JOTS FROM OLD JAKE
Wise up and Live!
Wednesday, Dec. 05, 2007 - 5:18 p.m.
The Book of Proverbs could be titled, Wise Up and Live. Beyond simply obeying laws, this book focuses on leading an aggressively dynamic life, giving examples of proper and improper attitudes, conduct, and characteristics in succinct, penetrating ways. A proverb can be thought of as "a short sentence from long experience"; it is easy to remember, yet it condenses much wisdom into a small space.
2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable" in four ways: for doctrine - what�s right; for reproof - what�s not right; for correction - how to get right; and for instruction in righteousness - how to stay right! The book of Proverbs touches on all four of these.
A recurring theme in the Book of Proverbs is the pursuit of "wisdom." The traditional definition of wisdom is "the ability to use knowledge in the right way," but in the Bible there is also a "wisdom of this world"
1 Corinthians 2:1-8 And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
James 3:13-15 Who is wise and understanding among you? let him show by his good life his works in meekness of wisdom. But if ye have bitter jealousy and faction in your heart, glory not and lie not against the truth. This wisdom is not a wisdom that cometh down from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.
There are a great many brilliant people who have knowledge, yet they lack wisdom.
Divine wisdom is from above: Jesus Christ is the Wisdom of God (Proverbs 8:22-31 The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old. I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was. When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when there were no fountains abounding with water. Before the mountains were settled, before the hills was I brought forth: While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the highest part of the dust of the world. When he prepared the heavens, I was there: when he set a compass upon the face of the depth: When he established the clouds above: when he strengthened the fountains of the deep: When he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment: when he appointed the foundations of the earth: Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him; Rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth; and my delights were with the sons of men.; 1 Corinthians 1:24, 30 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption; Colossians 2:3 In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge). True wisdom is a matter of the heart and not the mind alone. Wisdom in the Book of Proverbs includes practical sagacity, mental acumen, and functional skill, but it also includes moral and upright living that stems from a right relationship with the Lord:
Proverbs 3:13-15 Blessed is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. For the gain thereof is better than the gain of silver, and her revenue than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies; and all the things thou canst desire are not equal unto her.
Questions we might ask of our selves:
Do I believe it?
What an I doing to prove I do believe it?
What are my priorities?
To learn more about the book of Proverbs study it!
VERSE FOR THIS ENTRY!
Matthew 7:24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
ULTERIOR WORDS OF WISDOM� OR/NOT!
In-depth interest is a parent to ideology!
~Unknown~
May you be filled to overflowing with the Holy Spirit!
