JUNE – WISDOM
1. Proverbs 3:13-14 “Happy is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains
understanding; for her proceeds are better than the profits of silver, and her gain than fine gold.”
The beginning of wisdom is to have the fear of the Lord – in other words to have a deep respect for the Person of God and for His written Word. That is what we should seek after. It is better to attain that, than to have money in the bank and a big salary. Earthly riches will someday come to nothing if we don’t have wisdom to manage them. They will not satisfy us or bring us happiness without bringing them under the government of the Lord. Receiving wisdom from God can position us to receive all things He sees that are necessary to give us a rewarding life, and to contribute to the well-being of others.
2. Proverbs 4:7-8 “Wisdom is the principle thing; therefore get wisdom. And in all your
getting, get understanding. Exalt her and she will promote you; she will bring you
honor, when you embrace her”
Here’s the message. Keep this task on the top of your list. Give up everything else if that is what it takes to get wisdom. Wrap your arms around her like you would a special friend. It will direct your steps to follow God and protect you from the evils and dangers in life. You will never regret your choice to embrace wisdom and understanding. They will fill your days with God’s grace and beauty. Years will be added to your life. You will be able to avoid blind pathways and crooked trails, or wasting time making wrong turns. Guard the wisdom coming from God, as you study His Word and then obey it.
3. Proverbs 9:10-11 “ The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the know-
ledge of the Holy One is understanding. For by Me your days will be multiplied, and years of life will be added unto you.”
Skilled living and fruitfulness gets it’s start in the fear of God – having a respect for Him and the Word He has given to us for a guide in life. Scoff at His Word or His ways, and you can expect trouble. But you can expect a constant pouring out of revelation and direction from above – insights into good, godly living – when you have wisdom from above. I am simply not smart enough to successfully manage my way through the maze of obstacles on this planet that would hinder my well-being. I choose to rely on God, who will skillfully guide me in relationships, through business endeavors, and in develo-ping a lifestyle that will demonstrate His wisdom is working in me.
4. James 1:5-7 “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally
and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the sea. For let not that man suppose he will receive anything from the Lord.”
Today I confess my wisdom is as nothing compared to God’s wisdom. Then why would I be so proud as to refuse to ask Him for His wisdom. I need Him to speak into my life. I am desperate without His advice. He is not at all reluctant to give me what I need, and His promise is for a liberal harvest coming into my life. So today and every day my plan is to come before His throne boldly, in faith received through my careful observation of the Scriptures, to take hold of the wisdom offered. Why not appreciate and receive the good gift offered to enable me to live successfully?
5. Ecclesiastes 9:16-17 “Wisdom is better than strength. Nevertheless the poor man’s
wisdom is despised, and his words are not heard. Words of the wise, spoken quietly, should be heard rather than the shout of a ruler of fools.”
Wisdom is the power of God to have right discernment and act with good common sense to make true judgments on matters. Men will often overlook the quiet words of an unknown or insignificant person, being more impressed with stature, fame, public influence, or money. Wisdom can properly apply knowledge, so that knowledge will become a blessing that will honor God. Just acquiring knowledge is not helpful unless wisdom makes it work properly. Therefore, I will continue to seek the Lord for the wisdom to put all the Words I receive from Him into a life experience for which it is inten-ded. As He watches over His Word applied with His wisdom, my life will become fruitful.
6. 1 Corinthians 3:18 “ Stop fooling yourselves. If you count yourselves as above
average in intelligence, as judged by this world’s standards, you had better put all this aside and be a fool rather than let it hold you back from the true wisdom from above.” LB
Man can educate his mind to be absolutely amazing in intelligent thought, in creative ways to improve his lifestyle, and in the discovery of new things. In fact knowledge is increasing at an incredible rate, and we are now at the point where humans seem to think that their own wisdom is sufficient to master the world’s problems and life’s issues without the input that is available from God. Man has put himself in the place of God. It’s time we come back to the reality that only God can save us from our sin, heal us from the wounds we have received, and restore the broken relationships that plague families.
7. 1 Corinthians 3:19 “For the wisdom of this world is foolishness to God. As it says in
the Book of Job, God uses man’s own brilliance to trap him; he stumbles over his own “wisdom” and falls. And again, in the book of Psalms, we are told that the Lord knows full well how the human mind reasons, and how foolish and futile it is.” LB
The world could never accept the fact that the blood of Jesus Christ is the only payment acceptable to God for the sin of men. People cannot fathom the idea of receiving the gift of salvation through repentance and forgiveness. Humans have difficulty to believe that there is only one way to heaven, that is through God’s plan of reconciliation. Man wants to pay his own way, believe in the schemes he dreams up, and find alternate ways to live besides what the Bible tell us. Let us accept God’s wisdom and His plan for life.
8, 2 Corinthians 1:12 “ We are so glad that we can say with utter honesty that in all our
dealings we have been pure and sincere, quietly depending on the Lord for His help, and not on our own skills. And that is even more true, if possible, about the way we have acted toward you.” LB
Here is true wisdom in action. In everything we do we continually go to the Lord for guidance, for strength, and to receive His wisdom. We depend on Him. We avoid trust-ing in our abilities and depending on our intellect. Using good common sense and our God-given abilities has a place in our lives, but there is a higher order we can count on that will assist us to avoid pitfalls and be more efficient as we live for God. And when it comes to dealing with people, we especially need God’s heavenly wisdom to make right decisions and generate positive relationships to work together for His purposes.
9. Colossians 2:2-3 “I want you woven into a tapestry of love, in touch with everything
there is to know of God. Then you will have minds confident and at rest, focused on Christ, God’s great mystery. All the richest treasures of wisdom and know-ledge are imbedded in that mystery and nowhere else” MSG
To know God is to know wisdom. To know His Word is to gain wisdom. I seek for Jesus Christ and Truth, as He is wisdom. As revelation knowledge comes to my spirit, the mysteries of heaven become part of my being. These are the richest treasures possible for me to attain. They give me understanding of a realm that is superior to the realm of this earth. Having received these riches, I become confident and live in peace. There is no other way to live in communion and partnership with my Lord. All the works of the minds and hands of men cannot ever provide me with such wisdom and life.
10. Colossians 4:5-6 “ Make the most of your chances to tell others the Good News. Be
wise in all your contacts with them. Let your conversation be gracious as well as sensible, for then you will have the right answer for everyone.” LB
We are to use our heads as we live and work among those who don’t yet know Christ as their Savior. The goal is to bring out the best in others as we communicate and interact with them graciously. Wisdom will allow us to see the big picture of how our influence can lead people to a desire to know Jesus. Wisdom will also guide us to the key that could unlock doors in the hearts of others who have effectively shut Christ out of their lives. Remember, you can at any time ask the Lord for the wisdom you currently lack to guide others to a relationship with Him. His will is that none should perish, and it is Jesus who gave His life that all people should be saved. Wisdom is there for you.
- Proverbs 1:7 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise
wisdom and instruction.”
To bow down and respect the Lord will open your ears to begin to hear knowledge and
truth. To remain humble and respectful will enable you to acquire wisdom to properly apply that knowledge and truth. Pay close attention to the Scriptures, as they are the Truth. Proverbs 1:24-25 is very specific. If we refuse God’s call, get careless about His helping us in life, or distain His counsel and reproof, He may well laugh when calamity befalls us. I really want to have a fulfilling life of serving God and being a blessing to people. I desire a trouble free life and peace for my family, instead of brokenness and disruption and lack. I choose to walk in the wisdom of God and to influence all those around me to live in the fear of the Lord and His wisdom.
- Proverbs 2:1-5 “Good friend, take to heart what I’m telling you; collect My counsels
and guard them with your life. Tune your ears to the world of Wisdom; set your heart on a life of Understanding. That’s right – if you make Insight your priority, and won’t take no for an answer, searching for it like a prospector panning for gold, like an adventurer on a treasure hunt, believe Me, before you know it Fear of God will be yours; you’ll have come upon the knowledge of God.” MSG
Doesn’t this just sound like a good Father giving instructions to His children? Doesn’t it sound like a wise mother, full of years of experience, speaking to the ones she cares for the most. Here are words of encouragement loaded with value and wisdom that can set the course for many young lives. How it must please our Father God when He observes this kind of wise counsel and right responses from a family that fears the Lord.
13. Proverbs 2:6-7 “For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and
understanding; He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield for those who walk uprightly; He guards the paths of justice, and preserves the way of His saints.”
God is a rich mine of common sense for those who live rightly. He is a personal body guard to those who are honest and sincere about living for Him. He keeps His eye on those who are committed to Him and His Body, the church. He also pays special attention to those who are loyal to Him and the Word He speaks. Let Wisdom be your close friend and knowledge a pleasant companion. They will keep you making good choices and following sensible directions. Join the company of others who have chosen wisdom and sound judgment, and you will be all right.
14. “Ecclesiastes 10:10 “If the ax is dull, and one does not sharpen the edge, then he
must use more strength; but wisdom brings success.”
Just like a duller ax makes the work of cutting much more difficult, a person with less wisdom has a much more difficult time to navigate life’s pathway. The more we use our head, the less muscle is required to accomplish the task. Have you ever noticed how some people struggle with making a success of a job that others with less ability can seem to handle quite well. The person devoid of wisdom has a knack for making the simple thing complicated. We should be watching others with the intent of learning wisdom in what is being done. That is sharpening the edge of our minds. In the same way we should be observing how God does things as we study the Bible, so we will be honing the edge on our spiritual lives. God told Joshua to “observe carefully.” Josh 1:7.
15. Matthew 10:16 “ Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore
be wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.”
Now what can this mean? Philippians 2:13-15 gives us wise instruction. It is to be God
working in us both to will and to do His good pleasure. We are to do His will, His way. Do all things readily and cheerfully. Go out into the world uncorrupted, a breath of fresh air in a polluted society. Provide people with a glimpse of the living God and good godly living. Hold fast the Word of God, and carry it as a light-giving Message into the dark-ness around you. You are to be the living proof of a God-changed life. Yet beware and be wise to know that there are many wolves looking for an excuse to trap and devour you. Let the Lord lead you and give you wisdom in what to say and where to go as you continue to fearlessly move in His will. God is sending you out!
16. 2 Chronicles 1:9-10 “ Now, O Lord God, let Your promise to David my father be
established, for You have made me king over a people like the dust of the earth in multitude. Now give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people; for who can judge this great people of Yours?”
Here is the King of Israel responding to the offer God made him to ask whatever he wanted as he took over the throne of David. Solomon was well taught by his father, who understood what is the most essential component of leading well. Right now was a great opportunity for the newly crowned king to grab the most sought after treasures and pleasures and power available to men. But Solomon chose wisdom and knowledge. In this choice, what he was really doing was asking the Lord to give him a “hearing ear.” That is the way to receive the Lord’s wisdom, and that marked him as the “wisest man.”
17. Proverbs 1:5 “A wise man will hear and increase learning, and a man of understand-
ing will attain wise counsel.”
There’s something here for seasoned men and women to hear – there is still a thing or
two for experienced people to learn. They will always benefit from fresh wisdom. Only fools despise the opportunity to grow in knowledge and wisdom. Pay close attention to what wise people are saying and doing. Avoid the temptations that bad companions will entice you with. Don’t listen to their words, and walk in the opposite direction they are traveling. Never give them a second look. They are like people robbing a bank with everybody watching. They are racing toward a very bad end. Find someone who is giving themselves to living with integrity, serving God with all their might, loving and helping others. Hang out with someone who is using their brains to honor God.
18. James 3:13 “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom.”
Here is a key to keep wisdom working for you. Keep humble. Let all your works be done with a meek attitude. That is how you build a reputation for having wisdom. It’s the way you live, not the way you talk that counts. Selfish ambition isn’t wisdom; boasting that you are wise isn’t wisdom. Twisting the truth to make yourself sound wise is not wisdom. Whenever you are trying to look better than others, or get the better of others, things begin to fall apart, and everyone ends up at each others’ throats. Real wisdom, God’s wisdom, begins with a holy life and is characterized by getting along with others. It is gentle and reasonable, overflowing with mercy and blessings, not hot one day and cold the next. Wisdom is solid and stable. It is not easily moved by circumstances.
19. Ecclesiastes 10:12-14 “The words of a wise person are gracious. The talk of a fool
self-destructs. He starts out talking nonsense and ends up spouting insanity and evil. Fools talk way too much, chattering stuff they know nothing about” MSG
Did you ever notice how a person may say something without thinking and then spout a long chorus of words to rally around the thing that didn’t make any sense in the first place. Such a babbler can confuse even themselves. As Christians, we ought to choose our words carefully, limiting our speech to address issues on which we have some un-derstanding, and also reasonably limiting our number of words. That is exercising godly wisdom. We also have the responsibility to express our communication with a gracious-ness that shows respect for others; speech that honors the Lord, avoiding the kind of words that could ruin a reputation rather than bless and build someone up.
20. Luke 12:42 “And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom
his Master will make ruler over His household, to give them their portion of food in due season? Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when He comes”
Here is wisdom in action that will make the way for a good reward. Any faithful, sensible man who has been given a responsibility will continue to use the resources entrusted to him to care for the details of his assignment. This would especially apply to those who have the calling of feeding the spiritual Word to people under their influence. How pleased the Master will be when He comes to find leaders wisely teaching the Scrip-tures in every place and in all circumstances of life. The wise servant knows this feeding will have eternal results, and this is a motivation to be faithful in this stewardship.
21. Proverbs 16:23 “The heart of the wise teaches his mouth, and adds learning to his
lips. Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.”
As a person becomes wiser the words of his mouth will noticeably change. His heart will begin to govern his mouth, and what he speaks will become positive, pleasant, and sweeter. When our speech is sweet we will have more influence in others’ lives because they will be more inclined to want to be around us. Wise people are more inclined to re-hearse words that bring hope for the soul, health for our bodies, and truth for the spirit to feed on. A wise person usually has a brighter countenance, whereas a fool without wis-dom often portrays shame and shadows. Let the wise Words of the Scriptures teach you well, so you will become a messenger of God in word, deed, and appearance.
22. Proverbs 29:15, 17 “ The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left to himself
brings shame to his mother. Correct your son and he will give you rest; yes, he will give delight to your soul.”
Proverbs 22:15 says that foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child. This foolish-ness, if not dealt with, will compound and strengthen, until you are left with an adult who is foolish. That’s why we need to train our children to give up foolishness. Sometimes they refuse to respond to reproof and we resort to using the rod of correction. We do this in love, of course, and most children will understand the pain of the flesh better than a reasoned instruction. The purpose of discipline is to train the child in a way he/she understands and gets wisdom for tomorrow. A child left to himself and not trained will eventually become a problem to parents and society. Let us be wise in training children.
23. Proverbs 21:22, 30-31 “The wise man conquers the strong man and levels his de-
fenses. No one, regardless of how shrewd or well-advised he is, can stand against the Lord. Go ahead and prepare for the conflict, but victory comes from the Lord.” LB
The fetish of many a natural man in this day is to do body building. We seem to be im-pressed by a good physique. Another current fetish for some is to continue going to school forever. Eternal students are often impressed by themselves. But who is the wise person that will overcome and out-perform both the physically strong and the mentally equipped? It is the one who has submitted to the Lord, who has exercised his spirit thoroughly in meditating in the Word of Life, and who has studied the life and character of God until it is united with his being. Now there is a wise person headed for victory.
24. Matthew 25:1-4 “The Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of the ten
bridesmaids who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. But only five of them were wise enough to fill their lamps with oil, while the other five were foolish and forgot.” LB
I sometimes wonder just how well prepared we are to meet God’s expectation for us in serving Himself. Have we done all that is necessary and available to keep our life-light glowing to reveal Christ in us? Are we daily filled by the Holy Spirit and anointed to en-gage in the work assigned to us in the church? Do we spend enough time in developing our gifts and talents so we give an offering of excellence each time we minister among people affected by our influence? Be wise today. Insure that you have oil enough for the assignment in the night. Plan for a successful venture. Use the wisdom from God.
25. Proverbs 21:11 “ The wise man learns by listening; the simpleton can learn only by
seeing scorners punished.” LB
A scorner is one who treats the words offered with contempt. He is a mocker who dis-tains or despises someone or something. Jesus was treated with contempt for His Words, and mocked for calling Himself the Son of God. Wise people who have heard the Lord’s Word can receive understanding of salvation, healing, and freedom from sin. The fool, or simpleton, will only learn the truth if he sees the wrath of God exercised upon the scorner, or if he envisions such a person ending up in hell. Let us pray that we will continue to hear the Lord clearly, choosing the way of the wise, and let us also pray fervently that many will see the wisdom of God’s plan of salvation while His mercy is still flowing.
26. Proverbs 4:3-6 “ When I was my father’s son, tender, and the only one in the sight
of my mother, he also taught me and said to me: Let your heart retain my words; keep my commands, and live. Get wisdom! Get understanding! Do not forget, nor turn away from the words of my mouth. Do not forsake her, and she will preserve you; love her and she will keep you.”
We should really take this counsel to heart. It is the recipe for a long and happy life. We should continue to forage for understanding and when we find her, to never deviate one inch from the truth. To be wise is to develop good judgment and common sense. There is safety for our lives here. There is guidance and provision and health for everyday living. It is preferable to launch out on a life of wisdom when we are young, but there is no restriction for anyone of any age. Get up and get going today! It is not too late!
27. Psalm 111:10; 112:1-3 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; a good
understanding have all those who do His commandments, His praise endures forever. Praise the Lord! Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who delights greatly in His commandments. His descendents will be mighty on the earth; the generation of the upright will be blessed. Wealth and riches will be in his house, and his righteousness endures forever.”
What a wonderful promise there is for our children when we get wisdom through respect for the Lord and walking in obedience to all His Word. There is a mighty and blessed generation that will follow in our steps. Our children will be honored and their houses will be full of the abundant provision of heaven. Their lives will be full of good deeds. A special heritage is waiting for them. They will be a delight to the Lord, and also to us!
28. Proverbs 24:3-7 “Through wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is es-
tablished; by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant rich-es. A wise man is strong, yes, a man of knowledge increases strength; for by wise counsel you will wage your own war, and in a multitude of counselors there is safety. Wisdom is too lofty for a fool, he does not open his mouth in the gate.”
A person without godly wisdom is probably a rebel against God. How could he possibly get any assistance from God in building a house, or a life, or anything else? Why would God bless a fool like He promises to bless those who are wise. If a wise man receives his strength from God, then obviously a rebel will be without strength. And if a person who has wisdom gives good counsel, the fool should not even open his mouth to give advice. I will look to the wise for counsel, and expect the strength of the Lord in my life.
29. Proverbs 14:6-8 “A mocker never finds the wisdom he claims he is looking for, yet
it comes easily to the man with common sense. If you are looking for advice, stay away from fools. The wise man looks ahead. The fool attempts to fool himself and won’t face facts.” LB
Wisdom is not that hard to attain. God has chosen to be in covenant with us and to have an intimate, personal relationship with us. Since He is Wisdom, that character trait should be rubbing off on us daily if we take our friendship seriously. The cynics who mock at the value of this God-human relationship and discount the reality of receiving wisdom from the Creator will find it will evade them. But those who are open minded to the Lord and submit to His Word and His ways will see wisdom everywhere. It will keep them on track while fools around them keep landing in the ditch.
30. Isaiah 33:5-6 “The Lord is exalted, for He dwells on high; He has filled Zion with
justice and righteousness. Wisdom and knowledge will be the stability of your times, and the strength of salvation; the fear of the Lord is His treasure.”
We sure seem to be living in uncertain times. People all over the world are disturbed and confused by unstable governments, bad economies, troubled relationships, and sinking moral standards. It’s a time to look up, to look to God! He is our sure foundation. He is unchanging. He has provided salvation in abundance. His eye is ever watching over the church, the Bride of His Son Jesus Christ. Our God is still providing knowledge to those who are seeking Him. There is wisdom available to all who honor Him. The application of this wisdom brings stability and healing and peace into our world. Those who are wise will continue to flourish in the house of the Lord. Praise the Lord!