Proverbs 1:1-7
Solomon is credited as being the wisest man in Israel's history. And his wisdom came directly from God. In these first few verses Solomon point blank tells us that the purpose of Proverbs is to know and understand wisdom. But really when you think about it, isn't that the case with the entire Bible? Wisdom and understanding are right before us for the taking.
So how can we focus more on taking in God's wisdom as we read our Bible? Tami W.
Where is the question and answer feature? Maybe you stopped doing that while I was away. If you still do that can you tell where it is
hiding?:)
IMO so many Christians feel that the wisdom promised in Proverbs can be obtained through a 15-minute quiet time each morning with a short prayer time before bed. While this is a good starting point, and much more than many Christians will commit to on a regular basis, it is only a starting point.
To obtain the knowledge and wisdom mentioned in today's reading, it requires a much more sustained, intentional time alone with God in praise and prayer than many of us are willing to put in.
Tami writes that "knowledge and understanding are right before us for the taking", and I agree with that, but it takes an active, sustained commitment on a person's part to gain that knowledge and understanding. There is an intentionality necessary in order for us to see any substantial growth as a Christian.
The microwave might be good for popcorn, but a slow cooker is necessary for Christian growth.
by the fear of god and being obedience
Jesus asked God to send us the Holy Spirit so that we might have understanding and live in light of the Father's word. If we ask the Holy Spirit to guide us and open our eyes, we gain more wisdom. God told us that if anyone lacks wisdom (doesn't have it), all we have to do is ask for it and it will be given to us. God keeps His promises!
This passage is one of my favorites for a couple of reasons. First, I think it's fascinating that one of the stated purposes of Proverbs is to teach us how to understand proverbs. Second, it declares that both the learned and naive will benefit from the book. This is key to getting more from scripture. No matter what your level of understanding may be, the Bible will continue to inform you. I've read that every time Jim Elliot read his Bible he had the attitude of "What does God want to teach me with this passage?" When we take that attitude to scripture, we can be constantly learning.
I think a good place to start for me is to choose the "right time" to get into God's Word. Too often, I find myself treating my time in the Word as another item to check off my to-do list. When I do that, I can't tell you what I just read fifteen minutes later; what a shame! So, intentionally taking time away from the world, to focus on the Word, will ultimately make it easier to "soak-up" wisdom!
Verse 2 tells us that the purpose of Proverbs is to teach us wisdom and disciple and to understand wise sayings. I have wished many time that I would have not only listened to the wisdom of Proverbs but put them into practice. To fear God and to listen to what his Word tells me makes life so much easier. God’s wisdom and guidance far exceeds what ever the world can teach me. It is only through prayer and reading His word that I can gain true wisdom. It fills me with joy to know that He never gives up on me. Our God and our Savior is so loving and powerful.
This is a really good question! .... one, that's very thought provoking - "how can we focus more on taking in God's wisdom as we read our Bible?"
Basically, as we approach the Bible our attitudes would play a factor. We always need to approach God's Word to gain the wisdom/instruction we need for life. He has all the answers!
We need to come to Him with open and receptive hearts seeking the guidance we need for our journey through this world.
Thank you God for being so loving as to give us the gift of knowledge because we choose to walk with You. I pray an even greater impartation of wisdom and instruction as we read Your Word.
One of the things I struggle with the most is not taking the TIME to read slowly and listen to what I'm reading in the Word. I live a busy life (don't we all), and reading is often a luxury - and regretfully (and I'm loathe to admit) my time reading the Bible is relegated to a quick verse or two as I can fit it in.
So taking the time to actually read and listen to what I'm reading is one way for me - another is stopping during the reading and letting the Holy Spirit bring to mind applications to my life that have occurred when God's wisdom would have been, or will be, a great source of strength for me. Reading Proverbs 1, especially verse 7, was an especial "ouch" moment - fools despise wisdom and discipline. Oh that I might not be called a fool...
I totally agree with the response that we rely on our tutor, the Holy Spirit, to help us apply what we read--to assimilate it, absorb it, live it. One thing I have always enjoyed about reading Proverbs is remembering that the "Wisdom" referred to is all about Christ. He is our wisdom. When we set about to "get wisdom", we "get" more of Him. Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of your Word!
I am in total agreement with David M.'s response so much so that I was moved to let you all know. Getting wisdom from God is not obtained simply by "asking," nor by a 15 min daily prayer. Yes we need to start somewhere, but trust me if you are truly seeking God he will direct you on how you should seek out his wisdom because after awhile that 15 min prayer will not be enough for you, you will hunger and thirst for more! We must do as Timothy said in his book Study to show thyself approved a workman unto God who needeth not be ashamed rightly dividing the word of truth! The key word is "STUDY," that in and of itself takes time. You must prove yourself to God worthy enough to have HIS wisdom. When I say "prove," I mean it in a sense of not just getting God's wisdom so you can glorify yourself (you may have wisdom but it is not the wisdom of God). We must understand without God we are sinners and when we come to him we come to him that way. God looks at our heart and he will clean you up ONLY if you let him, He will not clean you up just so you can be a prideful wise sinner.
Bottomline, wisdom of God takes TIME AND A PURE HEART TOWARDS THE GLORY OF GOD NOT SELF! These I believe are the two key points to obtaining wisdom of God.
When we read God's Word we must be reverent and ask Him for His guidance. No one knows the Word more than He does. The Bible tells us to ask for wisdom and if the Word tells us so, it is so! When we trust in the Lord and fear and obey Him, there is nothing that we ask of Him that He will not do. Proverbs 3:5-6 (KJV) state "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths".
May we all continue to read His Word and trust and believe in Him and may He continue to strengthen us each day that no matter what adversities come our way we will never, ever forsake Him.
Hi Dorothy,
Thanks for your question, "Where is the question and answer feature?" The questions are still included in the daily emails & are also available at poweredby4.org. Just click the button on the bottom of the page that says "Your Power Plan."
Since most of the questions now focus on application, there are no longer answers (answers used to be given for the observation-type questions). Hopefully everyone is enjoying the focus on personal application because after all, that's what we're all about--applying God's Word to our everyday lives.
Meredith, P4 Team Member
Start by praying. Read it slowly. And re-read it again. Allow the Holy Spirit to guide you through God's word. Give God time daily. If you start with a few minutes, build up each day, but allow yourself time each day to get into His word. P4 is a great way to get into the Word of God and being committed to seek Him at least 4 times per week begins on your relationship building with Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. As you grow, you will hunger for God's word and will give Him more of you.