Multi-sensory Wisdom
Opening Prayer
Gracious God, my I acquire more of Your precious wisdom today as I read and meditate on Your Word.
Read Proverbs 4:10-27
[10] Listen, my son, accept what I say, and the years of your life will be many. [11] I instruct you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths. [12] When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble. [13] Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life. [14] Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evildoers. [15] Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn from it and go on your way. [16] For they cannot rest until they do evil; they are robbed of sleep till they make someone stumble. [17] They eat the bread of wickedness and drink the wine of violence. [18] The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day. [19] But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble. [20] My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words. [21] Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; [22] for they are life to those who find them and health to one’s whole body. [23] Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. [24] Keep your mouth free of perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. [25] Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. [26] Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. [27] Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil. Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
How do the ways of the righteous and wicked differ?Our whole body (22) and all our senses are to be involved in the search for wisdom. • We are to watch what we say (24). James has a lot to say about speech and wisdom in chapter 3, which is worth checking out. • We are to be careful what we look at (25). There are many things that won’t help our relationship with God, and are best avoided. • We are to walk in the right way (14,26). “Walk” is a frequent Bible expression for the way that we live our lives. It’s about making those wise choices and living God’s way. • We are to listen carefully (10,20), filling our minds with the truth about God. • Above all we are to guard our hearts (23). In Hebrew thinking the heart is more than the center of the emotions: it is the center of thinking, feeling and willing. It makes us who we are.
Apply
What practical steps could you take to focus firmly on God, making him the one you want to love and please?
Closing prayer
Ask God for the desire and ability to seek his wisdom with your whole body and all your senses.
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