Sunday, April 18, 1999 This Week's Lesson:
In this week's lesson, which came from Proverbs 8:1-12, we learned that wisdom aggressively seeks out those who want it. Solomon wrote that wisdom cries out and tries to draw us unto itself. He presented wisdom in much the same way as a lighthouse that sits in a high place and draws wandering ships out of the night's darkness into safety. In a very real sense, we are like a wandering ship until we come to the Lord. It is through Jesus and His finished work on the cross of Calvary that we can be forgiven for our sins and be set free. It is through the indwelling Holy Spirit that we can be led in paths that please God. When we open our ears to the calls of wisdom, we will come to the Lord and almost always avoid the major pitfalls of life. At the same time, when we come to Him, we will be putting ourselves on a path to receive many of this life's blessings. Proverbs 19:8 says, "He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: he that keepeth understanding shall find good." Seeking godly wisdom and coming to the Lord are two very good ways to rightly order your life. However, in Proverbs 8:5-9, Solomon wrote that the simple and foolish usually walk away. They fail to realize how wonderful it is to be a child of the King and under His watchful care. How unfortunate that anyone would ever refuse God's best just to settle for the crumbs of this existence.
Wisdom speaks excellent and right things. Even the mighty king of Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar, saw wisdom in the young man, Daniel. Daniel 5:13-14 says, "Then was Daniel brought in before the king. And the king spake and said unto Daniel, Art thou that Daniel, which art of the children of the captivity of Judah, whom the king my father brought out of Jewry? I have even heard of thee, that the spirit of the gods is in thee, and that light and understanding and excellent wisdom is found in thee." Wisdom speaks truth. Proverbs 23:23 says, "Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding." Wisdom repels wickedness. Wisdom is understood and received by the wise. Solomon urged his readers to be open to godly instruction and godly wisdom. He encouraged them to put aside the drawing power of riches and to choose instead the things of the Lord. Wisdom has greater value than silver and gold. It is more valuable than rubies. Wisdom precedes prudence, and nothing else will help a person through this life anymore than God's wisdom. Wisdom is from the Lord and, like salvation, it is free. All we have to do is receive it. James 1:5 says, "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him."
Wisdom will keep your life on the straight and narrow pathway and out of trouble. God's wisdom is a free gift to all that ask. Is there any possible excuse for a person not to be right with the Lord? To me, there is not. Therefore, as you go through the coming week, do your best to seek that wisdom which is from above and try to live a life that will be pleasing and honoring to the Lord.
Tom of Spotswood"He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life." (I John 5:12)
"And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:13)
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