Wisdom

In our 2010 Challenge today, we had the opportunity to read Proverbs 4. This passage is focused on wisdom and the importance of it in our lives. Wisdom is the greatest ally we can have during our lifetime on this earth. With wisdom, we can find God and we can live the abundant life that is promised to us. Without wisdom, we're going to make bad decision after bad decision. We're going to hurt ourselves and many others along the way.

Proverbs 1:7 tells us that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge (ie, wisdom). It all begins with an authentic relationship with Christ. If we have that relationship with Christ, we can grow in our wisdom through learning about the Lord by reading and studying the Bible. The Bible has more wisdom in it than any other book ever written. Even if you only read the Proverbs, you'll gain more wisdom than any person who has never read the Bible.

Wisdom is also gained in our relationships with other mature believers. We need to open ourselves up to receive advice and counsel. Proverbs 15:22 reminds us of the necessity of this in our lives.
Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many counselors bring success. (NLT)

Proverbs 4 tells us wisdom can do so many good things for us:
-It can keep us alive (v. 4)
-It can protect us (v. 6)
-It will put us in a position to be exalted and honored (v. 8)
-It will give us a better understanding of grace (v. 9)
-It can give us a longer life (v. 10)
-It will help us to live with fewer mistakes (vv. 11-12)

We'd be foolish to reject wisdom with results like these!