Wisdom’s Cause and Effect
We enjoyed a pleasant Georgia fall day. That included watching the University of Georgia football game and a trip to a “pumpkin patch.” The pumpkin patch was at a farm, with a mini festival with a maze, hayride, bouncy castle and various games and activities. There were a lot of settings for photo ops for parents and their children.
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil. Then you will have healing for your body and strength for your bones.” Proverbs 3:7,8
In Proverbs 3, we see the value of heeding the way of wisdom. Solomon tells his son, if you pay attention to my words, “…you will live many years, and your life will be satisfying.” (Proverbs 3:2 NLT)
The importance of heeding Godly wisdom and going against the grain of our “own understanding” is reflected in the impact that it has on our life. God’s desire is for us to enjoy His pleasure and to live life to the full. We see that reflected in Jesus words, “I have come that you might have life, and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10)
There are several emphatic “if-then” concepts in Proverbs 3. Consider the following:
“Never let loyalty and kindness leave you!…Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will earn a good reputation.” (Proverbs 3:3,4 NLT)
How important to understand the impact of the right attitudes and actions on our life. It means being consistent with those character traits.
“Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” (Proverbs 3:6 NLT)
If we seek God’s will, we will know God’s will. The Lord is not be viewed as illusive and disconnected with the concerns of our life. That is why Jesus said, “Seek and you will find, knock and the door will be opened.” (Matthew 7:7)
“Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil. Then you will have healing for your body and strength for your bones.” (Proverbs 3:7,8 NLT)
It is interesting when “modern medicine” reveals the connection between our physical and emotional health and our lifestyle. Human wisdom leads to pride and arrogance. It can result in shunning the ways of the Lord doing what makes sense to you. Those are recipes for disaster, even those that are revealed in our physical bodies.
“Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce. Then he will fill your barns with grain, and your vats will overflow with good wine.” (Proverbs 3:9,10 NLT)
The Biblical concept is “God’s blessing flows to the generous heart.” We see this in both the Old and New Testament. This is difficult for many to grasp. However, when you hold tightly in fear, you make yourself the guardian of your life and future. When God’s way and plan is followed the Lord is able to supply all of our needs. As a matter of fact these verses communicate “abundance.”
The summary of the value of following God’s way of wisdom is seen in this verse, “Joyful is the person who finds wisdom, the one who gains understanding.” (Proverbs 3:13 NLT) That battle is that it is easier to “lean to your own understanding” than “trusting the Lord in all of your heart.” (Proverbs 3:5) That’s where faith comes in and where trusting in God’s ways and promises come in. There is a “cause and effect” in trusting in ourselves and a “cause and effect” in trusting in the Lord and living according to Godly wisdom. The one we choose makes all the difference.
Prayer for today… Lord, thank You for the promises You make and the assurances You give, when we live according to Your wisdom. Help us in the natural inclination to go our own way and help us through Your power and grace to choose Your way of wisdom and life.