PROVERBS 8:9-11
My words are plain to anyone with understanding,
clear to those with knowledge.
Choose my instruction rather than silver,
and knowledge rather than pure gold.
For wisdom is far more valuable than rubies.
Nothing you desire can compare with it.
My words are plain to anyone with understanding,
clear to those with knowledge.
Choose my instruction rather than silver,
and knowledge rather than pure gold.
For wisdom is far more valuable than rubies.
Nothing you desire can compare with it.
Common sense isn’t enoughKnowledge doesn’t automatically produce wisdom. Consider how many of us smoke, overeat, don’t get enough sleep, or say things we know we shouldn’t. We aren’t stupid but we are foolish. Still, I cannot ignore knowledge on my way to acquiring wisdom.
Everyday common sense requires at least some level of education both from the school of hard knocks and academia. However, many daily choices require much more than baseline common sense and so require a greater degree of knowledge. It takes more than common sense to enjoy a healthy marriage, experience spiritually productive relationships in God’s family, and interact productively with one’s culture. These require more learning – book learning.
So God gave us the Book. More than that, he gave us men and women with the gift of unique insight and understanding who wrote that knowledge down in an explosion of books through the centuries. He gave us people with the capacity to make discoveries about nature, financial economy, government, and so on, who share their understanding in even more books.
Problem is, even though I love to read, I have to discipline myself to make reading a priority. This blog is one tool to keep me reading God’s Word for my own growing understanding. Too few Christians read, let alone read books that deepen and broaden our understanding.
When it comes to making important decisions wisely, we fall back to what we consider common sense. Without education, however, common sense becomes simply another expression of our prejudices, misperceptions, unexamined assumptions, and ignorance.
Common sense is only a beginning point. Instruction and knowledge are better than silver and gold because they lead to wisdom.
All knowing God, may I never become arrogantly satisfied with the knowledge I currently possess. With your help, I will keep learning and broadening my understanding. I will be teachable. - Mike Leamon
PROVERBS 8:22-31 (abridged)
The LORD formed me from the beginning,
before he created anything else.
I was appointed in ages past,
at the very first, before the earth began.
I was the architect at his side.
I was his constant delight,
rejoicing always in his presence.
And how happy I was with the world he created;
how I rejoiced with the human family!
The LORD formed me from the beginning,
before he created anything else.
I was appointed in ages past,
at the very first, before the earth began.
I was the architect at his side.
I was his constant delight,
rejoicing always in his presence.
And how happy I was with the world he created;
how I rejoiced with the human family!
Only 1 originalI was watching TV when a commercial came on advertising a certain shampoo. This shampoo can eliminate dull hair with dandruff and flakes and replace it with shimmering, moist hair that cascades down over your head. At least that is what the advertisement seemed to be saying. However, the main concern of the advertisement was not what this shampoo can do for my hair; it was that I might be tempted to buy an imitation, knock-off brand instead of the real deal. I was assured; the original product was only available at salons not Wal-Mart.
It is not just with shampoo that I settle for less. Unfortunately, I end up with the generic brand of wisdom when I settle for anything less than God’s wisdom. Wisdom was created first by God. True wisdom, comes only from God. True there are many “venues” offering “wisdom” for sale, but if scrutinized carefully, they are all generic forms, imitations of the real deal.
As wisdom was created first, even before the world itself, there is only one dispenser of true wisdom. There is only one place where I can find 100% pure wisdom and knowledge: Jesus Christ. While generic shampoo will not ruin my hair, generic wisdom will take me away from God’s perfect plan for my life. When it comes to life why settle for anything less than the original? After all, the price on the original is better than the generic brands.
Father of wisdom and knowledge, help me to avoid deception when it comes to pursuing wisdom. I want to follow the best plan for my life and today I acknowledge that plan is yours. Teach me your ways; show me your plan for my life today. - Dan Jones
1 comment:
I think too many Christians read...but read magazines, novels, blogs,etc. These are not wrong to read, but will it help us to acquire God's wisdom?
For me, God's WORD is the most important eduacational Book there is and anything afterwards is simply individual interests.
I agree that knowledge doesn't produce wisdom. Worldy wisdom is not true wisdom. I think that it's what we do with the knowledge that we acquire through the centries that can play a part in having wisdom.
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