Freedom Road
Opening Prayer
Spend a moment quieting your mind before God and then pray for God’s wisdom to know him and follow him today.
Read PROVERBS 8:1-21
For additional translations of the passage, use this link to Bible Gateway.
[1] Does not wisdom call out? Does not understanding raise her voice? [2] On the heights along the way, where the paths meet, she takes her stand; [3] beside the gates leading into the city, at the entrances, she cries aloud: [4] “To you, O men, I call out; I raise my voice to all mankind. [5] You who are simple, gain prudence; you who are foolish, gain understanding. [6] Listen, for I have worthy things to say; I open my lips to speak what is right. [7] My mouth speaks what is true, for my lips detest wickedness. [8] All the words of my mouth are just; none of them is crooked or perverse. [9] To the discerning all of them are right; they are faultless to those who have knowledge. [10] Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold, [11] for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her. [12] “I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence; I possess knowledge and discretion. [13] To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech. [14] Counsel and sound judgment are mine; I have understanding and power. [15] By me kings reign and rulers make laws that are just; [16] by me princes govern, and all nobles who rule on earth. [17] I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me. [18] With me are riches and honor, enduring wealth and prosperity. [19] My fruit is better than fine gold; what I yield surpasses choice silver. [20] I walk in the way of righteousness, along the paths of justice, [21] bestowing wealth on those who love me and making their treasuries full. Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Reflect
What benefits does wisdom promise to bestow?Who do you know who you would describe as really wise? Most of us know somebody we really respect because of their good judgment and wise thoughtfulness. Wisdom has nothing to do with book learning or cleverness. This week we have seen people trying to trap Jesus through cleverness and tying themselves in knots in the process. Jesus amazes his hearers because of the real wisdom he shows.
How do we come by wisdom? The good news is that wisdom is available to everyone (4). Wisdom is not so much knowing facts as walking with God. “The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God’” (Psa. 14:1). The opposite of wisdom is shutting our heart to God’s revelation of himself. Jesus tells us that wisdom is not just hearing God’s words but acting on them (see Matt. 7:24). We need to make a positive choice to be wise (10,17). Wisdom is a lifestyle choice, and the benefits are many (11). It will not make us rich or give us status in the world, but the blessings that God gives to those who walk in his way are infinitely better and more lasting than monetary gain (19).
Apply
How can you grow in God’s wisdom in the weeks ahead? How can you live in the light of God’s wisdom each day?
Closing prayer
Lord, increase my wisdom as You see best. I want to live in Your wisdom and know the benefits it bestows.
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