June 10, 2017. Proverbs 22-24.

 

How many times a day do you find yourself questioning everything? 

“Who am I?

What am I doing with my life?

Why does everyone have it easier than me?

Where am I supposed to be?

How do I handle all these crazy people in my life?

Etc.”

Just me? Oh ok. 

Well throughout the scriptures the topic of wisdom is heavily addressed and even good old Solomon, when God told him “Ask for whatever you want me to give you”, asked for wisdom.  Because he asked for wisdom (which seems like a wise request to begin with) God grants him wisdom along with all the other statuses he could have requested; wealth, possession, and honor.  This account shows that God sees wisdom as a genuine and valuable request.

So learning to be wise is kind of an important step in your walk with the Lord.  Now you might be asking yourself, “Ok, but HOW do I practice wisdom?”

Well lucky for you, today’s passage of scripture contains thirty sayings of the wise that will help you navigate all sorts of sticky situations in a wisdom-filled manner.

Scenario 1: Finding good friends. 

Are you having friend trouble?  Too much drama, not enough support?

Proverbs 22:24-25

24 

Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person,

    do not associate with one easily angered,

25 

or you may learn their ways

    and get yourself ensnared.

 

Scenario 2: Financial advice.

On debt and spending:

Proverbs 22:26-27

26 

Do not be one who shakes hands in pledge

    or puts up security for debts;

27 

if you lack the means to pay,

    your very bed will be snatched from under you.

On chasing paper:

Proverbs 23:4-5

4 

Do not wear yourself out to get rich;

    do not trust your own cleverness.

5 

Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone,

    for they will surely sprout wings

    and fly off to the sky like an eagle.

Scenario 3: Is the grass greener over there?

Provers 23:17-18

17 

Do not let your heart envy sinners,

    but always be zealous for the fear of the Lord.

18 

There is surely a future hope for you,

    and your hope will not be cut off.

There are so many other truths waiting to be heard by you in the Word of God and ultimately, wisdom comes from the Lord and having a close and personal relationship with Him.  Make sure you have open communications with God through the reading of His word and prayer.  He knows your heart, if you are truly seeking wisdom He will grant you wisdom.

 

Spread those wings and fly on, wise owl.