Megan Evans, Women’s Ministry Director, LHBC
Proverbs 4:7 (NLT)
“Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do! And whatever else you do, develop good judgement.”
What is the wisest thing you can do? Get wisdom! I love reading Proverbs, don’t you? These simplistic, to-the-point phrases written mostly by Solomon, who is considered to be the wisest man who ever lived, are recorded for our benefit to guide us in everyday living. But sometimes because of their straight-forward simplicity, we can take them for granted and skim over them. Of all the recorded wise sayings, Proverbs 4:7 might just be one wisest (no pun intended) and a second glance helps us digest the meat of this verse.
Getting Wisdom takes initiative. “Getting” something indicates you must leave where you are and go to it. Step 1 of getting wisdom is to seek it, and God is the source. James 5:1 says, “if you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.” Go after it, “…seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures” (Proverbs 2:4). God has given us His Written Word, the Bible, and we are wise to store up His commands in our heart. Through the Bible, Christ followers can learn to model their life and their choices after Jesus and His perfect obedience to God the Father. “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin” (Hebrews 4:15).
What a difference it makes in our life when our actions and attitudes are based on following God’s Word! Our choices and decisions reflect the importance of our commitment to read and study the Bible. “Give me understanding and I will obey your instructions; I will put them into practice with all my heart” (Psalm 119:34).
Developing good judgement takes practice. Proverbs 4:7 tells us that we need to develop judgement, or gain insight. We must stay teachable, learn from our mistakes, and keep applying God’s Word to our life every single day. We are going to mess up from time to time, but in God’s forgiveness and mercy, those mishaps can become opportunities of learning and encouragement that to point us back to our Savior Jesus Christ and put us back on the path to make the right choice next time. As a follower of Christ, we are not perfect, but we follow the One who is.
As a parent, I continually find myself encouraging my children to use good judgement and to remember the instruction I have given them in hopes that they will make wise choices. When faced with a decision or perhaps even a tempting situation, we too are like a child, as we consider using the wisdom of our Heavenly Father. Child of God, will you commit today to seek after wisdom? Will you store up God’s Word in your heart and let it lead you good judgement and wise decisions?
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Dear Heavenly Father, help me to seek you for the source of wisdom and discernment that I need today. I give to you the decisions that weigh on my heart today. I don’t know why I often live life trying to figure out stuff on my own, when You are right here waiting to give me wisdom. Teach me to run to You, and spend time in Your Word and in prayer instead of relying on myself. In Jesus Name, Amen.
MEMORY VERSE OF THE WEEK:
Zephaniah 3:17
The Lord your God is in your midst,
a mighty one who will save;
he will rejoice over you with gladness;
he will quiet you by his love;
he will exult over you with loud singing.