Proverbs 9:1-12
With Christmas and New Year's fast approaching, I thought it would be good to spend a few days this week looking at wisdom in Proverbs. So we're starting today with Proverbs 9. The first six verses of this chapter tell us a lot about wisdom. But what caught my attention most was that wisdom is available to everyone (vs. 3). And then in verse 12 we're told "If you become wise, you will be the one to benefit." Sounds great, right? But...not everyone is wise.
So here's the $100,000 question: What is it that holds us (you and me) back from pursuing, learning and storing up wisdom? Tami W.
The biggest thing that stops us is time and lack of effort. The Bible is full of wisdom, and more seasoned Christians are another source of wisdom, but it takes intentional study to grow in wisdom. We can intentionally seek out wisdom and understanding from others and from God's word, but many times I know I am pushed off track by laziness, my own selfishness, other ambitions, or just plain old stubborness. Reading and studying are not always the most exciting things to do, but if we understand the benefits of wisdom and understanding and knowing God, naturally we would be more inclined to seek that out, right?
Me? Lack of effort - I mean, do I really NOT have 15 minutes to read the Word?
My biggest problem with wisdom is selfishness, second biggest is sloth or daydreaming. I like to sit and drink coffee when I wake up and it's my time with the Lord. However, even when I pay sometimes I go off track. So I tell myself that God understands the weakness of the flesh, yet I want to grow closer to Him. I need to be more God-obedient in my daily life. Awareness is one thing, obedience is quite another. It involves an active, engaged choice to obey that which is against my earthly desires. Maybe it would help to remember that I was born without anything and I will not be taking anything out of this world with me. My selfishness is, as Lamentations points out, vanity. The only lasting and worthwhile things are spiritual. As Wood says, Have a good and Godly day. For what good is a good day if it is not also a Godly day?
I have discovered that using some of the many published Bible studies available can really bring the Bible alive! Although raised in a Christian home, it has not been until recently - having discovered some wonderful studies - that God's Word has become exciting and truly instructive to me. Once I began doing some of these, I have understood the Bible in ways I could not by myself. Once one's eyes have been opened - truly opened - the phrase "hungering for God's Word" takes on a whole new meaning! Seeking God's wisdom can become something we do with great eagerness!
Some people, me included, come to being so down on their luck that they, realizing that all their bad decisions had caused them much grief, understand that they aren't wise. It is very important to admit to ourselves that we are not wise but to know that "the LORD gives wisdom" (Proverbs 2:6). We just have to seek it like silver - "if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding,if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures,then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God.For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. " (Proverbs 2:3-6). That is one way God turns lives around. He did it for me. He will do it for anybody. It takes hard work and courage but the results are well worth it.
Yep!!!! Its me alright, Or do I mean us? We do not take God's Word as Wisdom, But when I say YEP! I agree that we are the reason we do not seek Him the way we should. I get more excited about reading His word when I ask for His wisdom and understanding before I read the Bible. Then its more like spending time with Him. And I get so much more out of it.
The biggest thing that stops me from growing in wisdom is pride. Pride that I should know that already. There is so much I don't know, but I'm afraid sometimes I pretend to know or act as if I know without really questioning( don't want to appear stupid). Also, all of the reasons Joel said!!
I agree with Trish. According to the passage pride and fear of admitting you/ me and the world don't know the answer to the problem or problems.
THE WORDS OF THE BIBLE ARE VSRY PRECIOUS AND AFTER READING THIS PROVERB I REALIZED THAT THERE ARE SO MANY THINGS THAT I COULD BE DOING THAT I HAVE NOT DONE. I ALSO REALIZED THAT WISDOM PRUDENCE AND TRUTH ARE NECESSARY TO GAIN BEFORE ONE CAN START PROPERGATING THE GOSPEL.THANKS FOR THIS EYE OPENER AND I WILL CERTAINLY PRACTICE TO DON A WINE AND HEALING TONGUE.