Waypoints: Godly Wisdom (Proverbs)

I have always appreciated when someone has the capacity to deliver a concise comment that is dead on and just what is needed in a given situation. Some people have the ability to see things very clearly and always know what to say. I have wanted to be the guy that people quote because of my humorous brilliance showing up exactly at the moment it is needed. I thought it would be nice to have people knowingly nod when my name is spoken because I am a very wise fellow indeed. As I read the previous sentence I need to own the ego problem in it but I can also say I was truly hoping to help people in their time of “wisdom need.”
 
I want to be like Abraham Lincoln or at least Andy Griffith as I impact my world today. I want to impart words that bring freedom and clarity but at the same time challenge and stretch people. The good news is that God will give me the words that I need to say and He will guide me when to say them. Will I be in tune with God is the real question? If I am willing to offer up to God my sinful tendency for ego gratification I can rest assured in quoting His perfect wisdom. It might seem simplistic but the eternally true wisdom of the ages is available to us each day in the book of Proverbs.
 
A side note here is that quoting Proverbs to unbelievers in the right way and at the right time may be an opening for them to appreciate the Bible. Don’t be overly surprised to hear your friend say something like, “Cool quote” or “That is really insightful – where did you get that?”
 
For those of us that do believe God’s Word to be true and that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the hope of the world, Proverbs comes to us as a revelation of how to live and operate with wisdom in this often foolish world. We learn about things such as integrity, justice, relationships, staying pure, conflict resolution and the list goes on. Proverbs provides wisdom for God’s people to live out God’s Kingdom in the practical affairs of life. There are many “smart” and “loving” people all around us that are giving their perspective and it might seem practical, helpful and even compassionate but if it contradicts God’s ways it will ultimately be destructive. We need help and God gives it to us in His Word!
 
Who doesn't need some insight or encouragement to do the right thing from time to time? God knows we all do and that is why He gave us Proverbs. I encourage you to spend some time soaking up God’s wisdom revealed in Proverbs this week.
 

• 2 To know wisdom and instruction, to understand words of insight, 3 to receive instruction in wise dealing, in righteousness, justice, and equity; 4 to give prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the youth— 5 Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance, 6 to understand a proverb and a saying, the words of the wise and their riddles.
• 7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.
• Proverbs 1

 
In Grace and Truth,
Pastor Nick