Hello fellow laborers in Christ! I hope this message finds you well. I pray you are experiencing God’s love in new and exciting ways every day. Today’s topic is something of value to us for this life and the next: Wisdom. We’ll be looking at Proverbs 4!
The book of Proverbs was largely written by Solomon- the wisest and richest man to have ever lived (2 Chronicles 1: 11-12). God blessed Solomon with wisdom and through Solomon’s life experiences he was able to write the majority of the book of Proverbs.
In Proverbs 4, Solomon takes the stance of a father as he gives advice in order for the listener to “know understanding” (Proverbs 4:1) Although Solomon’s words were intended for his son’s benefit, the wisdom he imparts is deeply beneficial for everyone to know and understand. To know understanding itself, it a profound concept, but one that can also be easily overlooked. We attempt to obtain understanding each day through the methods of study, learning and listening to teachers. However, to know the process by which we can know or obtain understanding is a far more valuable question to seek the answer of.
As I read Solomon’s words in Proverbs 4:4-5 (NKJV), I can imagine him writing with a cautionary tone, as someone with much experience and wisdom:
- “Let your heart retain my words;
Keep my commands, and live.“ - “Get wisdom! Get understanding!
- Do not forget, nor turn away from the words of my mouth.”
These two verses show us highlighted steps which come with distinct promises if followed. These promises include preservation, promotion, honor, grace and glory in your life (Proverbs 4:6-9). However, this is only the beginning of the blessings that we are going to experience if we devote ourselves to the gaining of understanding and the acquisition of wisdom.
Proverbs 4:12-13 (NKJV) states,
“When you walk, your steps will not be hindered,
And when you run, you will not stumble.
Take firm hold of instruction, do not let go;
Keep her, for she is your life.”
The fact that God is speaking to us through these scriptures is revelatory and too astounding to even put into words. When we read these scriptures, take ownership of them and have the faith to believe them.. WOW. Do they change our lives! To be able to have a guarantee that our steps will not be hindered though we walk this earth is an amazingly life-giving, shower of peace that only God can provide.
Let’s continue with verse 26 (NKJV):
“Ponder the path of your feet,
And let all your ways be established.”
The word, “established” according to the dictionary is: “having been in existence for a long time and therefore recognized and generally accepted.”
Therefore, let your life demonstrate habits of good works unto righteousness and continue in these good works until Christ returns. Once you have consistency in your walk with Christ and consistency in the development of behaviors and habits that are Godly, nothing you do can fail. Consistency is key. Solomon urges us to, “ponder the path of your feet.”
Think about what you do, why you do it and the way that your feet will go!
How much longer will we allow our lives to be filled with meaningless ye, soul destructive behaviors that make our path for us and lead our feet down roads which we were never meant to walk? How long will we continue to live in sin and do evil before the sight of God and walk around in darkness, yet expect our path to be established?
Proverbs 4:19,
“But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness;
they do not know what makes them stumble.”
Do not be the one who is stumbling through life, ignorant and unaware of the things that are stumbling blocks for you in your life.
Be intentional in Godliness and focus on what the Lord is telling you to do. Strive to understand this with all of your might. We find all of these answers and the most perfect ways of wisdom in His Word.
I will end with one final thought brothers and sisters in Christ, Proverbs 4:18 (KJV);
“But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.”
Shine on everyone! Be encouraged in the rewards of your faith and pursuit of Godly understanding. Never forsake the benefits of wisdom and the process by which we seek God!
Be blessed!
Lifted Vision Ministry 