“For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.” Proverbs 2:6
The book of Proverbs is the first in what is considered the wisdom literature of the Bible. Throughout its chapters, we are instructed and exhorted to live a godly life and to be alert to the ways of folly. The truths in these proverbial verses are still relevant for us today and we should devote personal, as well as family, time to increasing our understanding of how God’s words of wisdom apply to our daily lives.
Solomon’s proverbial verses lay the foundation of what can be considered the framework for Christian living. When we desire to live our lives to glorify God, we should gravitate towards the knowledge and understanding that is found in His Word. Wisdom is shown in faithfulness to a Godly standard and by demonstrating discernment in the daily choices we make.
CALL TO ACTION
Charles Spurgeon wrote “Wisdom is the right use of knowledge.” Knowledge in itself doesn’t equate wisdom. When God’s Word is the plumb line (or reference point) for the way we should (or should not) live our life, we are on the path to better understanding therefore using knowledge rightly. Here are 2 simple ways to seek wisdom:
- READ PROVERBS – incorporate the reading of Proverbs into your daily reading plan. This book can be easily digested in small portions (a few verses at a time) or devoured in large chunks (a chapter at a time). I personally like smaller doses so that I can break down the verses into components that bring about greater knowledge and understanding as well as practical application.
- APPLY PROVERBS to LIFE – as your children grow in knowledge and understanding, look for daily opportunities to talk about wise choices (living according to God’s standard). Chapter 2, verse 1-2 “My son, if you receive my words, and treasure my commands within you, so that you incline your ear to wisdom and apply your heart to understanding.” Training your children to heed instruction and to value wisdom begins when they are young!
