Sunday, February 21, 1999 This Week's Lesson:
In this week's lesson, which came from Proverbs 4:1-12, we learned that wisdom can be learned, applied, and enjoyed for all of one's life. It begins by hearing the godly instructions of our parents. Solomon, in this passage, presented himself as the loving father who wanted to give good instructions to his children. As a child, he had received good instruction. As a father, he wanted to give it. He could look back to his childhood and feel loved. He could look back to his childhood and feel like he had been well equipped for the toils of this life. Because he loved his children, he wanted to pass on to them that same kind of heritage. A good, loving, nurturing relationship creates confidence in a young heart. Not all young people feel loved in their home. Not all young people get good instruction from their parents. As a result, many of these youngsters do not develop a strong sense of self-esteem and self-worth. They enter into adulthood with a big weight, as it were, thrown about their neck. But such an unfortunate situation does not have to be. Every person is loved by God, and every person can receive good, godly instruction from the Lord, even when that same kind of right instruction is not being taught in the home. The key to living right is to turn to the Lord quickly and to seek Him early in life.
In this passage, Solomon also wrote about the importance of living right. Living right and obeying God's commandments are central themes throughout the opening chapters of the Book of Proverbs, and for good reason. Having a right heart will keep us on a right path. Having a right heart and living right is the best way to live well. Having a right heart and living right is the best way to live for a long time. Solomon said, "Keep my commandments and live." In Proverbs 4:4-7, he once again advocated the seeking of wisdom and understanding. He characterized wisdom as a lady and cautioned us to not forsake her. Wisdom will preserve us, protect us, and keep us from the many troublesome paths in life. When we gain godly wisdom, we also acquire a godly understanding of the ways of this world. In Proverbs 4:8-10, Solomon wrote that wisdom should be put on a pedestal. He said that we should exalt her, which means to lift up, cast up, or raise up. When we practice wisdom, we gain honor because people notice one who carries themselves smartly. God's wisdom in our heart and life is like an ornament of grace upon our whole life, and it will keep us from faltering. In Proverbs 4:11-12, Solomon wrote that he had taught his son the ways of wisdom and that he had led him in the paths of right living. What a testimony that would be for each of us, and what a challenge his words should be to each of us. When we have been armed with right teaching and we then arm our children, neither our steps nor theirs will ever be straitened or cramped. When we run, we will not stumble. When we live wisely, our days will be lengthened.
Without question, God's wisdom is worth having, and it is ours for the asking. James 1:5 says, "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him." In the coming weeks, ask the Lord to make you into the person that He would have you to be. Then, study this great Book of Proverbs and allow the Holy Spirit to teach you those things that you need to know.
Tom of Spotswood"He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life." (I John 5:12)
"And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:13)
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