Foolish Wise Men

On May 23, 2017   /   Word of the Day   /   Leave a comment

1 Corinthians 3: 18 – 19

Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you thinks that he is wise in this age, let him become foolish that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness before God.

These two verses are under a heading Foundations for Living. This is part of God’s foundation teaching series. I should begin by telling you that these two verses are just a small part of an expansive teaching from the Apostle Paul. Paul had a huge revelation about the wisdom of God having been sent into the earth and how we all are partakers thereof but not in ourselves but rather through our integration with Jesus for in him and because of him, we now have the mind of Christ.

The wisdom of the world, on the other hand, is utter foolishness. To God it must sound like mindless chatter, for nothing in this world has come into being apart from God. He understands all of the science; all of the biology and physics that make this universe in its great expanse and every cell of our bodies work. He created all of the laws of physics. We are just trying to discover them. So, how foolish is it for us to catapult our estimation of our intellect above that of the Father. None the less, I hear people talk about our intellect and frankly, many of them have their intelligence on the throne of their lives rather than Jesus. I knew one person who could often be heard repeating the God gave us an intellect for us to use. While I do not disagree, this person used it as an excuse to defy the Word of God. Now how smart is that? The celebration of human intellect begins to sound like foolishness. Don’t get me wrong. I do not find any virtue in ignorance. I believe in both formal and informal education. In fact, I think the moment you stop learning, you begin to die. Life should be an ongoing adventure. That adventure, however, shouldn’t be spent basking in the glow of our grand intellect. It is a venture with God and with the Holy Spirit who knows all of the thoughts of God. It is a quest into the heart and mind of God, a journey which we have been specially equipped to take.

The only wise person is the one who seeks God and His wisdom. All else is foolishness. If we will abandon human reasoning in favor of divinely led revelation, we will come to understand the universe. All knowledge is at hand. If we will humble ourselves we can have it all. The intertwined life with the Holy Spirit is truly one of inspiration and revelation. We don’t even have to be that smart, just smart enough to realize we’re not.

Back to Top

Multiplied Days

On May 18, 2017   /   Word of the Day   /   Leave a comment

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.

Back to Top

Wisdom’s Fruit

On May 17, 2017   /   Word of the Day   /   Leave a comment

Proverb 8: 32 – 36

Now therefore, O sons, listen to me, for blessed are they who keep my ways. Heed instruction and be wise, and do not neglect it. Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at my doorposts. For he who finds me finds life and obtains favor from the Lord, “but he who sins against me injures himself; all those who hate me love death.”

The speaker in this passage is wisdom. Wisdom was in the beginning with God and by her He founded the earth. “Long life is in her right hand; In her left hand are riches and honor” (Proverb 3: 16). In her are blessing and life, so if we want either those or riches, we should seek wisdom. She promised that those who diligently seek her will find her (Proverb 8: 17). This book of the proverbs is her book. She discloses herself here and the fruit of seeking her.

One of the first things I noticed from this excerpt from the eighth proverb is that we must heed instruction. That, I believe, creates a rather large stumbling block. To receive instruction requires humility and we are loathe to humble ourselves before anyone, even sometimes God. God gives wisdom to people on earth and they are meant to share it with others. However, one cannot share what others will not receive. However, wisdom teaches us that it is in our own self-interest to seek and receive the offerings of wisdom.

Another fruit of receiving wisdom is favor from the Lord. I like to think of God’s favor as the grease on the wheels of life. As you enjoy the Lord’s favor, life simply goes more smoothly. All sorts of things, both small and large, just seem to go your way. From getting a good parking place to securing a major contract for your business, God’s favor greases the way and we obtain that favor when we seek wisdom and heed her lessons.

Wisdom is calling out in the streets. She wants to be your ally. If you seek her, you will find her and one great way to seek her is in this book of wisdom , the Proverbs. Honor is with her; success is in her hand. She wants to bless you. Call upon her and receive, of the Lord, all His goodness.

Back to Top

Paying Attention

On May 15, 2017   /   Word of the Day   /   Leave a comment

Proverb 4: 20 – 22

My son, give attention to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your sight; keep them in the midst of your heart. For they are life to those who find them, and health to all their whole body.

This is probably the most well-known of the proverbs. It is quoted often because it contains such powerful truths. If we will take this proverb at face value and apply it to our lives then we will enjoy the fruit it yields. All too often, though, these passages become mere words in our ears. We hear them, we can quote them but they have lost all meaning. Perhaps today we can resurrect this proverb allowing it to breathe new life into us.

The truth is that everyday modern science is proving the potency of these ancient scriptures. The wisdom God gave us from the start is being shown to be absolutely accurate. His words and His sayings are giving life to people’s bodies. Prayer is being quantitatively measured and we are beginning to understand from a Quantum Physics perspective how right God was all along. I believe that means that those who have and can apply wisdom will not wait for science to prove the next parable or proverb but will accept them at face value and apply the age old advice offered in the Proverbs and, indeed, in the whole Bible.

The first admonition of today’s proverb is to pay attention to God’s words. This must be the starting point for all serious Christians. God’s Words are containers of His truths and thus of His power. Applying His power, authority and wisdom to any situation can only improve its status.

The second major part of this passage bears close scrutiny though. We have rarely given serious consideration to the ideas contained therein. If you tell someone that keeping God’s words and sayings in their sight and in the midst of their heart will bring them life and give health to their whole body, they will readily agree with you. However, that is usually the end of it. Shouldn’t we give it a great deal more attention than quick assent. I mean, if I can tell you how to add life and health to your life, wouldn’t you want to pause and consider those thoughts more carefully? That is the essential advice that Solomon has tried to get across to us in this passage. STOP! And consider. What God is telling us is the way to increase life and bodily health. Pause and think about how these words could impact your life.

There is little time for sober thought these days. We are busy and our environment is so noisy that you can barely think. My gym has a TV in the dressing room. Even the gas station pollutes the air with TV news while I pump my gas. Did the forces of evil know that I pray while I pump gas? You would think so. In truth, it is hard to get away from the constant noise. Even in our few minutes of alone time, we think of someone we need or want to call or text. There needs to be a few minutes in each day when you actually think, when other stimulation is not bombarding your senses so that you can actually consider God and what He might want to say to you today. You should guard those moments for they are precious. Take time to ponder. Enjoy a few minutes to ask yourself how the Bible, God’s words, can become more real in your life today. What can you do to apply more of God’s wisdom to your life. Give the TV a pass for an hour and pick up your user’s guide to the human experience and allow God to minister healthy, life and blessing to your life today.

Back to Top

Free Wisdom

On May 10, 2017   /   Word of the Day   /   1 Comment

Proverb 2: 6

For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk in integrity.

All wisdom, knowledge and understanding are God’s and He freely gives it to His children. But like children, sometimes we forget that we have a parent with knowledge and wisdom who is willing to help us if we will only allow ourselves to be led. The irony is that it takes a great deal of maturity for us to begin to realize that we do not have all of the answers and to accept help from others. It may seem ludicrous that we would value our own advice and knowledge over God’s but that is the way we behave. Little children are proud of doing things for themselves and it takes a while for them to learn when to ask a parent for help.

Well, I like that God gives wisdom. He doesn’t sell wisdom but instead gives it away. When we listen to Him, we receive knowledge and understanding because that is what comes from His mouth. He has stored up the wisdom you need for every situation in your life. Will He not give it to you if He has been saving it for you? Of course, He will.

So how do you receive it? You ask Him for wisdom. Ask Him to give you understanding. Then you have to be quiet long enough to hear. For me that means turning off the television and the stereo because I cannot hear Him when my environment is full of sound. You may have to slow down a bit. Find some quiet time and let Him give you the answers you seek.

Back to Top

Wisdom is for the Wise

On May 9, 2017   /   Word of the Day   /   Leave a comment

Proverb 1: 5

A wise man will hear and increase in learning.

If a wise person hears and increases in learning, what does an unwise person do? What do we call an unwise person? Who is that person, what does it look like to be unwise? One of the first tidbits Solomon offers us is that we have the choice to increase in wisdom.

Honestly, do you find people teachable? Would you consider yourself teachable? When did we get so smart that we have nothing left to learn? One of the lessons I was fortunate enough to learn very young in life is that everyone has something to teach me. Even a homeless person can teach us how to survive the mean streets.

I sometimes wonder if our society is becoming more arrogant and self-impressed or if we were always this way and I have only just now begun to notice. Sometimes I think that if I really believed in the Holy Spirit and really believed that he is moving in the environment today, then I wouldn’t be so convinced that I have the answers or that I even need to. Perhaps I would be more willing to listen to the counsel of others. After all, God used a donkey twice so he ought to be able to use the people around us. Of course, maybe he had to use a donkey because we humanoids are too stubborn to listen to one another.

All kidding aside, I really do think this is an epidemic. I have noticed how people have less respect for professionals and for pastors as well. Though we believe that God is willing to talk to each one of us, there is still a role for ministers and I believe we are well advised to seek their wisdom. I also think there are people in your life right now who are able to hear the voice of God, and who are willing to share with you. I also believe there are people with life experiences and wisdom who can make our journey easier. I also think others can see, with a cleaner perspective, what we cannot see for ourselves. If we can coach ourselves into humility, we can take advantage of their perspective and not be slaves to recurring patterns.

Back to Top

The Proverbs

On May 8, 2017   /   Word of the Day   /   Leave a comment

Proverb 1: 1

To know wisdom and instruction,
To discern the sayings of understanding,
To receive instruction in wise behavior, righteousness, justice and equity;
To give prudence to the naïve, to the youth knowledge and discretion.

Above are four objectives. These outline the reasons Solomon gave us the Proverbs. I had a friend one time, who was quite versed in the Bible but one day as we were talking, confessed she had never found the attraction to the Proverbs. I was flabbergasted. This is the first book I discovered in the Bible and to this day, one of the most highlighted books in my Bible. I guess I just needed more instruction than did she.

When I began my deep discovery of the Bible my pastor instructed me to read a chapter from the New Testament beginning with Matthew 1, a chapter from the Old Testament, a Psalm and a Proverb. That advice served me well. The Old Testament gave me my history and the grounding of my faith. The New Testament brought me salvation, grace, the New Covenant and Jesus, the Psalms speaks to my heart and the Proverbs inform and instruct me in the way to go. They are a floor beneath my feet preventing me from falling into the depths while the Psalms give me wings to fly.

I was young when I discovered the Proverbs and was aware of my naivety and ignorance. That was a grace because I was not too arrogant or proud to receive instruction. When we become unteachable, the Proverbs call us fools. I can be foolish, as we all can at times, but foolishness is something I would rather avoid. There are consequences with foolishness. A proverb is a “wise saying or precept.” So, the Proverbs, I think, guard us from the distasteful consequences of foolishness.

God offered Solomon anything he wanted. Solomon chose wisdom and now through the Proverbs he offers us this prize from God. Join me as I take a sojourn through the Proverbs. Let us see what we may and glean from Solomon, the wisdom of God.

Back to Top