The Very Best
Opening Prayer
Think of the things (or people) that mean the most to you. Name them to God and thank him for them.
Read Proverbs 4:1-9
[1] Listen, my sons, to a father’s instruction; pay attention and gain understanding. [2] I give you sound learning, so do not forsake my teaching. [3] For I too was a son to my father, still tender, and cherished by my mother. [4] Then he taught me, and he said to me, “Take hold of my words with all your heart; keep my commands, and you will live. [5] Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or turn away from them. [6] Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. [7] The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. [8] Cherish her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you. [9] She will give you a garland to grace your head and present you with a glorious crown.” 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
What "price" should we be willing to pay for God's wisdom?Jesus told a story about a man who was prepared to sell everything he had just to get one supremely valuable pearl (Matt. 13:45,46). Solomon feels like that. At the end of yesterday’s reading, he pointed out just how valuable wisdom is (3:15). Because God’s wisdom enables us to live in the right way, it makes sense and will result in ultimate success (6,8, and 9). This may not be success as others see it, but this reminds us that there are two ways to live our lives. We can go with the ancient wisdom of God, passed on down the generations (1-4), or we can go with our own understanding (3:5). Our own understanding may deliver in the short term but will not bring ultimate satisfaction. God’s wisdom not only helps us to make wise choices, it helps others to make sense of the confusing business of life–and that is what people really value. The writer knows how easy it is to lose sight of this. The rewards aren’t instant. We live in a world where we want quick results. And this presents a constant temptation to use our wisdom rather than God’s, but that way will end in disaster.
Apply
What “price” are you willing to pay for God’s wisdom? How are you paying or will you pay it?
Closing prayer
Pray that you may increasingly see things the way that God sees them–with his wisdom.
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