Readings for the day: Proverbs 1-4
The world suffers because it lacks wisdom. It lacks understanding. Everyone does what is right in their own eyes. No one takes responsibility. There is always someone else to blame. We live in a world where it is hard for people to accept instruction. Hard for people to humble themselves and receive correction. We resort to yelling and screaming and pouting far too easily. We are a fragile and foolish people.
The world suffers for lack of wisdom. The world is full of challenges. Monumental tasks that cannot be solved by human effort. Cannot be solved by human ingenuity and intellect. The reality is we are not rational creatures. We are far more driven by emotion than we like to admit. Far more inclined to selfishness and greed and hatred than we like to admit. Far more susceptible to temptation than we like to admit. And the resulting corruption destroys any chance we may have at making the world a better place.
What this world needs is wisdom. What we all need is wisdom. And Solomon tells us if we want wisdom, there’s only one place to go. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6) God is the fount of all wisdom and understanding. It is God who sees the deep things of this world. God who makes sense of the universe and all that is in it. God who creates order out of our chaos. It is God who can guide us through the maze that is human life. It is God who is our light in the darkness. God who is Truth in the midst of all the lies. And if we truly want to make this world a better place. If we truly want to experience the abundant life Jesus promises those who would follow Him, we have to trust God. We have to seek His wisdom above our own. We have to stop pretending we can do this life on our own.
How often do you pray over the decisions you make? How often do you ask God for wisdom when faced with a difficult situation? How often do you go to God’s Word and rely on His Truth even it conflicts with how you think or feel? If this never happens, then I submit you are trying to live your life apart from God. You are trying to survive based on your own wisdom and strength. And I am here to tell you, it will eventually fail. God promises to grant wisdom to all who follow Him. All who will submit to Him. All who will surrender to Him. The fear of the Lord is truly the beginning of wisdom.