Tag Archives: Wisdom

May 27, 2018

Wisdom Leads to Love

Wisdom hath builded her house, she hath hewn out her seven pillars:
She hath killed her beasts; she hath mingled her wine; she hath also furnished her table. -Proverbs 9:1-2, KJV

In chapter nine, we see that Wisdom has established a firm foundation.

In these two verses we see that true wisdom is only from God. This is what is implied by “killed her beasts”, that sacrifices have been made.

The full meaning, though, is that wisdom also takes care of others, for she has “mingled her wine” and “furnished her table.” She is prepared to feed those who come to her.

Therefore, true wisdom leads to the two greatest commandments:

Love the Lord your God with all you are;
Love your neighbor.

Wisdom leads to loving God and others, because it is firmly rooted in who God is.

1 Comment | tags: Book of Proverbs, Greatest Commandment, Lady Wisdom, love, Wisdom | posted in Love, Wisdom

May 26, 2018

“Before Abraham…I Am”

By Anthony Baker

I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was. – Proverbs 8:23

Before we leave Proverbs chapter 8, I want us to notice one of the most glorious truths displayed in all of Scripture: the eternality of Jesus Christ.

Notice in verses 22-31 that at least six different times Wisdom is mentioned as having been with God from before the foundation of the earth. Carefully read through these verses in Proverbs while you consider the following:

In John 1:1-2 Jesus is called the Word of God who was with God and was God.
In John 8:58 Jesus said, “Before Abraham was, I am.”
In John 17:24 we read where Jesus was praying to the Father and said: “My glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.”
Speaking of the coming Messiah, Isaiah 9:6 calls Him “the Everlasting.”
Micah 5:2, also speaking of the coming Messiah, said: “His goings forth have been from old, from everlasting.”
In Hebrews 13:8 we read that Jesus Christ is “the same yesterday, and today, and forever.”
In Revelation 1:11 Jesus says of Himself, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last…”
And if it was ever a question that Jesus claimed to be God, when you compare John 8:58 and Revelation 1:11 to Isaiah 48:12, then there should be no doubt: “I am he; I am the first, I also am the last.”

Make no mistake, the parallels are too similar to deny…Jesus, the Power and Wisdom of God (1 Corinthians 1:24), is being prophetically referenced here in this chapter. As the Holy Spirit moved through the prophet David, Solomon’s father, to write Psalm 22 in anticipation of the crucifixion, so does He move through Solomon to describe the glorious, eternal nature of the Messiah, Jesus.

But there’s one more thing I want you to see… His delights are with the sons of men (Proverbs 8:31).

The Word of God made flesh…the Wisdom of God who was there before the foundation of the world…the Savior who came and dwelt among us (Emmanuel – see Isaiah 7:14 and Matthew 1:23)…

He delights to be with you and me! He literally wants to spend time with us because he loves and cares for us.

Therefore, considering what we’ve read, we should all the more take seriously the closing verse in this chapter.

But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death. – Proverbs 8:36

To seek Wisdom is a choice, but failing to do so can have eternal ramifications.

2 Comments | tags: David, Jesus, prophecy, proverbs, Solomon, Wisdom | posted in advice, Creation, Jesus

May 25, 2018

Luke, I am your…um, sister.

By dawnlizjones

My husband, Bob, is a (soon-to-be emeritus) biology professor at our small local college. He has always been so good about his availability to his students, not only with posted office hours, but also by allowing students to call our home with questions prior to the next day’s test.

His classes are difficult; it is, after all, college. In the study of biology, there are things so tiny, one needs to learn to use a microscope effectively, as well as learn exactly what you’re looking for, distinguishing that from all the other crud swimming around on the glass slide.

At the same time, The Prof likes to have some fun in class, and his sense of humor can’t stay in the background for long. One year on the day of the final exam, he dressed up like Darth Vadar and came strolling down the hallway to a group of students waiting outside the classroom door.

You couldn’t miss him if you tried…

Likewise, I’m impressed with the availability and exposure of wisdom expressed in this eighth chapter of Proverbs. I really think it’s more than mere poetic personification.

“Listen as Wisdom calls out!
Hear as understanding raises her voice!”

It goes on to innumerate all the v-e-r-y public access points where wisdom seeks us out: on the hill, along the highway, at the crossroads, by the town’s entrance…

“I call to you, to all of you!
I raise my voice to all people…

The operative word is “all”. There is no discrimination here. Which is really quite interesting, considering this was written by a man in an extremely male-dominated society, and a Jewish man where any non-Jew was considered less than necessary.

“I love all who love me.
Those who search will surely find me…

The end of the chapter shows a different aspect, however. Instead of wisdom searching for me, I’m the one who is waiting and watching for wisdom—

Joyful are those who listen to me,
watching for me daily at my gates,
waiting for me outside my home!

All of this brings to mind a cooperative effort between the teacher (Wisdom) and the student (me). Wisdom makes herself available; sheesh, she even gives me her home phone number! (Prayer.) At the same time, I have some personal responsibility. This is, after all, “college”, and a good student is expected to grow up.

I can be confident, however, that when I put my eye to microscope, (because, let’s face it, some things I need to see in life take more than a little magnification to figure out), Wisdom will be leaning over my shoulder for correct identification, bringing things into proper focus.

“If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you.”

batman-1293525_1920 Easy to see or situations more challenging, either way, Wisdom is available; it’s a promise from a good Teacher. (With or without the cape.)

Proverbs 8:1,4,7,29,30;34; James 1:5 Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Leave a comment | tags: for the asking, God, inclusivity, Listening, personal responsibility, prayer, promise of wisdom, seek and find, student, Study, teacher, Wisdom | posted in Instruction, Uncategorized, Wisdom

May 24, 2018

Measure Twice …

By Daniel M. Klem

When he established the heavens, I was there; when he drew a circle on the face of the deep, when he made firm the skies above, when he established the fountains of the deep, when he assigned to the sea its limit, so that the waters might not transgress his command, when he marked out the foundations of the earth -Proverbs 8:27‭-‬29 ESV

God did not begin Creation until He had begun with wisdom.

It makes sense. Jesus, also called the Wisdom of God, gave us hints:

For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?
Luke 14:28

God is smart. He planned and then built.

God’s Greatest Work

However, His universe building pales in comparison to His greatest work: Making us new.

We must remember that right relationship of us with Him was always His goal, a holy people who would give Him glory and love as He lavishes love on us.

… Cut Once

My dad, like Jesus and His earthly father, is a carpenter. He instilled in me the axiom “Measure twice, cut once.” That is, take time to accurately prepare so that you are not constantly fixing mistakes.

We should do the same with Jesus. The passage quoted above is a about the cost of discipleship.

Do we realize we must take up our cross (Luke 14:27)?

Do we realize we must radically change our thinking and actions, that we must tell a fallen world they are destined for destruction, and that it could cost us financially, materially, even bodily (basically Matthew 5-7 and … much of what Jesus said)?

If we do not wisely count the cost, we will be constantly re-cutting things from our lives, things that should have been done. We may even finding ourselves asking for forgiveness from God again.

Let God finish the work He started. Trust the Master Builder to cut and rebuild, and realize what it may cost you.

It cost Him Jesus.

2 Comments | tags: Book of Proverbs, Creation, Cut once, Disciple, Measure twice, New Creation, Pruning, Relationship, trust, Wisdom, Work | posted in Relationships, Trust the Lord, Wisdom, Work

May 23, 2018

Ask (and Listen) for Wisdom

By Daniel M. Klem

All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing froward or perverse in them. They are all plain to him that understandeth, and right to them that find knowledge. -Proverbs 8:8‭-‬9, KJV

God does not lie nor deceive.

Why, then, do more people not hear the truth of God’s Word?

People ignore God’s truth or devise ways to disregard it.

Case in point:

But they did not understand this saying, and it was concealed from them, so that they might not perceive it. And they were afraid to ask him about this saying.
Luke 9:45

Firstly, fear and pride might get in their way. They are too intelligent and independent to simply ask (and then listen). Or they are afraid of the implications.

Secondly, God conceals it. Whether this is by not allowing them to understand or simply allowing them to remain ignorant, they never hear the truth.

Further:

For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things.
Romans 1:21‭-‬23

They refuse to understand.

Therefore, break from the mold. Seek truth. “Ask God, who gives generously to all, and he will give wisdom.” (James 1:5)

Leave a comment | tags: Book of Proverbs, humility, Knowledge, Pride, truth, Wisdom | posted in Knowledge, pride/humility, Truth, Wisdom

May 21, 2018

Wisdom Calls To All Children

By Daniel M. Klem

“To you, O men, I call, and my cry is to the children of man. -Proverbs 8:4, ESV

The call of wisdom is available to all – young and old, male and female.

Everyone.

This verse should serve as a reminder that God expects us to not only respond to the call, but to do all we can to help others hear it, too.

You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.
Deuteronomy 6:7

Come, O children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord.
Psalms 34:11

He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers to teach to their children
Psalms 78:5

You shall teach them to your children, talking of them when you are sitting in your house, and when you are walking by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.
Deuteronomy 11:19

Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
Ephesians 6:4

Especially when they are young.

But something to remember is that, in God’s eyes, we are all children.

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.
3 John 1:4

1 Comment | tags: Book of Proverbs, Call, Child, children, Teach, Train, Wisdom | posted in Wisdom

May 20, 2018

She Still Calls

By Daniel M. Klem

Does not wisdom cry out, And understanding lift up her voice –Proverbs 8:1 NKJV

Common Sense?

There used to be this thing called common sense. It was employed by many people to not do stupid things.

Then the late-1990’s came along, quickly followed by the early-2000’s. They brought with them shows and movies that focused on stupid pranks and stunts to get a laugh.

Our society thought it was okay. Harmless, even.

But they let so many people get away with these stunts that more people found it entertaining and okay.

The common sense of the land became “whatever brings you happiness.”

The New Sense

What has this fostered?

Open flagrancy of rules to make a dollar
Truth is relative
Happiness is the ultimate goal, regardless of the cost … to others

The only thing that is common is that “I can do what I want, so leave me alone.”

She Still Calls

If this is true, then how can we claim that “Wisdom cries out” in the midst of a selfish, uncaring society that seems to ignore wisdom?

Because we still hear the desire:

“But that’s not fair!” -Where does a sense of fairness come from?
“Give us justice!” -Where does justice find a voice?
“I should have known better!” -Some people still learn.

People still hear Wisdom’s cry, even if only a little. They desire the effects of Wisdom, but they ignore the warnings.

And this is why we need strong preaching and teaching in the Church. Wisdom often speaks through others. And Christ, the wisdom of God, calls His Church to proclaim to a lost world. The Church, His bride, has made missteps, true.

But she still calls.

1 Comment | tags: Book of Proverbs, Church, Common sense, Listen, Wisdom | posted in Wisdom

May 18, 2018

Are you listening?

By dawnlizjones

I am at a venerable point in life when my adult children, (all in their 30’s at this writing), have been saying thing like,

“Mom, I heard you coming out of my mouth!”, or…

“Is that how Dad would treat Mom?”, or…

“I’m ‘channeling’ you, Mom”, and one of my personal favorites after the birth of a granddaughter,

“Mom, I’m sorry for all the #*@!! I put you through.”

It’s a time when you realize that something, by God’s grace, got through, is still getting through. Sometimes it sure seems like our kids just aren’t paying attention.

But they are. In more ways than one.

I love the New Living Translation header for Proverbs chapter 7:

“Another Warning about Immoral Women”

Emphasis on “another”. Just in case you missed the first one or two.

Can’t you just see the kid rolling his eyes? That whole oh-mom-do-we-have-to-talk-about-this-again attitude.

To which the obvious answer is emphatically affirmative. Because it’s critically important that the child is told why. Because they have friends who haven’t been told. Because there’s a society drooling in anticipation to ensnare him in something dangerous and deadly.

Like chapter five, this chapter isn’t just for the guys, either. And actually, taken as a whole, it can be seen as something more than sexual promiscuity, something far deeper and far more insidious—

Seduction.

How interesting that Babylon is personified in Revelation as a prostitute. Babylon, the representation of all that is anti-Christ, all that would seduce me away from Christ and set up her own kingdom within my heart. If I read Proverbs chapter seven and insert the word “Babylon” in place of “woman”, it brings out a whole new context. It forces me to look at myself, my decisions, my desires in an uncomfortable light.

Seduction. Undoubtedly, sex is one of the vehicles that the enemy perverts for this purpose. It’s definitely a strong one, but it’s only one. He has many options when it comes to seduction.

People’s applause and affirmation, (including family, loved ones, people whose opinions “count”),
Financial security, (an oxymoron, BTW),
Emotional comfort zone

You know, like sex, all these can be good things! We need affirmation, I appreciate my husband’s detail to retirement preparation, and emotional security is important to every other kind of health, so that’s not the point. Instead, when these things (and there are many others) draw us away from God’s intended purpose—intimacy with Himself—then Seduction is at work…overtime!

I appreciate the in-your-face strategies that given in this same chapter, including 1^st-person observation revealing the woman’s tricks, calling attention to the son’s heart (something sorely neglected in our day), the use of flattery, the lie of anonymity, and the advice to not even start down that path. It reminds me that I need some strategies as well…

“…so that Satan will not outsmart us. For we are familiar with his evil schemes.”

The words of the Parent ring just as true today, in all areas of life. I aspire to be an attentive child.

2 Corinthians 2:11 Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

2 Corinthians 2:11 Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

6 Comments | tags: anti-Christ, Babylon, children, decisions, evil schemes, flattery, immoral women, lies, Listening, parenting, proverbs, Seduction, strategies, Wisdom | posted in advice, Parenting, Paths of Life, Uncategorized

May 15, 2018

How Should I Treat Insight?

By M. Wiley Wilson

Image result for insight Here is the deal about wisdom. God has a goal for me. God wants me to be wise. God wants me to understand Jesus. God wants me to know how to love. God wants me to have insight.

Insight is the spiritual quality that enables me to appreciate God’s mind and will in matters of behavior, truth and providence. This is important where right perception is not obvious. Some things can elude me. They seem to be a mystery. Then boom! God breaks through. All of the sudden, I get it. Yea God!

Talk to Wisdom as to a sister.
Treat Insight as your companion. | Proverbs 7:4

Insight is akin to wisdom and understanding. It is given by God and is to be sought by believers.

I need to be on speaking terms with wisdom. Wisdom needs to be as close to me as family, like a sister to me.
Insight, in addition to wisdom, is critical to my well being. Insight should be my closest friend, always with me.
Wisdom and insight together should be my close companions. They go hand in hand like trusted friends and family. They compliment each other.

I can count on Jesus to give me insight. Things that were unknown are now knowable and known. Jesus, through the Holy Spirit, makes plain what was a mystery.

“Consider what I say, for the Master will give you understanding in everything.” 2 Timothy 2:7 (NASB)

“By referring to this, when you read you can understand my insight into the mystery of the Messiah, which in other generations was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed to His holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit.” Ephesians 3:4–5 (NASB)

Leave a comment | tags: Insight, Knowledge, Proverbs 7, Wisdom | posted in Knowledge, Wisdom

May 12, 2018

Honoring Mothers

By Anthony Baker

My son, keep thy father’s commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother: – Proverbs 6:20

Tomorrow is Mother’s Day, but today is the last day in Proverbs chapter six. Therefore, I thought I would go ahead and give a little shout-out to my mom, Marie Baker. I thank God for her and for her wise counsel. I could have been a completely different person without a godly mother like her.

To her credit, I don’t think my mother would have turned out the way she did had it not been for her own godly mother, Lorene Cagle, my granny.

Then there was my dad’s mom, Mary (Hughes) Baker. She was an interesting woman to have as a grandmother…half Cherokee, the wife of a tractor-driving moonshiner, and one who threatened to “wear me out” if I ever got into a fight I didn’t win. She might not have been the “godliest” woman, but nevertheless I remember some of her advice to this day.

1941 Bunting Glider

Just this week I finished restoring a vintage 1940’s-era front-porch glider. The glider has been in my family (on my dad’s side) since it was new, but it had fallen into disrepair after years of neglect and exposure to the elements. I kept track of the restoration project with photos I posted on Facebook, noting the effort was an act of love for Mother’s Day.

I finished it on Friday, and my mom was completely thrilled with the result.

This morning I recorded a sermon to be aired on the radio tomorrow afternoon. Believe it or not, I preached from this very chapter, specifically from Proverbs 6:20-23. The main point that I tried to make was how godly and wise instruction from a wise and godly mother can make a huge difference in our lives.

We are told to “bind” the instruction of our fathers and mothers to hearts, even to tie them around our necks (v.21). The reason for this is pretty simple…

When you walk here and there, they will guide you; when you lie down, they will watch over you; when you wake up, they will talk to you. For a command is a lamp, teaching is a light, and corrective discipline is the way to life. – Proverbs 6:22-23 CSB

How valuable are the teachings of a godly mother? Think about it:

Wherever you roam, no matter how far you go, a mother’s guidance can give direction, keeping you from dangerous paths.
Sleep can be peaceful, restful, and restorative when you lie your head down knowing you’ve done things correctly, have no regrets, have confidence in the future, and know you’re loved.
As you go through your day, as you face new circumstances, the godly wisdom of a godly and wise mother will surface in your memory, giving you the sense that you’re not alone in the decisions you must make.

How many lives have been shattered on the rocks of misfortune, all because they didn’t listen to their mothers?

“I remember my mother’s prayers and they have always followed me. They have clung to me all my life.”
-Abraham Lincoln, U.S. President

When all the matriarchs in my life are gone on, and one day when I’ve passed on to my own heavenly reward, I hope my children will remember the impact my mother and grandmothers made on my life.

Maybe they’ll think about them as they sit on that old, front-porch glider.

5 Comments | tags: godly mother, Mother, Mother's Day, proverbs, restoration, Wisdom | posted in counsel, Value and Worth, Wisdom