Multiplied Days

Proverb 9: 11 – 12

For by me your days will be multiplied, and years of life will be added to you. If you are wise, you are wise for yourself, and if you scoff, you alone will bear it.

Alright, wisdom is speaking; wisdom says if you are wise, you benefit yourself but if you are a scoffer, you will bear the burden of it alone. Wisdom adds years of life, scoffing brings turmoil and trouble, and, presumptively, a shorter life span.

Scoff is not a word I hear used often. It means to mock at or treat with derision. The implication here is that people who scoff at wisdom, God or the scriptures will suffer. Sometimes people blame God for the bad things which happen to them but I cannot help but speculate that we may bring these things on ourselves. The principle of sowing and reaping works whether we intend it or not so one consequence of sowing scorn is hardship.

God gives us instruction and that instruction is for our betterment and our benefit. The Bible is well viewed as an instruction book. God instructs us about wisdom as even wisdom, herself, describes the benefits and pitfalls of following her or deriding her advice. We get to choose. Father effectively uses this book of Proverbs especially to lead us in the ways of good fortune.

God used this book of Proverbs to teach us which paths lead to happiness and well-being. If we sneer at the scriptures or go our own way rather than allowing them to guide us, then we shouldn’t be so surprised when the road isn’t smooth. We’re on the wrong road. Great news, though, in a moment you can find yourself on the well-groomed path the Lord has prepared for you.

Humble yourself and ask Him which way to turn. Listen to the words from your pastor and seek wisdom in the Bible. Wisdom pays for itself. A little humility up front pays dividends for years to come. Seek wise advice and ride on the smooth road.

Knowledge, Wisdom & Understanding

Proverb 1: 7, 22

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction. How long, O naïve ones, will you love simplicity? And scoffers delight themselves in scoffing. And fools hate knowledge.

Proverb 9: 10 reads, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” Interesting. So, knowledge and wisdom come from a relationship with the Lord. Further, knowing the “Holy One” brings understanding. We, therefore, have access to wisdom, knowledge and understanding through our relationship with the Holy Trinity. Would you think it fair to say that the closer we are in our relationship with the Father, Son and Spirit, the more easier it will be for us to tap into their knowledge and wisdom? Will it be easier for us to gain understanding? I think that is a reasonable conclusion.

Jesus’ brother, James wrote an encouraging passage in his letter. It reads, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him” (James 1: 5). James points out that God is the source of wisdom. That is not difficult to believe. He also reveals us, though, that God gives us His wisdom and that He does so freely.

Today’s verse also points out that fools hate knowledge. Well, it is no surprise that anyone who hates knowledge is deemed a fool by God but what is perplexing is why anyone would hate knowledge. Why would anyone revel in scoffing rather than gaining knowledge, wisdom and understanding? The answer seems to be in the word “scoff”. Synonyms for scoffing are: jeering, sneering, ridiculing, and deriding. It seems that some folks would rather sneer at others rather than invest the time and energy in seeking God and His wisdom. Let’s be frank. It takes time and energy to get to know God. It takes effort to open your heart and mind to His guidance. It takes faith to believe what you hear. All of this is so worth the small amount of effort but fools scoff at the idea instead of trusting that God will really meet them in the solitude of quiet time.

The really good news is that God honestly does give out knowledge. He really does dole out wisdom and He really does bestow understanding. The bad news is that these priceless gifts rarely come from the prayer, “God give me wisdom.” As soon as you pray that prayer He will try to lead you into time with Him where He can reveal His fullness to you. The reverence of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. The respect, admiration and veneration of the beloved is the beginning of wisdom. Wisdom, knowledge and understanding are the by-products of a life lived with God. As we open our hearts to Him and pour our lives into Him, we find all good things. Holding God in high esteem is the path. Time spent with Him yields all.