Devotional Word for Wednesday, July 8, 2020
Who do you turn to for help or guidance when you are dealing with problems in life? Well, you might answer, “It all depends on what the problem is.” Surely, we would not ask help from a dentist when we are dealing with a plumbing or electrical problem, right? Likewise, we would not seek the guidance from a physician when our car is broken down on the highway either, would we?
Yet, when it comes to asking for wisdom to know the meaning of life, the purpose for life, and the value of life, where do we turn? Apart from seeking people we know and trust, we must first know the source of the wisdom they will impart to us. So, when it comes to asking for wisdom to answer these questions regarding the meaning, purpose and value of life, we better make sure we are going to the right source.
Proverbs 1:20-22, states, “Wisdom shouts in the street, she lifts her voice in the square; at the head of the noisy streets she cries out; at the entrance of the gates in the city, she utters her sayings: “How long, O naïve ones, will you love simplicity? And scoffers delight themselves in scoffing, and fools hate knowledge?”
It is evident, by these verses, that wisdom is obtainable, but there are those who choose not to pay attention; they are called naïve, scoffers, and fools because they reject wisdom and choose to live life, loving simplicity, delighting in scoffing, and hating knowledge. In their case, they have an unteachable spirit, for they spurn the voice of wisdom.
Thankfully, none of us fall into the categories of the naïve, scoffers, and fools; for we want to listen to the voice of wisdom. We, as believers in Christ, know what Proverbs 1:7 says, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.” We also know the Source of true wisdom is the LORD; He alone has the answers to the questions of the meaning of life, the purpose for life, and the value of life.
However, there are people listening to other voices claiming to speak wisdom today; but it is a worldly wisdom, which systematically redefines the meaning, purpose, and value of life.
Because of this source of “worldly wisdom” clamoring for dominance in our culture, the sacred foundational truths concerning mankind are being vehemently opposed and methodically disassembled. Consequently, we, as human beings, created in the image and likeness of the One, True, Living God, are being deprived of the wisdom of the LORD, which truly explains the meaning, purpose, and value of life. The question we need to ask ourselves is, are we competent to discern God’s wisdom from this combative worldly wisdom? The outcome of being incompetent in the wisdom of the LORD has chaotic effects, which, I might add, we all are witnessing today! We need to comprehend and follow Proverbs 2:1-6, “My son, if you will receive my sayings, and treasure my commandments within you, make your ear attentive to wisdom. Incline your heart to understanding; … cry for discernment, lift your voice for understanding; … seek her … search for her as hidden treasures; then you will discern the fear of the LORD, and discover the knowledge of God. For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.” Wisdom Speaks! Are We listening?