"Learning Wisdom" March 20 Readings: Deuteronomy 17-18, Mark 15:21–47, Psalm 37:8–14, Proverbs 8:32-33

Today's Readings - Deuteronomy 17-18, Mark 15:21–47, Psalm 37:8–14, Proverbs 8:32-33

Devotional - Learning Wisdom

Proverbs is a unique book within the Scriptures. It's not primarily about theology or eternity, but about practical issues of living life here on earth. It is a book of wisdom from Solomon to his sons to teach them how to honor God, how to make wise choices and how to lead Israel well (they were, of course, the princes of the land). There are instructions about the tongue, about handling money, and a plethora of warnings about the dangers of sexual immorality. 

Chapter 8 is a summary and recapitulation of the well-organized and systematic teachings of wisdom in chapters 1 through 7. In our reading, verses 22-23, he shares a few of the keys to the life of wisdom, dropping some hints that we need to heed. 

And now, O sons, listen to me:
    blessed are those who keep my ways.
Hear instruction and be wise,
    and do not neglect it.

First, Solomon calls on his sons to listen and obey. How arcane that sounds. "No one tells me what to do. I do what I want." That's the way of this world, but it is also the way of folly. A wise man or woman is willing to submit to those authorities that God has placed in his or her life. God. The Word of God. Parents. Bosses. Teachers. Church leaders. The wise are not brazen and full of themselves, but willing to listen, learn and obey.

Second, Solomon encouraged his sons to learn wisdom by hearing instruction. They needed to realize that they did not have all wisdom or knowledge and that they needed to learn more. They needed to seek that knowledge. That is a general principle - a wise man or woman reads and listens and learns about many things. But it is primarily focused on the Word of God. The wise must be diligent as students of God's word because it is there that God's wisdom is revealed.

As I read verses like this, I realize how successful the enemy has been in winning the hearts and minds of our world. How odd it sounds to talk about submitting to authority and learning wisdom from others, instead of simply choosing for yourself what is right and wrong. The enemy has convinced this world that dark is light and light is dark, that good is bad and bad is good, that up is down and down is up.

We must read and study God's Word and submit our minds to its truths, to be renewed by it rather than to be shaped by the lies of this world. Solomon begged his sons, even 3000 years ago, not to neglect the wisdom of God's Word. The principle is even truer today.

Father, teach us your truth that we may walk in your wisdom. 

Think and Pray

Which of the readings spoke most powerfully to you today?
Is the Spirit of God moving you to repent of something you are doing, to begin something new, or to change something about your life as a result of your readings? What?

Do you walk in the wisdom of God or do you live in folly, disobeying God?