Having wisdom is needful to nurture
a meaningful, fruitful and fulfilling life. The Bible continually exhorts us to
acquire wisdom. Ever wonder what constitutes wisdom? The Word of God rightly tells
us that the fear of the LORD is the beginning of all wisdom. Wisdom aptly
defined, is the ability to act with sound judgement because of the knowledge
and experience one has acquired through an abiding relationship with God. When that
relationship deepens over time, one finds the ability to act and live right
consistently. Therefore, we must stay connected to God and continue to walk
with Him in reverential fear and awe for Him. A person who applies wisdom to
his living will find it advantageous. So, in six verses, Proverbs 24:3-9 give
us three benefits of exercising wisdom.
Firstly, wisdom ensures a stable and
peaceful home. Wisdom is not only confined to having moral principles but also seen
in one’s astuteness. The word “house” in verse 3 is not referring to the
physical building one dwells in but the family one establishes. A person with
wisdom deploys it to build his home and leaves a rich legacy long after his
earthly life has ended. In essence verses 3-4 is telling us that it takes understanding
and knowledge to have a great marriage and well-raised children. A well-ordered
and peaceful home, where every member finds his or her niche, is more precious that
the riches one can acquire.
Secondly, wisdom endows one with strength for victory. The crux
of what verses 5-6 is telling us, is that wisdom has the capacity to outdo
brute force. Brains will always out-muscle brawn. Using the language of war, these
verses tell us that with wisdom one can strategize to maximize his capacity and
minimize the opponent’s strength. Wisdom helps us to see what’s coming against
us and reveals the resources that are available to us to overcome them. To have
wisdom is to have strength.
Thirdly, wisdom enhances one’s effectiveness. What verses 7-9
convey to us is that wisdom cannot be proven wrong. No amount of words a fool
can level at it can change its effectiveness. Wisdom always leaves its accusers
speechless. As sure as wisdom will guarantee effectiveness in living, yet a
fool will not seek it. He will find it difficult to attain. Not because it is not
available to him but because he lacks the desire to want it and the effort to go
for it. Instead of seeking wisdom, a fool will create strife and confusion
through his many schemes of mischief. He channels his energy to act cunningly
and his act will not only be an abomination to God but also to men. Thankfully,
Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 1:24 that Christ is the power and the wisdom of
God for us who believe. Knowing Christ brings wisdom and hope in life.
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