Daily Reading: 4-29-16
Proverbs 2:6-8 New Living Translation (NLT)
Yesterday, we read about gaining wisdom and how that is connected to the fear (reference and awe) of the Lord. I always think about wisdom being applied truth. Honesty has to do with our behavior in action and in words; the goal is to convey truth. The quality of honesty is extremely important for a Christ follower, because it is an essential aspect of God’s own nature and purposes. Christ is Truth. God is Love and cannot lie (Heb. 6:18). Satan is the father of lies and our inclination without Christ is to follow Satan and remain lost to the Truth of God’s Love (John 8:44). We either operate in truth with regard to representing God and our faith in His Love or we, by default, communicate lies. This is why we must make a decision to stay in God’s Word and seek revelation and understanding.
In our reading from the Book of Wisdom today, our passage confirms that wisdom, knowledge and understanding are imparted by the Lord and our goal should be to honestly represent God’s Love with our words and actions. Let’s read…
6
For the Lord grants wisdom!
From his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
7
He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest.
He is a shield to those who walk with integrity.
8
He guards the paths of the just
and protects those who are faithful to him.
Honesty brings along a treasure of common sense which demonstrates how we think and make logical judgments (integrity) about life and the world around us. Common sense is associated with wisdom and discretion. Wisdom in knowing what to do; discretion is knowing when and where to do it. When we read the Word of God to listen, invite God to speak truth and bring understanding, respond to the truth with honesty, we are allowed to open the lid to the treasure of common sense (wisdom/discretion) imparted to us by God and the Spirit can then victoriously navigate us through this life in practical ways because we are open to the truth.
Prayer: Father, I want to communicate the truth of Your heart each day as I encounter others. Help me to live honestly before You in word and in action as I follow Christ. Pour into me the treasure of common sense; I desire Your wisdom and discretion. In Jesus’ name. Amen.