Pastor Jesse's Blog
 
Every week, Pastor Jesse will be posting a new blog, so come back weekly and see what he has to say!
 
The Secret to Wisdom and Knowledge
Monday, July 7, 2008
 
Solomon tells us why he has written the book of Proverbs in the first few verses. “The purpose of these proverbs is to teach people wisdom and discipline…their purpose is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives, to help them do what is right, just, and fair.” To break down the way to this kind of life Solomon tells us the secret. The answer is to acquire wisdom, understanding, and knowledge and then he even tells us what true wisdom is, “Fear of the LORD is the foundation of true knowledge” and he repeats it again in 9:12, “Fear of the LORD is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment.” Solomon tells us over and over to pursue wisdom more than anything else in life whether it be gold, silver, or worldly success because it will provide for you biblically defined success. This is the only success that truly satisfies. As I have read through Proverbs very quickly this year there is something that must be present in your life if you are going to acquire this wisdom. It is repeated over and over again so that we don’t miss it.

My son, do not despise the LORD's discipline and do not resent his rebuke, because the LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in. 3:11-12
People who accept correction are on the pathway to life, but those who ignore it will lead others astray. 10:17
Without wise leadership, a nation falls; with many counselors, there is safety. 11:14
To learn, you must love discipline; it is stupid to hate correction. 12:1
Fools think they need no advice, but the wise listen to others. 12:15
Pride leads to arguments; those who take advice are wise. 13:10
Only a fool despises a parent's discipline; whoever learns from correction is wise. 15:5
…whoever hates correction will die. 15:10
Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many counselors bring success. 15:22
If you listen to constructive criticism, you will be at home among the wise. If you reject criticism, you only harm yourself; but if you listen to correction, you grow in understanding. Fear of the LORD teaches a person to be wise; humility precedes honor. 15:31-33

Are you seeing a trend? By the way these are just a handful of the verses in this book that encourage us to seek discipline, correction, and advice. If you want to become a person who truly Fears the Lord you will, like all of us, need to have people in your life that will encourage you to pursue Godliness but who also have the right to speak correction into your life. Do you have that? So many times when someone corrects us our first response is to become defensive. I know that I do that at times. Scripture encourages us to seek people who will speak truth into our lives and it even goes so far to say that even if someone is wrongfully maliciously speaking out against you to not retaliate but to openly look into their statements just in case there is any truth to what is being said. My friend, seek the wisdom and understanding that can only come from God and in doing so you must have advisers in your life.
 
posted by jesse at 9:46 AM
 
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