Proverbs: Chapter 8:

Chapter 8: The Blessings of Wisdom:

Garden of the Gods | Colorado Springs, Colorado

Wisdom is calling out to us, pleading with us, standing in the middle of everything, attempting to show us that we must act in wisdom and understanding to achieve ultimate joy in life. Everywhere we wander, wisdom is there hoping to be chosen over folly. I am seeking everyone, especially those who are young, to listen to me and act through wisdom and choose to live in a way that is glorifying to God. Be cautious in your thoughts and actions, do not react emotionally, think about your actions prior to making them. I will only speak the truth to you, therefore you need to listen. If you seek me out, I will share only wisdom from my lips, I cannot be wicked, it is an abomination to me. If you understand what I am saying to you, my words are pure. If you misconstrue what I am saying, you will be lost on a path that is not marked by wisdom but by folly. Do not be blinded by greed and money, do not forsake wisdom for trinkets and toys, wisdom will bring you more joy than any other jewel, prize, or possession. Regardless of how many amazing things you desire, nothing compares to wisdom. [Remember, this is Solomon writing, son of David, the wisest man who ever lived. Oh, and if you haven't read the Ecclesiastes series, by far the richest man in the history of mankind. | Solomon was asked by God: "Ask what I shall give you." Solomon responded: "You have shown great and steadfast love to David my father and have made me king in his place … Give me now wisdom and knowledge to go out and come in before this people, for who can govern these people of yours, which is so great?" 2 Chronicles 1:7,8,10 | God gave him wisdom because he was seeking wisdom from God. He didn't ask for the temporary gifts that God could bless him with. What would you say to God if he came to you and said: "Ask what I shall give you."]

We should all have a healthy fear of the Lord, this despises evil. If we are always remembering God in His omnipotent power, we will stay away from evil at every turn we can. However, we are foolish and forget who God is. I know that I struggle immensely with turning away from all evil, I rationalize, justify, and twist things to make them look good. Unfortunately, this is only to my demise and pushes God away from me. I consider myself more intelligent than most around me and it creates pride in me which is a false sense of power. I think I am better, but I am not. I believe I know the answers, but I don't. I believe I can exist and thrive without God, but I cannot. There are no exceptions to this. God offers us freedom in life to be who we are supposed to be and enjoy His creation. This doesn't mean we will live without pain, we will have pain and sorrow, but God is the author of all things. He will allow things to happen in our lives that will break us down and shatter our lives that we cherish so much, He will allow our idols to tear us apart and He will lift us back up in the end. He will teach us to trust His way through the pain and sorrow we live through. He knows our pain, He knows our suffering, He knows sin, He will restore us in Him in the end and we will be much better for it all. God tells us if we seek the wisdom that we will find it. Wisdom is found in Him and we can dwell in the richness of life if we seek wisdom and understanding. Those who hate wisdom and despise it love death. Life is found only in our creator, nowhere else. Regardless of wealth, fame, power, possessions, money, etc. without God, life is meaningless. Vanity of vanities.

Dear Lord, I pray that you will grant me wisdom to overcome my folly. I hope that I am able to draw closer to you through wisdom and not be caught in the trap of believing I am wise when I am a fool. Show me your grace and understanding and teach me to learn wisdom. Continue to place in my life wise men and women who can show me the truth of your Word and Gospel. Give me ears to hear. Amen. 

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