Sunday, May 2, 1999 This Week's Lesson:
In this week's lesson, which came from Proverbs 8:14-21, we studied once again about the importance of gaining godly understanding. The Book of Proverbs was written primarily to give wisdom and understanding. To that end, the Book opens in Proverbs 1:1-2 by saying, "The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel; To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding." It is good when adults get with the Lord's program and recognize the importance of seeking Him first and of gaining His wisdom and understanding. Having a good understanding of the things of God will keep our lives on the straight and narrow and will deliver us from a trouble-filled life. We can acquire godly understanding through several avenues. First, living right will lead to godly understanding. Second, obeying the teachings of the Word of God will complement our desire to live right and enhance our understanding. Psalms 111:10 says, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever." Finally, seeking God with all our heart, mind, and soul will increase our understanding.
The Bible says that David was a man after God's own heart. He was God's man, and he demonstrated his wisdom and understanding by desiring to know and obey God's precepts. Psalms 119:103-104 says, "How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth! Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way." Understanding has strength and gives a person the strength to do right. By understanding, rulers rule and judges judge. Those that seek godly wisdom and understanding with a pure heart always find it. Proverbs 2:3-5 says, "Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God." According to Proverbs 8:14, understanding is a possessor of good counsel and sound wisdom. It has great value, even greater than fine gold and choice silver. As was said above, understanding will cause a person to live right. Proverbs 2:10-11 says, "When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul; Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee." According to Proverbs 8:21, choosing understanding over earthly riches will lead to a good life and ultimately to the acquisition of substance. Proverbs 3:13 says, "Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding."
Most of the Book of Proverbs admonishes the individual to seek the Lord first and to try to gain His wisdom and understanding. Living right does not guarantee salvation to anyone, but it will make a person's life much less stressful. As you go through the coming week, try to be the person that your heavenly Father wants you to be. Seek Him first and try to live a life that will be pleasing, honoring, and glorifying to Him.
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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