(Message by Pastor Philip Joseph at NLF, Vashi. Happy reading!)
There was a man to whom God appeared and said 'Ask whatever you want'. He was a young man, getting into the shoes of someone truly respected, awesome, and magnificent. He was suceeding someone who had a passion for God; succeeding the greatest king of Israel - king David.. And God appeared to this man and said "Ask! What shall I give you?" (I Kings 3:5). And Solomon asked for wisdom, and an understanding heart! (v9)
You see! You can live your life as a believer and think you are close to God. Yet, you need to have wisdom - discernment, in knowing good and evil. You may marry a believer, but that does not guarantee a home of harmony and peace unless you exercise wisdom and understanding, in your behavior.
The 66 books in the Bible is a treasure-house of wisdom. From God's dealing with different people and at different times, we find, in the bible, a variety in wisdom-treasures. God has spread before us a feast - a sumptuous variety of good food! See, you cannot have the same food over and over again, even if it is so very delicious. So is the spiritual food found in the word of God.You can have your favorite verses, chapters and books of the bible; but it is healthy to have variety, in spiritual food too!
I would not be able to explain all matters contained in this book in a single (hour) message. I remember, when I had just crossed my teens, I had given messages on each of the chapter-there are 31 chapters, in this book. And I have been blessed - in my understanding, in experiencing the presence of the Lord and in experiencing the abundant life! But, for today, I would like us to concentrate on 4 areas of wisdom: (i) Wisdom with God (ii) Wisdom with people (iii) Wisdom in works and finances and (iv) Wisdom in family relationships.
All 4 dimensions of wisdom are vital in our development spiritually. We can have our favorite verses and books to meditate, but the Bible says, 'Man lives by EVERY word that proceeds from the mouth of God'. Not just one or two verses, or books, but by 'EVERY' word!
(i) Wisdom with God
Prov. 8:33 says "Hear instruction and be wise, and do not disdain it". Therefore our wisdom with God comes, first, in hearing the word of God, and then, by obeying it. The author implores 'Do not despise God's instruction, do not neglect it, do not ignore it'.
Prov. 9:10 says "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding". Wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord. Just like children learn A, B, C... before they go on to form words and sentences, the one who desires wisdom must first 'know' the fear of the Lord - it is the beginning of wisdom. Prov 5:21 says that '...the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, and He ponders all his paths'. The one who fully acknowledges the truth of this word can 'know' the fear of the Lord. No path is hidden from His eyes; no act unknown. If there is a way in which you walk, but shouldn't; if there is a place where you are, but oughtn't, it is time to consider God SEES and KNOWS. When you turn from the wicked ways, then you understand the 'fear of the Lord', which is the beginning of wisdom.
(ii) Wisdom with people
The first thing to consider in our relationship with people is our 'speech'. Quite a few verses in the book talks about how a wise man must 'talk'. We cannot speak just whatever comes to our mind and then regret it later. Proverbs says, 'Death and life is in the power of the tongue'. Therefore speak words of wisdom.
'Do not lie' - The book also tlaks about seven things that the Lord hates; one of them is 'a lying tongue'. Prov. 10:18 says "Whoever hides hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool". Do not slander - speak against anyone, and especially not behind their backs. And Prov. 12: 18 talks about what we MUST speak as 'wise' men - truth and words of healing.
The second thing to consider in our 'wisdom' with people is our 'behavior'. Prov 14:2 talks of upright and well thought-out ways (v8, v16) to walk. Prov. 18:12 says about humility in our behavior. "Before destruction, the heart of a man is haughty and before honor is humility".
The next aspect is 'openness to correction'. There is no age limit to learning. Therefore, we have to be open to correction in any area of our lives; it may be that we are well-experienced in that area where someone is trying to correct us. Still, we can be open to correction as a mark of wisdom. It is indeed sad to note there are quite a few people, within the church too, who take offence at correction. Eccl. 4 talks about a 'foolish' king who refused correction.
Finally, we have to be careful of the company we keep. Prov. 13:20 says "He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed". Do not be deceived. Bad company corrupts good behavior.
(iii) Wisdom in work and finances
There are many verses in this book that talks of diligence and hard-work. I've personally benefitted by studying the chapters of this book even before I was in any job. It teaches me to despise laziness and embrace diligence. When I started my work in the corporate world, I started as one of the low-rung employee. But by embracing diligence and hard-work, as taught in this book, I found God lifting me in the work-place - promoting me higher and higher. Prov. 6:6 says "Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways ad be wise..." . Recently, I've been having a problem with ants in the house. (I know you will understand). And try as I might, I find it is not possible to rid the house of ants! If there is one thing that we can learn from one of the tiniest of creatures, it is their diligence! God has put 'wisdom' into these tiny creatures, who diligently carry out their work! Wealth comes through diligence. You cannot simply BE and ask God to bless you with wealth. God has promised to bless the work of YOUR hands!
Prov. 6:1 talks of being wise in our wealth responsibility! Do not stand as a guarantee for another man's debt. Do not become his surety! And if you have become a surety for a stranger, the word says 'not to rest until you deliver yourself'.
Prov. 21:20 talks about our 'spending' - The one who spends all that he earns is a 'fool'. A wise man will save a portion of what he earns, that there be 'desirable treasure and oil' in the house. But a foolish man 'squanders' it. Now, around us, we see people, who not only spend all that they earn, but also spend more than what they earn. The company interested in selling its products, is pitching in with ad for installment purchases (EMI), and as credit! But the point is, God has kept a boundary for us in which to spend what we earn. And it is wise to do so! A person can be close to God - yet he may remain 'foolish' in his finances. This should not be.
(iv) Wisdom in family relationships
Proverbs talks about 'honoring' our parents; Children to 'obey' their parents. As children, we are obliged to 'obey' our parents in all things and submit to them. And as we grow, we are called to 'honor' our parents. my wife knows that I am very careful while speaking with my parents - it is to be careful not to disrespect them in any way! The bible says, when you do this - honor them, 'it will be WELL with you'. You can have 'the good life'.
In our relationship with our children, some parents think that by not correcting their children, they are showing their love towards them. But the Bible does not say this! We, as parents, ought to correct them - instruct them. God is His wisdom corrects, chastens His own children! Our God is ALL-POWERFUL, ALL-LOVING and also ALL-WISE! And in His love He corrects His children! And if we fail to correct our children, and they stray away from the Lord, it is indeed a 'BIG' failure in our responsibility as 'wise' parents!
Proverbs talks about husband-wife relationship. That a husband ought to love his wife. The entire chapter of Proverbs 31 talks about how a wife 'ought' to be!
I've given only a gist of what this book of proverbs contain. As you read through each of the chapters, may God increase your understanding and grant you wisdom in ALL walks of life. Amen.
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