Monday, June 26, 2023

My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity.

Proverbs 3:1-2

When I copied and pasted this passage of scripture, the heading read, “wisdom bestows wellbeing.” What does this mean? Does it mean that wisdom is the prevention medication for all that ails you? Absolutely not! All we must do is review Job’s life and we have a clear illustration that making the best decision is not the absolute prevention medication. So, what does it mean? I believe that the writer is generally saying that there is a blessing attached to wise behavior. For instance, consider a driver who always obeys the traffic laws. He follows the speed limitations, uses his signal light, and makes complete stops at crossings. He looks both ways when needed. Then, another driver may exceed every speed limit by 20 mph. She does not use her signal light. She makes rolling stops at stop signs. You get the picture. Who is most likely to be involved in an accident? I think we know the answer.

I do not want to simplify this principle or overuse common examples to illustrate this truth. There is a blessing when we live under godly wisdom. God’s wisdom protects, keeps, prospers, and blesses those who do so. Think about Deuteronomy 28 or Deuteronomy 30. Consider the blessings of obedience and then think about all the curses of disobedience. As my seminary professor always said, “The wages of sin is death. You do not have to ask for it. It automatically comes.”

Choose wisdom and live well.

PRAYER: Lord, I admit that many of the things that I ask you about are rooted in poor decisions. If I had only chosen wisdom earlier in my life, maybe I would not have some of the issues I face today. I know that I cannot go back and change those decisions, but what I can do is choose to live in wisdom now. Teach me your ways, Lord, so that I may obey. In the Name of Jesus. Amen