Wisdom

We all have many goals or dreams for ourselves, things that we want to accomplish or to become.  Perhaps  a great goal for each of us would be to obtain wisdom.  We have all known people who, though they aged, they did not become wiser with their years. 

First, we might say that the gaining of wisdom comes by seeking it.  And the true source of wisdom is the Bible.  There we learn from God Himself.  There are other sources of wisdom, but we can't do better than to go to God for our learning and understanding.  And the neat thing about that is that He made sure that we are provided all that we need in this direction.  The Bible is full of wisdom literature. 

A good place to start is the book of Proverbs.  Note Proverbs chapter 1, written by Solomon, the wisest man in the Old Testament:

"To know wisdom and instruction, to perceive the words of understanding, to receive the instruction of wisdom.....The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction."

And Proverbs 8: "Does not wisdom cry out, and understanding lift up her voice?  She takes her stand on the top of the high hill...."

And the reason that Solomon is regarded for being the wisest man of the Old Testament: The Lord looked kindly at Solomon and asked him what he would want above all else.  Solomon could have asked for wealth or health or long life, but instead asked for wisdom that he could use to judge well in his position of king of Israel.  The Lord blessed him with the greatest wisdom, but also with all the other things that Solomon could have asked for, including great wealth.

One little piece of advice, wisdom, is Proverbs 13:20, "He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed."  It only makes sense that if we want to be wise people, we will align ourselves with wise people. 

And in conclusion, I love the first chapter of Joshua.  God is speaking to Joshua directly.  We might note that God doesn't speak to us in this same way, but He has given us the same powerful promise of support through His Word, the Bible.  "No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life; as I was with Moses, so I will be with you.  I will not leave you, nor forsake you.  Be strong and of good courage.....This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it.  For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.  Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."   Wow!

The Lord didn't just love and support Joshua.  He loves and supports each of us who love and follow Him.  Anyone who has spent time in the Bible knows that it is the true source of wisdom.  Let us dwell on that.

Thanks for reading.  You are great!