Proverbs 1:7 (ESV) The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Daniel Akin in his book, Exalting Jesus in Proverbs, offers this definition of true wisdom:
- Wisdom is being corrected and disciplined.
- Wisdom understands and reads situations.
- Wisdom is godly morality.
- Wisdom is justice.
- Wisdom is discretion and discernment of right and wrong, stupid and smart, what path to take and which one to avoid.
- Wisdom is listening to instruction and receiving guidance.
At the foundation of true wisdom is the fear or respect of God. This tells us that true wisdom is not found in man or oneself. As we go from day to day and face a variety of decisions, one who truly ‘fears the Lord’ considers the Lord in all they do.
In the times in which we live, we see culture ‘okaying’ many values that differ from what God values. The obvious ones include the sanctity of life, sacredness of marriage, character, and a clear moral standard given by God in His Word. If we desire to make wise decisions, then what God says about the way we live should be valued more than what the world says.
Example: when the world is ‘ok’ with a couple living together before they are married, it is ignoring the greater wisdom of God. When the world says it is ‘ok’ to define our identity by how we feel or by our preference, we are ignoring the wonderful purpose and identity we can have in Christ!
As children of God, we are often faced with decisions that are potentially divisive. What is sad though is too many times we chose what the world says in fear of the response or rejection. In those times we are valuing the ways of the world more than the wisdom of God and His Word.
God’s Word (source of truth and wisdom) expresses how He feels about money, values, morals, life, identity, etc.
Let me encourage you to seek the Lord. Spend time in His Word. Learn who He is and the wisdom and life He offers. Walk in the truth, because He is the truth. You will find your life will be much better off lived in His sure wise counsel than in the ever-changing, uncertain ways of the world.
Walking with you,
Pastor Brian