Divine Wisdom for Daily Living by Joanne Colvin

                                       

January 18

           

“Everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.” (John 3:20-21)

“The lips of the righteous feed many, but fools die for lack of sense.” (Proverbs 10:21)

Wisdom is to foolishness as light is to darkness. The wise want to walk in the light, to bring God praise and glory. Fools seek darkness so they won’t be found out. When we are exercising godly wisdom, we seek to serve God and help others. When we are being foolish, we care only about ourselves, hide in the shadows, and stumble around in the darkness with no sense. “The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going.” (John 12:35c)

Daphnes and winter jasmine bloom marvelously on a winter’s day, as the lambs of God run to the light. With the mind of Christ¹, the regenerate cannot resist romping in the positive grace of the Lord. The sun vanquishes the darkness and cold with its brightness and warmth. God’s children are attracted to biblical truth, eager to have our little spirits enlarged and challenged, to focus on His grace rather than our shame. As our selfish desires and insensitivities toward others melt away, we are cleansed and renewed. This is the best pain; the burning off of our dross.²

“At one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible.” (Ephesians 5:8-13)

Run to the light little lambs! 

1. 1 Corinthians 2:16
2. Isaiah 1:25

“But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day. The way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know over what they stumble.” (Proverbs 4:18-19)

Solomon gives us an analogy of the luminosity and brilliance of God’s light. Like the sun as it rises in the sky after dawn, the light of truth grows increasingly intense until it reaches its “full day.” Believers are sanctified to reflect God’s character. Our lives, values, priorities, and morals become more and more righteous, living for and with Christ. By contrast, those who reject God, actively opposing Him are considered wicked, walking a path of deep darkness.

You have experienced total blackness if you have ever visited an underground cavern. No matter how long you are there, it is impossible to see your hand in front of your face. It is an eerie experience. Without a light source, it is impossible to see the uneven ground, over which we would all fall. An electric or flame-generated light might seem adequate, but produces only a fraction of the light or warmth of the sun. Even a fire of wood or coal can’t compare to the brilliance of the sun. Stumbling is guaranteed when we leave the path of righteousness, but the reason for it is hidden to those on this path.

Given the choice, why would believers, who have the light of Christ, ever choose to walk in darkness? It would be like living in a house with all the curtains drawn and the lights off. We wander into the darkness because we are still grappling with our sin nature, and sin loves the darkness. The only way to eliminate sin is to dispel the darkness with light, to open the curtains. As the light of gospel shines on the hidden recesses of our hearts, the issues causing us to stumble come into view. Jesus instructs us on what to do next: “If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away.” (Matthew 5:29-30)

Trying to live a life saturated in the gospel with a besetting sin is a bit like living in hell, because if continually pulls us back into the darkness. What will you do about your sinful desires, habits, and temptations? Will you confess, repent, and get back on the path of righteousness with Christ?

“For the lips of a forbidden woman drip honey, and her speech is smoother than oil, but in the end she is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword. Her feet go down to death; her steps follow the path to Sheol; she does not ponder the path of life; her ways wander, and she does not know it.” Proverbs 5:3-6

“Does not wisdom call out? On the heights beside the way…O simple ones, learn prudence; O fools, learn sense. Hear, for I will speak noble things, and from my lips will come what is right, for my mouth will utter truth; wickedness is an abomination to my lips. All the words of my mouth are righteous; there is nothing twisted or crooked in them. They are all straight to him who understands, and right to those who find knowledge.” (Proverbs 8:1-9)

The forbidden, adulterous, foolish woman whispers sweet nothings to her prey. She symbolizes all that is evil in the world, in our flesh, and especially Satan; her speech, claims to issue truth, but is actually all wickedness and godlessness. Her lips whisper and shout, schemes and traps are in everything that comes from them. Her goal is to ensnare us, hinder our walk with God, and tempt us to doubt Him.

 

By contrast, Lady wisdom speaks only the “real” truth; evil is poison to her lips. She is sincere, innocent, and dependable. She has built her house, set her table, and ready to serve. Folly, however, sits at her front door and calls for sinners to follow her to the lowest point, even to death, far from the “path of life.”

Every person must make a choice; no one is exempt. Either we follow the adulterous woman of sin, becoming a friend to the world, enslaved to our flesh, worshipping all that is opposed to God, or we follow Christ, “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). But lest we think this a one-time event, many choices and decisions call for our commitment to stay on the narrow road, exiting the wide highway of the world, to walk the path of life. The alternative is to wander off the path of wisdom in Christ, leading away from God.

Which way will you choose today, when you are out and about, or alone in your home?

“Blessed is the one who finds wisdom…Long life is in her right hand…She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her.” (Proverbs 3:13-18)

“He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.” (Psalms 1:3)

Wisdom is the woman calling out to fools. Wisdom is the house, built by the Lord, with a meal of bread and wine, promising life to those who feast. Wisdom is also a tree of long, blessed life. In Genesis, in the Garden of Eden, the Tree of Life might represent the covenant promise of eternal life through grace, while the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil may represent the covenant of works—the Law—demanding obedience.¹ In Proverbs, wisdom is compared to a tree of life, but it may not be the same tree as that in the garden. In Solomon’s time, a bountiful, productive tree represented the godly life, characterized by a close relationship with the Lord. Those who possess God’s wisdom are compared, in Psalm 1, to a tree drawing nutrients from a stream, as if drawing prudence and discretion from the stream of God’s wisdom, and bearing the fruit of wisdom.²

The stream provides the tree with nourishment for its leaves, that don’t wither. There were many days in Africa when I felt I might wither physically, or dry up and be crushed, like a leaf. But it never happened! I give God all the credit, praise, and glory for the endurance He worked in me. Not only does Christ impute His righteousness to us when we are regenerated by the Holy Spirit, but He also sustains us in all kinds of work, trials, and difficulties. Of course, if either you or I think we should be stronger and less fearful, ready to do anything at any time, we are trying to make ourselves into a tree that is root-less and unable to sustain the challenges of life. We can only more forward with God’s stream of strength and wisdom.

What makes us so timid, and sometimes fearful about stepping out in faith, into the unknown? Might it be from unbiblical, legalistic thinking—that “we can do it”—as if we can live by faith without the help of Christ? What might you be avoiding as a result of trying to live independently of God, in spite of knowing that this is utterly impossible for a spiritually blessed life?

1. Beeke, Joel R. and Jones, Mark, “A Puritan Theology,” Reformation Heritage Books, Grand Rapids, MI, 2012, pp. 223-224.
2. Sproul, R. C., General Editor, “The Reformation Study Bible,” Reformation Trust Publishing (Ligonier Ministries), Sanford, Florida, 2015

“Blessed is the one who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting beside my doors.” (Proverbs 8:34)

“Wisdom has built her house; she has hewn her seven pillars. She has slaughtered her beasts; she has mixed her wine; she has also set her table. She has sent out her young women to call from the highest places in the town, ‘Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!’ To him who lacks sense she says, ‘Come, eat of my bread and drink of the wine I have mixed. Leave your simple ways, and live, and walk in the way of insight.’” (Proverbs 9:1-6)

In Proverbs, divine wisdom is pictured as a woman calling to those who are walking by, and here it is also described as a house. Wisdom has prepared a meal, set the table, and sent out “her women” to invite guests. What will we do? We will eat bread and drink wine that wisdom herself has mixed, to learn to “walk in the way of insight.”

Solomon, being the presumed writer of Proverbs 8-9 also wrote in Psalm 127, “Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.” (v. 1) Who builds the house for wisdom, where righteous discernment and judgment live? It would appear that we do, on the foundation of Scriptural truth. “By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established.” (Proverbs 24:3)

Luke provides a New Testament directive for us that we often take for granted, but if we read Luke 7:47-49 carefully, we are reminded that our “house of wisdom” is built on Jesus’s words. “Everyone who comes to me and hears my words and does them, I will show you what he is like: he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when a flood arose, the stream broke against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built. But the one who hears and does not do them is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. When the stream broke against it, immediately it fell, and the ruin of that house was great.”

Will you go to God’s house this Lord’s day, a house that is built on the gospel of Jesus Christ, celebrating Him with His family? Is the table set with bread and wine for communion? Will you partake of it?

“Does not wisdom call? Does not understanding raise her voice? On the heights beside the way, at the crossroads she takes her stand; beside the gates in front of the town, at the entrance of the portals she cries aloud: ‘To you, O men, I call, and my cry is to the children of man.” (Proverbs 8:1-4)

Proverbs gives us a picture of godly wisdom in anthropomorphic language. Wisdom raises her voice, takes her stand at crossroads, cries aloud to men, speaking noble things—only what is right (1:20; 8:2, 3, 6). She proclaims truth and righteousness (8:7).  She offers instruction better than silver, knowledge better than gold, and wisdom that is better than jewels (8:7, 20; 3:14). She was possessed by God in the beginning of his work, at the beginning of the earth, in the deep, before creation, and was beside God, his delight daily, always rejoicing, rejoicing in men.” (8:22-24)

In Proverbs 8 “Wisdom is personified as a great lady, which helps illustrate the central message of Proverbs: the origin, existence, and purpose of true wisdom are properly framed in relationship with the covenant Lord, who is also the Maker of heaven and earth. As a result, the realm of wisdom encompasses every aspect of life in every corner of creation.” ¹ We are not to take this personification of wisdom as a picture of God, since God always describes Himself with male terminology. In addition, wisdom is described as being “beside him, like a master workman…daily his delight” (8:30). Wisdom was possessed by God, being the first work of God (8:22). “She” was brought forth before there were springs or mountains, or fields (8:22-26). Proverbs 8 continues,

“When he established the heavens, I was there; when he drew a circle on the face of the deep, when he made firm the skies above, when he established the fountains of the deep, when he assigned to the sea its limit, so that the waters might not transgress his command, when he marked out the foundations of the earth, then I was beside him, like a master workman, and I was daily his delight, rejoicing before him always, rejoicing in his inhabited world and delighting in the children of man” (8:27-31).

 This characterization of wisdom reminds us that Jesus, the Word made flesh, “was in the beginning with God.” Do you seek Jesus, the giver of wisdom, the “who” of wisdom, or only what he can do for you to make your life easier? Do you seek help only to make your life more effective? Or are you seeking the deep truths of God in the Bible, to transform your heart, and your life?

1. ESV Study Bible, Introduction to Proverbs, The ESV Study Bible, 2008, Crossway Bibles

 

“Doing wrong is like a joke to a fool, but wisdom is pleasure to a man of understanding.” (Proverbs 10:23)

Although God created everything to be good, God’s magnificent creation is corrupted by sin as a consequence of the fall. Everything on this earth is temporal, fleeting, and without eternal value. Satan is the ruler of this world, and he opposes God at every turn. (See 1 Chron. 21:1; Mark 4:15; 2 Thess. 2:8-12; Rev. 12:9.) True, biblical wisdom cannot be found in the world. The world will contrive to imitate wisdom by manipulation, scheming, intrigue, mystery, and strategy. Only by knowing biblical, godly wisdom can we identify false “wisdom” in others and ourselves.

God has always been counter-cultural theologically and practically. Personal knowledge of God and obedience to His instructions are the basis for practical wisdom. It is not enough to know God’s identity or His attributes. Knowledge of God that leads to wisdom is intimate, personal, friendly, confessional, and sanctifying. This unique, particular knowledge of God comes only through faith in Christ and regeneration by the Holy Spirit.

In what ways are you counter-cultural, refusing to conform for the approval of men? Can you list the habits, traditions, or choices you and your family makes to replace the temporary foolishness of your society with God’s eternal presence and blessings? In what areas do you yield to worldly values, because of the pressure to “fit in?”

“Keep hold of instruction; do not let go; guard her, for she is your life.” (Proverbs 4:13) “Take my instruction instead of silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is better than jewels, and all that you may desire cannot compare with her.” (Proverbs 8:10-11)

 The Enlightenment Period of history exalted scientific and intellectual knowledge to the extent that it was and is worshipped. Great awards are given in the name of scientific achievements such as the Nobel Prize, the Copley Medal, and the Kyoto Prize, to name a few. These achievements are based on new information and understanding that have led to great discoveries. New podcasts keep popping up that focus on information you never had before; if you do an internet search you may find “13 podcasts that will expand your brain.” Having listened to a few, I have found that the producers strive to make the material understandable to the listener, because knowledge without understanding, for the sake of knowledge alone, is not very useful (unless you are trying to win a trivia contest). Knowledge and understanding are only the stepping stones to wisdom, which is practical knowledge and understanding applied to life and the issues of life.

What is the world’s definition of wisdom? An article in a popular Christian magazine defined wisdom as that which “involves an integration of knowledge, experience, and deep understanding that incorporates tolerance for the uncertainties of life as well as its ups and downs. There’s an awareness of how things play out over time, and it confers a sense of balance. It can be acquired only through experience, but by itself, experience does not automatically confer wisdom.” The last sentence helps us to see the limitations of human wisdom, at least in this definition, since experience is necessary, but will not guarantee wisdom.  Biblical wisdom is not based on experience, but is founded on the truth that God gives us, available in Scripture. Proverbs 2:6 declares, “for the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding…”

When you instruct your teens, or offer godly counsel to others, which do you find yourself saying, “In my experience…” or “In the Bible…”? Do you base your decisions and choices on yours or others’ experience, or on wisdom that comes from prayer and walking with God?

“Yet wisdom is justified by her deeds.” (Matthew 11:19b)

Have you recently shopped for a specific model or brand of an item that is obscure, which you only intend to use periodically? You may spend hours, or even days searching for it, only to put it on the shelf until it’s time to put it to use. Unlike a material possession, Biblical understanding and wisdom cannot be obtained once and then used upon occasion. If we truly intend to live a life devoted to a biblical worldview, our search must be continuous throughout our earthly lives. To strengthen it, we must live out our wisdom in our conduct and choices. Only then will it to increase to become a fundamental aspect of our lives.

A wise life is one lived by the power of the Holy Spirit, that produces evidence. When Jesus said, “wisdom is justified by her deeds,” wisdom is personified as a woman who has “children” of works. Jesus may have been referring to disciples who were at least trying to live by his wisdom. They followed Jesus and there were many others who gathered around Christ to hear His teaching. Most, however, returned home afterward, to resume their usual activities, as if putting their wisdom on a shelf for another time. Many of us listen to good, even great sermons in church, on podcasts, or at conferences, but rarely apply the godly instructions we receive. If we want to mature in Christ, we must make application of our learning. Wisdom is acquired through constant practice, much like a sport. The good news, though, is that we never outgrow our ability to be wise; rather, as we practice and utilize biblical wisdom, we become increasingly skilled at biblical discernment to live a godly life. “Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom” (James 3:13)

In Matthew 11:19 we see that we are the “works” of wisdom. Psalm 139:14 David declares, “I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.” Our works can never produce wisdom; wisdom is fruit of our trusting relationship with Jesus Christ, whose atoning work saved us. The more we put this gift of wisdom to use, the more it increases, becoming a habit in the best possible way. We may listen more carefully to others, wisely asking them questions, to know them better. Perhaps we should wait to make important financial decisions, in order to pray and discuss the matter with our spouses over a period of weeks, rather than days. Maybe waiting ten minutes before eating that snack will help me discern if I am eating because I am hungry or because I am bored. Truly wise living is a lifestyle, not an intangible ideal.

“My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you, making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; yes, 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.” (Proverbs 2:1-5)

If you look up the word “understand” in the dictionary, you will find a definition such as this: the ability to grasp the meaning of something or reasonableness of something. From Proverbs, we learn that this “ability” is not passive but active, and even proactive. In order to obtain understanding of God that leads to wisdom, we must seek it energetically. We must strive for this hidden treasure by meditating on Scripture, which has the power to change our thinking and our understanding. “The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple.” (Psalm 119:130).

We learn about God’s character through Bible study, which gives us understanding of the continuous working of His attributes. The highest, most superlative wisdom is found in the integration of all of God’s attributes: holiness, justice, love, mercy, patience, and purity, to name just a few. God reveals and expresses His goodness through all that He does, since there is no sin in Him. In Christ, the Word made flesh, we come to know God intimately.

However, our sin nature has a corruptive influence over our intelligence, and thus warps our understanding, and wisdom. We deceive ourselves into thinking that we have great insights when our hearts, priorities, and choices reveal worldly values. Discernment between good and evil, integrity and manipulation, or right and wrong is an essential aspect of wisdom (1 Kings 3:9). But because when we have deceived ourselves, it is impossible to discern correctly, giving evidence that we are not as understanding and insightful as we think. We Christians frequently listen to sermons and study with great interest, but then our minds are ensnared by worldly values (Ezekiel 33:31; Matthew 15:7-9). Sincere understanding of God is found through the means of grace given to us: Bible study and preaching, prayer, personal confession, repentance the sacraments, corporate worship, Christian fellowship, and service. As we engage in these, with sincerity and humility, the Holy Spirit imparts the understanding that we require. The Lord will open the meaning of the Scriptures to us as He did for the disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:45ff). The Holy Spirit graciously and gradually removes the veil from our eyes to truly know, understand, and fear God.

Which of the graces mentioned do you neglect? Do you think that you can become wise without regular prayer, service, corporate worship, or personal confession? This is worldly wisdom. “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 3:2)