Read
Wisdom Speaks
12I am Wisdom—Common Sense
is my closest friend;
I possess knowledge
and sound judgment.
13If you respect the Lord,
you will hate evil.
I hate pride and conceit
and deceitful lies.
14I am strong, and I offer
sensible advice
and sound judgment.
15By my power kings govern,
and rulers make laws
that are fair.
16Every honest leader rules
with help from me.
17I love everyone who loves me,
and I will be found by all
who honestly search.
18I can make you rich and famous,
important and successful.
19What you receive from me
is more valuable
than even the finest gold
or the purest silver.
20I always do what is right,
21and I give great riches
to everyone who loves me.
Reflect
There is a saying, “Eat dessert when it’s worth the calories!” Wisdom is just like that decadent dessert, only it’s always worth it.
It is important to know the anatomy of wisdom; this passage of Scripture lays it out for us. We are told what it looks like and what it doesn’t. If the words coming out of our mouth ring of arrogance or boasting, wisdom is absent. When a conversation moves into gossip, evil suspicion, and fault-finding, as hard as it may be to swallow, wisdom has left the room!
Wisdom is most precious as a key tool in all forms of leadership. With wisdom comes wise counsel and sound judgment. It is not gained through academic degrees but from the One who is the Author of wisdom. You may know someone who was an amazing leader, but the lack of wisdom became their undoing.
This passage could read as a wealth builder as riches seemingly follow. This is not always the case, but riches in relationships and reputation definitely follow. These are indeed priceless. There is no store you can go to purchase wonderful relationships or a good reputation. These are both born out of wisdom. Just think – when wisdom is applied in your key relationships, you don’t have to apologize as frequently!
I am thankful that wisdom is not like the weird ingredient I need to create my supper tonight; it is available 24/7 to all that seek God for it. He offers it to you and me today on an as-needed basis!
Praise to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ who by his Spirit dwells within his children. In him is all wisdom. His Spirit is the bountiful source of wisdom closer than our fingertips!
Respond
Father, your eyes see all that is before me. You know the way through the wilderness of my life. Guide me, gentle Shepherd. Whisper wisdom in my ear each step of the way. Amen.
Donna Dyck
Donna and her husband Bill are parents of 4 adult children and have 9 grandchildren. They have been pastoring at Toronto Alliance church for 28 years. Donna has written 2 books, Confessions of a Not So Average Girl and Confessions of an Unlikely Pastors wife. She has spoken at many conferences, seminars, and events over the years. She and her husband have just written a Devotional called Hope for an Unwanted Journey which will be published soon and is for parents, especially those who are walking through the valley of addiction or mental illness with their loved ones.