Fear of the Lord is the foundation all wisdom. All who obey his commandments will grow in wisdom. Psalm 110:10 NLT
Have you ever had the pleasure of sitting awhile and listening to the wisdom that flows from a sweet spirited older person? The book “Tuesdays With Morrie” tells of the experience of a young man who, after many years, is reunited with one of his old college professors who is dying. The young man penned the story of his encounters and the book was on the best sellers list in the USA for 10 years. It has changed the way many people view their elderly relatives. Now the author travels widely passing on Morrie’s wisdom to help others have hope and peace by making the most of every day they are given.
This verse in Psalm 111, whose sentiment is repeated in Proverbs 1:7 and 9:10, tells us that wisdom only begins when we fear the Lord. Psalm 14:1 says “The fool has said in his heart “there is no God”. Acknowledgement of God is a good starting place for developing wisdom, then following God’s instructions will continue the process. Keeping his commandments is not following a list of rules and regulations or legalistically keeping the 10 commandments. Experience has shown us that we don’t have it in us to do that, which is why Jesus had to come and fulfil God’s requirement for perfection. No, keeping his commandments as explained by Jesus (Matthew 22:27-40) is to love God with all of ourselves and to love others. If we walk in love we will fulfill God’s commandments. That is wisdom.
God is the source of all wisdom, he’s our Creator and he knows what will work for us. He has graciously left us with a manual for life in the form of The Bible, and when we hand over our life to God we get his Holy Spirit to be our guide through life. That’s quite a deal!
To walk in God’s wisdom brings peace and joy. Following his ways brings life, and wisdom grows. How do we do that? By changing our thinking to God’s way of thinking through studying His word (Romans 12:2); by deciding to do things God’s way - to walk in love toward God and man (Matthew 22); and finally, to have the mind of Christ (Philippians 2:6) which is a humble heart that is willing to do God’s will by living like Christ.
If we make it a practice to read God’s word and obey it, we will grow in wisdom which is a beautiful attribute. James 3:17 says this “But the wisdom from above is first of all pure” (as shown in a life of purity), “It is also peace-loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others” (not difficult to get along with). “It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows no favouritism and is always sincere.”
Prayer: Dear God, help me to aspire to a life of wisdom which will show your goodness in the way I live my life. Amen
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