Over the past few weeks I have been working through The Passion Translation of the book of Proverbs. As I read through this book I am finding the promises of God concerning wisdom remarkable and beeninspired by the positive influence wisdom has on your life.
The book mentions true wisdom exceeds the value of any jewel and nothing you could wish for can equal her.
If you wait on the Lord for wisdom, it will bring you joyand pour into you a fountain of life.This is the secret of growing in the delight and the favour of the Lord.
As I read through the Passion Translation, two wisdom verses stood out for me:
Proverbs chapter 8, verse 14(Passion Translation)
“You will find true success when you find me,
for I have insight into wise plans that are designed just for you!
I hold in my hands living understanding, courage, and strength.
They’re all ready and waiting for you.”
It is very encouraging that the Lord has a wise plan designed just for me and I can call on the Lord for wise counsel at any time. It’s all ready and waiting when I call on him.
Many times I have struggled through difficulties, trying to battle through things in my own strength. This verse is a reminder that nothing is too difficult for the Lord to resolve. Just ask him!
The second verse that stood outfor me is Proverbs chapter 9, verse 11.
Proverbs chapter 9, verse 11(Passion Translation)
“Wisdom will extend your life, making every year more fruitful than the one before.”
The above verse is an amazing promise. That wisdom will not only extend your life, but make every year more fruitful than the year before.
This is my dream. To live a life not only worthy of the Lord but bearing more and more fruit.
This verse reminds me of one of my favourite verses in the Biblefrom Colossians.
1 Colossians chapter 1, verses 9-12
“We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light.”
I have prayed this verse many times. Sometimes for myself and many times for others and found it very uplifting.
Solomon and wisdom
When Solomon became Kingthe Lord said to Solomon, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you”.
Solomon recognised the favour and grace shown to his father King Davidbecause King David had been faithful, righteous and upright in heart.
So, Solomon responded to God as follows:
1 Kings chapter 3, verses 7-9
“Now, Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties. Your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number. So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?”
The Lord was very pleased with Solomon’s wish and not only granted him wisdom but also wealth and honour.
1 Kings chapter 3, verses 13-14
“Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for—both wealth and honour—so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings. And if you walk in obedience to me and keep my decrees and commands as David your father did, I will give you a long life.”
Solomon lived an astonishing life, filled with wisdom, fame and lavished with riches and favour.
His later life did go off course as he became distracted by his many wives and their worship of false Gods, but the fruit of wisdom was seen in Solomon’s early life.
This is a strong reminder about the power of wisdom and focus on the Lord.
Wayne worked in the media for more than 30 years before leaving to follow a call to set up The Daily Encourager, a values based media showcasing the best of New Zealand society. He has a passion for Jesus, enjoys walking, ball sports, the arts and song writing.