DAY 12 - The Value of Wisdom | "House of Wisdom" Devotional
Proverbs 9:7 Anyone who rebukes a mocker will get an insult in return. Anyone who corrects the wicked will get hurt. 8 So don’t bother correcting mockers; they will only hate you. But correct the wise, and they will love you. 9 Instruct the wise, and they will be even wiser. Teach the righteous, and they will learn even more. Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment. 11 Wisdom will multiply your days and add years to your life. 12 If you become wise, you will be the one to benefit. If you scorn wisdom, you will be the one to suffer.
Wisdom and understanding are most appreciated by those who embrace it. People who mock the things of God will likely not accept correction. Such persons need prayer and the saving message of the Gospel of Christ. We would like to think that we can help or “cure” anyone. But the fact remains that the Holy Spirit must help a person become receptive—something the Lord is quite expert at doing!
Wisdom is a virtue best shared among believers in Christ. The “righteous” are people who will honor God and rejoice in His ways. According to Ephesians 4:15-16, the body of Christ “edifies itself” in love. That is, we build each other up, not for selfish reasons, but to become more effective as a community and in reaching our generation for the Kingdom of God.
Verse nine says, "Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom." Foundations are vitally important to buildings, especially tall ones. Laying a good foundation is the beginning to any successful building project. The "building project" of our lives requires understanding and living out the principle of the fear of the Lord. I define the fear of the Lord as "A deep desire to please and never displease the Lord."
On the firm foundation of godly fear comes "good judgment" (to make wise decisions and choices), long life, and other benefits as God's purpose for our lives may determine.
Reflection Question: In what way(s) can you honor God and value His wisdom?
Key insight I gained today:
Today’s action item based on insight: