisdom makes us spiritually rich!

Brief Devotions For Busy Lives: Daily Spring Renewal Paperback – February 21, 2017, by Rev. Dr. Mary Johnson (Author)