Invest in acquiring wisdom.
“Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore, get wisdom.” Proverbs 4:7 NIV.
My thoughts and comments today are about “wisdom.”
Life can be challenging. In those challenges, hold loosely what is temporal; distinguish and hold tightly what is eternal. The Bible’s counsel is wise; “Examine everything carefully; hold fast that which is good.” 1 Thessalonians 5:21 NAS. I find it interesting that our God Who, “changes not,” also declares, “I make all things new.” With discernment, you navigate the changes inherent in daily life without losing connection with the spiritual values that have enriched your journey.
As years and experiences accumulate, you will cherish your history of God’s providence while you readily recognize the current activity of the Holy Spirit in your life. A trusting heart and mind are the keys to expanded experience and increased knowledge. Solomon discovered, “Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding, for [wisdom and understanding are] more profitable than silver and yield better returns than gold.” Proverbs 3:13-18 NIV. Invest in acquiring wisdom. Wisdom from God is easy to recognize. James 3:17 NIV.
Spiritual discernment and wise discrimination will guard and guide you. No wise person would leave their door open to anyone who drops by for good or ill. Neither should your heart or mind be void of discernment. You must exercise spiritual judgment. Stay open in your spirit, not to everyone or anything, but welcome those Godly people and present realities that align with God’s Truth and ring true in your heart. Solomon learned, “By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; and by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches.” Proverbs 24:3-4 NAS.
Change alone is not quite enough; you want growth and measurable improvement. For that to happen, you will need your knowledge to mature into understanding and wisdom. It is equally foolish to be open to everything as to be closed to anything. “Every teacher . . who has become a disciple in the Kingdom of Heaven is like a person who brings out of the storehouse the new teachings as well as the old.” Matthew 13:52 NLT. Experiences, old or new, require discriminating discernment. Value both old and new experiences, integrating both for your gain and growth.
If you desire Godly wisdom, my friend, Campbell, practiced and recommended reading one of the 31 chapters of Proverbs each day, again and again every month. “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore, get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding.” Proverbs 4:7 NIV. As Solomon learned, you do not acquire true wisdom by your own cleverness. Wisdom and understanding result from the practice of God’s Word, by observing and welcoming the Godly wisdom of others, and by learning through your own experiences as understood through the prism of God’s Word. Value those who have lived longer, journeyed further, and are open to know God and His ways better. Then become that person for someone else. “So teach us to number our days, that we may present to You a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12 NAS.
Today, I pray for you to listen well to the Holy Spirit in your heart. John 16:13-14 NIV.
Christian Communications 2016