Seeking Jesus First - May 23, 2023
How does wisdom act? Wisdom has a nature with likes and dislikes. Wisdom gives rewards to those who love her. Proverbs speaks of wisdom as a person. Many recognize that “person” as Holy Spirit.
“I, wisdom, dwell with prudence, And find out knowledge and discretion. The fear of the Lord is to hate evil; Pride and arrogance and the evil way And the perverse mouth I hate. Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom; I am understanding, I have strength. By me kings reign, And rulers decree justice. By me princes rule, and nobles, All the judges of the earth. I love those who love me, And those who seek me diligently will find me. Riches and honor are with me, Enduring riches and righteousness. My fruit is better than gold, yes, than fine gold, And my revenue than choice silver. I traverse the way of righteousness, In the midst of the paths of justice, That I may cause those who love me to inherit wealth, That I may fill their treasuries.” (Proverbs 8:12–21, NKJV)
Wisdom is not simple-minded or foolish. Wisdom searches out knowledge and the best way to apply it.
Wisdom teaches us to “fear the LORD”. The New Covenant equivalent of fearing The LORD is having faith in God. It is trusting God to the point of obedience in spite of feelings or circumstances. Wisdom hates evil. Wisdom hates pride, arrogance, the evil way and a perverse mouth.
Wisdom hates a perverse mouth. New Covenant definition: Wisdom speaks the truth in love. Wisdom despises false, twisted and wicked words, and words of doubt.
Counsel belongs to wisdom. A foolish person has no business giving counsel. He can’t give what he doesn’t have. Wisdom is sound judgment and understanding.
Wisdom is strong. Wisdom is strong enough to strengthen kings and princes. Wisdom is strong enough to give strength to leaders of nations. Wisdom teaches judges and kings to judge rightly and not take bribes or shrink back in fear. Wisdom gives leaders a backbone.
Wisdom loves those who love her. Wisdom gives her rewards to those who diligently seek her out and find her and stay intimately acquainted with her.
The rewards of wisdom are:
- Heavenly and earthly riches.
- A long earthly life followed by eternal life.
- Enduring riches (not a flash of wealth that goes away just as fast.).
- Righteousness. Righteousness is imputed to us by faith but wisdom teaches us to walk in it.
- Prosperity of soul. Wisdoms rewards are better than just earthly wealth. It is a wealthy soul. “Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.” (3 John 2, NKJV)
- Wisdom leads us in the paths of justice. Our actions are just so we begin to reap justice.
- Wisdom causes my descendants and those who love me to inherit wealth. Wisdom benefits our close friends and family.
- Wisdom fills the treasuries of those who love her. Treasuries are plural. This is both the spiritual realm and the natural realm; and it includes the soul.
So let’s receive wisdom from Holy Spirit who dwells in us and with us. Let’s believe God’s word and receive it by faith. Let’s take hold of wisdom in how we speak, act and live. Let’s fall in love with wisdom. Let’s make room for wisdom. Let’s seek out wisdom. Let’s trust wisdom.
What area of our life do we really need wisdom today? God will give it today and He will not hold back from us. Get in His word and search out wisdom. Pray in the spirit and trust God for His supply. Expect the word of wisdom to manifest in our heart and mind. Listen to the spirit.