Proverbs for the People--"Wisdom"

While studying the book of proverbs, I noticed that the word "wisdom" is mentioned quite a bit. It looks like God values "wisdom"  so much, that in Proverbs 8:19 wisdom says, "My fruit is better than gold, even pure gold, and my yield than choicest silver." Recently the price of gold was over $1000 per ounce. I know because I recently sold some of my gold.  And the price is still going up right along with the price of gas.

I think if we realized the value of "wisdom"  we would work harder to obtain it.

Proverbs 8:35 says, "For whoever finds me "wisdom" finds life and wins approval from the Lord."

So basically, in the same way that the world finds such high value in silver and gold, God holds an even higher value to "wisdom".  I would say that for a person like me, seeking and finding "wisdom" is a lot easier than obtaining valuable materials like silver and gold. This is very comforting to know, especially since nothing we desire, can be compared with wisdom in God's eyes.

According to the bible, words of "wisdom"  bring healing, good advice, success, insight and strength. (Proverbs 14, 18) As valuable as silver and gold are to this world, I know they don't come with good advice or healing.

"Wisdom"  means knowledge of what is true, or right coupled with good judgement as to action. It requires control of your emotional reactions so that your principles, reason and knowledge help you to determine your actions. A good example for me would be when I am angry about something. Anger is an emotion that can have a decent outcome if I react with "wisdom" for a favorable outcome. Now the question is, how often do I exercise "wisdom" when I am emotional?  Not nearly as often as I should but I'm learning something new every day so pray for me.

I don't believe that "wisdom" is inherited but I do believe that it can be obtained through experience (age) or directly from God. The first step in acquiring "wisdom" is to make up your mind that you want it and will strive to obtain it. All you have to do is seek and you will find, ask and you shall receive. You see, God gives knowledge and "wisdom" freely to those who ask.  How encouraging is it to know that the things God requires us to know or have are not difficult to obtain?  Just remember that to whom much is given, much is required.  So the more you know, the more that God expects you to act like you know and act like you have some sense.

The last point that I would like to make about "wisdom", is the comparison in contrast to foolishness.
 "A fool is quick tempered, but a "wise"  person stays calm when insulted," Proverbs 12:16
If you are able to just ignore an insult, that says a lot about your character.  It really takes a "wise"  person to be able to do that and not react in the same way that a fool does.
"Whoever walks with the "wise"  will become "wise" ; whoever walks with fools will suffer harm," Proverbs 13:20
You see, we do need to be careful about the company that we keep. Ya know, the people that we surround ourselves with. Basically, if you wanna hang with fools, just remember, birds of the same feathers flock together. Don't get caught up in no mess with fools, ya dig?

Peace out until next time.

Let Go and Let It Flow

Negative thoughts bring forth negative results.  Even though I know this, I still have more negative reactions than I should.  Even when it's justified, let it go and keep it movin.  The fact that we live in a fallen world doesn't help but I need to learn how to take my own advice.  There will never be peace on this earth and I have to constantly keep my mind stayed on Him and He will keep me in "perfect peace". 

In God We Trust

Everyone knows the slogan on our money, "In God We Trust" right?  Is it God that we trust or do we trust our money more?  Every day we are tested on this.  When we have all the money we think we need, do we forget our need for God?  When we don't have enough money, do we remember to trust God to meet our needs?  It really is a fine line isn't it?  Maybe that's why it's printed on our money.  To remind us to trust God and God alone.

 Money is good to have, we do need it in this world.  But sometimes we mistake the difference between our needs and our wants.  I know that I am guilty but I have learned by not always having a lot of money how to draw a line between the two.  Learning to be content whether we have a lot or very little is the key.  The first thing to do is learn what your priorities should be, versus what they might be.  God should always be number one.  A lot of us have a problem with that concept and until we truly understand what that means, we will never be able to put Him first.  To me it means giving Him the glory for everything.  It means making sure that anything we do is in line with His will and not our own.  If we are not sure whether something is a part of His will, we need to pray about it and then wait on Him before we make the decision.  If you are married, your spouse is next in line followed by your children.  Anyone else in your life will come next and you will always be last.  That simply means to put the needs of others first before yourself.  That is a part of God's will and when you do that, He will bless you and make sure that your needs are met, I guarantee you.  It's not about money with God.  Some things do not have a price tag such as peace, knowledge and wisdom.  These things come with obeying and trusting God.  So when you think about the slogan on our money, meditate on these words.  "For wisdom is far more valuable than rubies.  Nothing you desire can be compared with it."  Proverbs 8:11