May 25, 2020<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The book of Proverbs is a collection of short sayings in the Old Testament meant to instill wisdom <\/em><\/strong>in God\u2019s people. As we read, it is important to remember that a proverb is a statement which is generally<\/em> true in principle, not a universally <\/em>true promise. Let\u2019s dig into the Word together and allow the Lord to shape our hearts, our minds, and our lives in his wisdom over the next month!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Proverbs chapter 8 begins with the personification of wisdom, a stark contrast to the adulteress in chapter 7.\u00a0The writer of the proverb shows that to live wise is to live well, and to seek wisdom from God rather than the things of this world.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n In verse 11 the writer states \u201cTake my instruction instead of silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold.\u00a0For wisdom is better than jewels, and all that you may desire cannot compare with her.\u201d\u00a0Ultimately, wisdom is found in Christ Jesus, and never in the things that this world has to offer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the next part of Proverbs 8, it speaks of the \u201cfear of the Lord\u201d (v.13) and of \u201ccounsel and sound wisdom\u201d (v.14). Ultimately, Wisdom says \u201cI love those who love me, and those that seek me diligently find me.\u201d (v.17) Knowledge is horizontal, but wisdom is vertical\u2026it comes only from the Lord!\u00a0We need to seek Him and love Him with our whole hearts, and he will guide us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Verses 22-31 speak of how Wisdom has been there since the beginning, with God, how God formed the earth and established the heavens, but most importantly, how we are His delight. What an awesome picture of our Heavenly Father\u2026the knowledge that the God of all things delights in us, loves us and wants to impart His wisdom to us!<\/p>\n\n\n\n The chapter finishes with the writer reminding us of the blessings that come when we seek God\u2019s wisdom daily.\u00a0In verse 34, it says \u201cwatching daily at my gates, waiting beside my doors.\u201d\u00a0We must learn to wait on God, and that\u2019s a process! But we might miss out if we are in too much of a hurry, and the blessings that come along with the wisdom that God gives are always worth the wait!<\/p>\n\n\n\n