Intro: It would be a natural tendency to think we know what is right or wrong for our lives and call it wisdom, but in reality any inclination or decision that does not have Christ at the center of it is biblically questionable. Wisdom is learning to see life from God’s perspective and trusting him to guide us as we follow. For the children of God, wisdom is associated with godly human conduct—the character of Christ—who “for our benefit God made him to be wisdom itself” (1 Cor 1:30).
Preceding our passage today from the Wisdom Book of Proverbs, God calls to his children, “Store my commands in your heart” (v. 1). God does not call us to memorize his commands, but rather to make his commands an integral part of our being so we are ready to act on them. In our verses that follow, we learn the path of wisdom is the embodiment of God’s Word. If we honor God as the Source of all we have and seek his will in all we do, God will reward and bless the wisdom we demonstrate—an obedient Christ follower receiving God’s covenant blessings.
Proverbs 3:5-9 NLT
5
Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
do not depend on your own understanding.
6
Seek his will in all you do,
and he will show you which path to take.
7
Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom.
Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil.
8
Then you will have healing for your body
and strength for your bones.
9
Honor the Lord with your wealth
and with the best part of everything you produce.
10
Then he will fill your barns with grain,
and your vats will overflow with good wine.
Prayer: Lord, information swirls all around us and we can find ourselves grabbing ahold of what impresses us, but void of wisdom. Help us to discern wisely and live to honor your character and name. You are the Source of all things, so thank you for being our Helper and our Provider. May how we live bring you glory. In Jesus’ name. Amen.