Prayer

Reading: Prov 1:22.

Meditation.

One of the very important insights that we gain from the Book of Proverbs is that, by nature, we are not wise. When we are young, our default setting is what the proverbs call: “simple” (see Prov 1:4). What this means, very simply, is that: unless you have gained wisdom, then you don’t have it. Wisdom does not come automatically. Let me put it even more plainly. If you have never invested yourself seriously into the Book of Proverbs, then there is a gaping hole in your life and there will be a serious lack of wisdom. I say that because the Book of Proverbs is one of God’s chief means of grace for gaining wisdom. I wish I’d studied this book as a younger person, and if you are a young person (or know of one) then there is an amazing opportunity before you right now to seek wisdom.

Be ye doers of the word…

One of the major reasons Solomon wrote the Book of Proverbs was to exhort the young to use their youth in the pursuit of and growth in wisdom. I say this primarily to the young, but if you are older you may still take up this pursuit without delay. Like Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in Babylon, we may prove ourselves wise and exceptional by the pursuit and exercise of godly wisdom. You could spend your youth on youthful pleasures, which is the accepted pattern in modern day Australia and countries like ours. But let me urge you: don’t neglect the serious study of the Book of Proverbs.

I’m not saying don’t enjoy your youth, it’s a gift from God and ought to be received and enjoyed with thanksgiving. As 1 Tim 4:4-5 says: “For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer.” But I am saying remember your Creator in the days of your youth. If a young person invests themselves into the proverbs as a teenager, or even from the age of 9 or 10 (or younger), they will be wise and godly beyond their years as they grow older. They will be equipped to make a real difference in this world for the cause of Christ.

That ought to be something we all pursue, regardless of age. But perhaps if you know of a young person who might benefit from these studies – share it with them. But even if you are older, again, it’s never too late to start. You can’t wind back the clock, but you can use what time you have right now to invest yourself into this book. Paul Washer has a great series of studies in the early chapters of Proverbs – that may be another excellent way to pursue this goal. Don’t stay simple, wisdom is crying out. Don’t neglect the Book of Proverbs and thus become a scoffer. That’s what the scoffer and the fool is ultimately doing – ignoring wisdom. Don’t let that become you. Don’t walk away from wisdom’s cry and forget what you’ve heard. One final challenge for today – go back through and re-read all the studies we have covered so far in the Book of Proverbs! Repetition is a crucial part of learning. And may Christ speak so that we can get wisdom. SDG.

Prayer of Confession & Consecration.

Heavenly Father, I thank you that wisdom speaks to us through your word. I thank you that you have opened the treasuries of your wisdom to us through the Lord Jesus Christ. I pray that you would please forgive me for the many, many times when I have neglected this provision in the past. Even many years I have wasted, and while I cannot now recover that opportunity, I pray that you would forgive me and greatly help me now to repent with what time I have left appointed for me. Help me, please, to give diligent attention to the getting of wisdom. I pray for my local church, that you would give all of us a zeal and hunger for wisdom, that we may pursue it and grow in it. All glory be to you this day, in Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

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Ep 148: Wisdom is not automatic (Prov 1:22).