Choose my instruction rather than silver,
and knowledge rather than pure gold.
For wisdom is far more valuable than rubies.
Nothing you desire can compare with it.
I, Wisdom, live together with good judgment.
I know where to discover knowledge and discernment.
All who fear the Lord will hate evil.
Therefore, I hate pride and arrogance,
corruption and perverse speech.
Common sense and success belong to me.
Insight and strength are mine.
Because of me, kings reign,
and rulers make just decrees.
Rulers lead with my help,
and nobles make righteous judgments.
I love all who love me.
Those who search will surely find me.
I have riches and honor,
as well as enduring wealth and justice.
My gifts are better than gold, even the purest gold,
my wages better than sterling silver!
I walk in righteousness,
in paths of justice.
Those who love me inherit wealth.
I will fill their treasuries.
Proverbs 8:10-21 (NLT)
We are always in need of wisdom — wisdom to say the right things at the right time, to do what is right on this side of history, to pause and stay quiet, to listen and consider. We need wisdom to choose between what’s good and what’s best, to know how to walk with integrity in our workplaces, in our parenting, in our friendships. We need wisdom to love others well, to treat others with kindness, to know how to live as Jesus did.
James 1:5 assures that if we ask for it from God, He will give it to us generously. And our Proverbs passage today tells us that with wisdom, we will gain discernment, good judgment, and knowledge — everything we are desperate for today. As we seek to find truth and clarity, direction and vision this year, let’s come before God and ask Him for the wisdom we need to navigate our lives and our world, to love ourselves and our neighbors well, and to “walk in righteousness and in paths of justice.”
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We so much need this good advice and to live by it too. Thank you for this beautiful, timely reminder
In Courage,
That is the biggest problem today. Everybody going about doing what they believe to be right without thinking about consequences or other people. We move on with our lives not seeking wisdom or advice from God. Most of our problems could be solved if we just took a few minutes to ask God for His guidance in our lives. If more people consulted Jesus or the Bible for clarity, direction & vision we wouldn’t have so much turmoil or upheaval in our lives. Thanks for this great advice.
Blessings 🙂
Amen, Beth!
What if our neighbors have 2 big German Shepherd security dogs who will attack if you get close to their territory? How do I love those neighbors?
Hi Connie…I pray that God would make those 2 guard dogs as gentle as lambs each time you come near there territory. I pray that as a result the owners will see this miracle & want what you have…the power of the Holy Spirit living in you by grace through faith in Jesus Christ….the same powerful Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead! Thank-you Lord! Amen!
You could perhaps send a card via mail and let them know you would enjoy being a good neighbor and would love to bring them over a few baked goods or something, but are a bit fearful of the dogs…maybe they would reach back out to you and put the dogs away for a time, so you could walk over and say hello. God works in mysterious ways…pray about it and I’m sure He will make a way!! Keep us posted!
It’s hard. We’re also supposed to love our enemies, though, so when we have neighbors who are causing problems for us, that applies; there is no situation in which we are off the hook for loving. What loving someone translates into practically varies by a *lot* though.
Mostly, though, I think it boils down to wanting “good” for them instead of wishing evil on them. Not “painting over” wrong that they do (if applicable), but also not wanting God to exclusively *judge* their wrongs but exclusively have *mercy* on my wrongs. If someone needs to experience consequences for their actions in order for their good to be accomplished, then that’s one thing (it is appropriate to report crimes, for instance, when the local justice system is functional) – if we smack our lips over them getting unpleasant consequences, though, then odds are good that we’re out of line?
All that, I think, boils down to a lot of prayer, both prayer to God for yourself to be able to love them, and prayer to God for their full, flourishing good. And repeat until the work has been done in you. 🙂
God’s wisdom is to be valued and sought. Not my wisdom, but His, will solve my problems.
Fabulous!!
Much needed encouragement.
Have shared.
Thank you!
What a well written message.Thank you for the reminder that we need Gods Wisdom in every word and deed,daily.Thank you Father for your word that is here for us to seek you and your wisdom and you long to give it to us.