Practical Wisdom
Today was my last full day in Atlanta. I return to Colorado tomorrow. I spent another day with Mckenzie. We traveled to the playground and went to lunch. This evening the family surprised me with a special birthday celebration. The official date is a little over a month away, but it was good to reflect on my birthday celebration three year ago at the rehab hospital when Stephanie was in Colorado for that occasion.
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…Ā “My child,Ā if you have put up security for a friendās debtĀ or agreed to guarantee the debt of a stranger…swallow your pride;Ā go and beg to have your name erased.” Proverbs 6:1,3 NLT
Godly wisdom covers all aspects of life. Much of Proverbs is direct, other statements are to stimulate thought and contemplation. Chapter 6, covers some practice wisdom for “everyday living.”
In summary, it could be stated in the words, “work hard and be diligent and then be wise in what you do with what you have.”
It begins with cautions about “co-signing” for debt. But instead of just saying don’t do it, there is the instructions of, if you have done it, get out! That is often an overlooked piece of advice. If Ā a correction can be made in an error of judgment, then it should be made.
When it comes to industry and hard work, Solomon says, “Take a lesson from the ants, you lazybones.Ā Learn from their ways and become wise!” (Proverbs 6:6 NLT) Ants work in an organized fashion, they plan ahead and they store for the future. Those characteristics in themselves provide good insight for financial security.Ā
When it comes to diligence in work, I think of former US Senator Bill Armstrong. He served the last ten years of his life as President of Colorado Christian University. Even in his late 70’s he could be found in his University office on Saturday. When one of his staff members asked him about his work habits, he responded, “The Bible says, ‘six days you shall work.'”
A little more effort can produce far greater results; less and less effort can result in surprising setbacks. Solomon says, “A little extra sleep, a little more slumber,Ā a little folding of the hands to restāthen poverty will pounce on you like a bandit;Ā scarcity will attack you like an armed robber.” (Proverbs 6:10,11 NLT)
There can be a temptation to “cut corners” to “take the easy way” and even be dishonest. Many try to get ahead by avoiding the discipline of effort, diligence and honesty. Solomon says of these, “…they will be destroyed suddenly,Ā broken in an instant beyond all hope of healing.” (Proverbs 6:15 NLT)
All aspects of life can be found in God’s wisdom. God’s wisdom provides the general direction and the specifics that can guide our life. When parents pass on wisdom, it serves for all circumstances and for all times,
“When you walk, their counsel will lead you.Ā When you sleep, they will protect you.Ā When you wake up, they will advise you.” (Proverbs 6:22 NLT)
Prayer for today…Ā Lord, thank You that Your wisdom gives us the direction that we need in life in general and in the specifics. Help us to seek and apply Your wisdom to all aspects of our life.