As human beings, we need God’s help to keep us living righteously by turning away from greed and pride. We need to choose to live by God’s righteousness—justice—as individuals, as well as a nation. Peace can only be found in divine justice. Only God is eternally fair and just; only men and women who follow God will seek to lead in fairness and justice to bring order out of chaos. Otherwise, any measure of peace we secure in the world will never last.
In our passage today, Solomon writes about the power of God’s wisdom, Word, and the discipline of prayer to guide human lives. This world can be a challenge to navigate in good times and extremely difficult in chaotic times. Therefore, Solomon’s advice to his son is to follow Wisdom—the Lord.
Righteous wisdom—practical knowledge that involves ethical choices pleasing to God—protects us from following our sinful tendencies. The Holy Spirit fills, shelters, and protects the faithful. We are God’s creation, so it only makes sense we must seek to know, be guided, and understand the wisdom of our Maker. Biblical integrity is about divine wholeness and when we seek God’s ways, we set a righteous course for living.
As we step into Memorial Day weekend, let’s remember and praise the Lord for our country’s peacemakers who gave their lives to defend one nation under God. As a nation, may we be an example of justice and fairness in the world. We need to set a moral standard, economic standard, and a legal standard that honors righteousness. Righteous living is always right. Lawless living is always wrong, because it is rebellion against our Creator who sets the boundaries.
May we care more about pleasing God and living by his righteous standard [the fear/awe of God] than bending low to please or appease people—because many in the world have lost their way and actually work to pervert God’s glorious standard for his creation. As we honor our men and women who died protecting our freedom, may we understand their Help to defend our country actually came from God. The fight will always be to stay on God’s path that leads to true and eternal freedom for all.
Proverbs 2:6-8 NLT
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.
Prayer: Lord, we want to thank you for your love and protection that has been provided by men and women willing to lay down their lives to protect the path toward freedom. It is with gratitude we remember our fallen peacemakers, whom your Word says are your true children. We pray for these heroes’ families, because of their sacrifice, as well. As we consider your holy purpose for life—to draw all people to yourself—we pray for our country to exalt you. We pray and press on to the high call you have set before us to be a Light in the world. Peace always comes with a price; our peace with you came through the death of your Son. May peace and justice ring from our nation, because we choose your righteous standard. In Jesus’ name. Amen.