Often, value, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder. As a result, we tend to attribute more weight to the things we treasure. Yet, what is significant for me, may not even capture your attention. So, ask yourself, what do I value?
We can experience things with our five senses that have a standard measure based on a communal or global scale, such as the price of gold. Yet there are other commodities you cannot hold. Examples would be work ethic, integrity, creativity, or love. So how do you measure the value of something intangible?
Wisdom is not something you can draw a picture of but is experienced.
Proverbs chapter 2:6-8 tells us the source of wisdom and its effect:
“6For the LORD gives wisdom;
from His mouth come knowledge and understanding;
7He stores up sound wisdom for the upright;
He is a shield to those who walk in integrity,
8guarding the paths of justice and watching over the way of his saints.”
So perhaps a better question to ask ourselves is, what does God value?
From the beginning of time, God created us for connection, first to Him (vertically) and then with others (horizontally). The book of Proverbs yields daily wisdom, especially on this horizontal level. As we receive the truth in God’s word, we gain knowledge and understanding, which aids us in forming and maintaining mutually fulfilling relationships.
Knowledge is information gathering, and understanding is the comprehension of such ideas. Yet, wisdom is not just gathered intelligence, but its deep significance is evidenced as we skillfully apply it in everyday situations. Therefore, what might these be? Here are a few to consider:
1. Learning how to be a good steward of time, energy, finances, talents, resources
2. Making essential life choices such as which university to attend, what career to pursue, what positive impact can make that outlives us
3. Growing in discernment about the others’ character can direct us in choosing friends and even a life-long marriage partner.
4. Evaluating my conduct and pursuing lasting improvements
Here are four questions I asked myself after reading Chapter 2 of Proverbs:
1. Am I loving and pursuing God (seeking and searching for more profound things about God) with ALL my mind, heart, soul, and WHOLE being?
Ear –> input; Voice –> output
2. In what ways am I living wisely? And, more importantly, where am I not?
3. Is wisdom evident in my life? Do I see it ~ Do others see it?
4. Do I guard myself against the way of evil?
As we live in wisdom, God’s protection guards us, for He watches over us.
God instructions in His just ways so we learn to avoid compromising incidents that can lead to trouble. God’s wisdom defines what is foolish and simple and guides us on solid paths of success and joy.
So as I considered the answers to these questions and meditated on the whole chapter, I recorded these insights:
1. There are 2 very distinct paths in life.
2. Wisdom’s Origin and Fullness is from God and is worth finding!
3. Every day, I have a choice:
~ To walk in the Way of the Good, which God preserves
OR ~To choose the Way of Evil, which God cuts off!
When I need wisdom, I search for answers in the Bible and cry out to God in prayer.
I also have gleaned some key insights from trusted friends who know me well and love me beyond my struggles. Then I may take the time to journal what I am learning and record the questions in my heart. These practices had afforded me much peace and directed me when I had vital decisions to make.
Are you seeking The Living God Who loves you and freely gives wisdom to those who ask? Ask, and you will indeed receive.
5 If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. 6 But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind.”
~ James 1:5-6
Blessings!
Gleanings From Heaven's Gate 