WISDOM!

Photo by MRB. 

If you can read ‘The Book of Nature’, you will find powerful messages EVERYWHERE!

This spider, in the corner of my friend’s bathroom (see photo above) sent me a poignant message!  It has woven its web where it is unlikely any bug will ever travel.  He’s going to starve if he stays where he is!  It reminded me to be wise in making my decisions about where to invest my time and energy, lest I waste my precious time and starve, mentally, physically, or emotionally.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

Did you know that King Solomon had much to say about wisdom?  This spider inspired me to read the scriptures he wrote on wisdom.   Join me!  He wrote:   

‘Happy is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding; For her proceeds are better than the profits of silver, and her gain than fine gold.  She is more precious than rubies, and all the things you may desire cannot compare with her.  Length of days is in her right hand, in her left-hand riches and honor.  Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.  She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her, and happy are all who retain her.  The Lord by wisdom founded the earth; by understanding He established the heavens; by His knowledge the depths were broken up, and clouds drop down the dew.  My son, let them not depart from your eyes– Keep sound wisdom and discretion; so they will be life to your soul and grace to your neck.  Then you will walk safely in your way, and your foot will not stumble When you lie down, you will not be afraid; yes, you will lie down, and your sleep will be sweet.’  
Proverbs 3:13-24.

‘The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.’  Proverbs 1:7.

‘My son, if you receive my words, and treasure my commands within you, so that you incline your ear to wisdom, and apply your heart to understanding; Yes, if you cry out for discernment, and lift up your voice for understanding, if you seek her as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures; Then you will understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God.  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 uprightly.’ 
Proverbs 2:3-7.

‘Get wisdom! Get understanding! Do not forget, nor turn away from the words of my mouth. Do not forsake her, and she will preserve you; Love her, and she will keep you.  Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore, get wisdom.  And in all your getting, get understanding.  Exalt her, and she will promote you; She will bring you honor, when you embrace her.  She will place on your head an ornament of grace; A crown of glory she will deliver to you.  Hear, my son, and receive my sayings, and the years of your life will be many.  I have taught you in the way of wisdom; I have led you in right paths.  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.’  
Proverbs 4:5-13.

‘Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her.’  
Proverbs 8:10-11.

‘The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.  For through wisdom your days will be many, and years will be added to your life.  If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you.’  
Proverbs 9:11-12.

‘How much better to get wisdom than gold, to get insight rather than silver!’  
Proverbs 16:16.

‘The one who gets wisdom loves life; the one who cherishes understanding will soon prosper.’  Proverbs 19:8.

‘By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.’  
Proverbs 24:3-4.

‘Know also that wisdom is like honey for you: If you find it, there is a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.’  
Proverbs 24:14.

‘Those who trust in themselves are fools, but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe.’  
Proverbs 28:26.

Study the Proverbs!  As Matthew Henry says in his commentary on the Bible:  ‘Solomon’s proverbs contain, in a little compass, a complete body of divine ethics, politics, and economics, exposing every vice, recommending every virtue, and suggesting rules for the government of ourselves in every relation and condition, and every turn of the conversation.’ 

And remember the wonderful promise found in the book of James!!!

‘IF ANY OF YOU LACKS WISDOM, YOU SHOULD ASK GOD, WHO GIVES GENEROUSLY TO ALL WITHOUT FINDING FAULT, AND IT WILL BE GIVEN YOU!’  James 1:5.

Don’t be foolish like the spider.   BE WISE!!