How to Live Today

In the first nine chapters of the book Proverbs we read about what wisdom is and how we can obtain it. Solomon’s proverbs are for receiving the instruction of wisdom (Proverbs 1:1-7). ‘My son, hear the instruction of your father And do not forsake the law of your mother’ (Proverbs 1:18).

Solomon is letting us know the importance of having godly wisdom in our lives. Solomon himself, when God asked him what he would like to receive, answered ‘Therefore give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?’ (1 Kings 3:9). Solomon was young and didn’t know how to judge God’s people and therefore asked for the gift of wisdom. God was pleased with Solomon’s request and granted him wisdom and a discerning heart (1 Kings 3:12).

Solomon, like all of us, wanted to know how to live and take responsibility in a godly way, not only for his own life, but for others’ lives. He recognised he could not do this in his own strength and wanted God to show him how to do it.

In the new Testament, (James 3:13-17), James tells us the difference between worldly wisdom and godly wisdom. He points out that worldly wisdom is selfish, bitter, envious, untruthful, sensual and demonic, whereas godly wisdom is pure, comes from God, peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy, produces good fruits, and is without partiality or hypocrisy.

Proverbs tells us that wisdom is available to anyone who would like it, young or old. There are no limits to receiving it. Wisdom ‘calls out aloud to all of us’ (Proverbs 1:20-21). Proverbs also tells us that, ‘The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding’ (Proverbs 9:10).

For all of us who want to receive and know God’s heart and His wisdom, it begins with God. When we spend time with Him, getting to know Him and His ways, and holding Him in that place of reverence in our lives, worshipping only Him, we are then open to receive His love, and He gives us direction and discernment. We become wise in how we live our lives. Godly wisdom brings us life (Proverbs 8:35), will direct us (Proverbs 3:6), but will also keep us from harm (Proverbs 5:23).

Proverbs 3:5-8 sums it all up in three short verses, ‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding: In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil. It will bring health to your flesh and strength to your bones’.

Prayer: Father I want to thank You, that only You have true wisdom. Lord, I pray that You would forgive me where I have been led by my own ways and understanding and have not put my trust in You. Help me Father to seek Your ways and to know You more. I know that when I do this, it will lead me in Your ways and will keep me safe. Give me an understanding heart that I may discern what is of You and what is not. Amen.