Day 9 | 21-Day Growth Challenge | "Wisdom's Responsibility and Benefits"
SCRIPTURE:
Proverbs 8:12 (NLT) “I, Wisdom, live together with good judgment. I know where to discover knowledge and discernment. 13 All who fear the Lord will hate evil. Therefore, I hate pride and arrogance, corruption and perverse speech. 14 Common sense and success belong to me. Insight and strength are mine.15 Because of me, kings reign, and rulers make just decrees.16 Rulers lead with my help, and nobles make righteous judgments. 17 “I love all who love me. Those who search will surely find me. 18 I have riches and honor, as well as enduring wealth and justice. 19 My gifts are better than gold, even the purest gold, my wages better than sterling silver! 20 I walk in righteousness, in paths of justice. 21 Those who love me inherit wealth. I will fill their treasuries."
INSIGHT:
In Proverbs Chapter Eight, Solomon uses yet another method to make the message of wisdom come alive to the readers. He gives wisdom personality and a voice. Verses 12 - 21 highlight many of the attributes of wisdom including common sense, insight, justice, guidance for leaders, as well as prosperity God's way.
Verse 13 makes a key statement, "All who fear the Lord will hate evil. Therefore, I hate pride and arrogance, corruption and perverse speech." This is especially important when dealing with the subject of material possessions and finance. As stated at the outset of this 21 Day Growth Challenge, much of the bad sentiment about discussions about prosperity/provision has to do with pride and arrogance related to this subject.
Clearly, there is a "right" way to approach this subject and understand how to walk in God's blessings while maintaining a godly and humble attitude. In fact, material success is a by-product of living according to God's word. Putting first things first is one of the themes of the Book of Proverbs. Discussions and teachings that focus solely on money, without regard for greater principles, miss the mark of God's agenda. It's too easy to latch onto scriptures that promise benefits, while ignoring scriptures that call us to responsibility to Christ. If we focus on biblical responsibility, the benefits will follow.
Proverbs Chapter Eight closes with the words (verses 35-36): "For whoever finds me finds life and receives favor from the Lord. But those who miss me injure themselves. All who hate me love death."
PRAYER:
"Lord, thank you for helping me to focus on my responsibilities to Christ and the Word of God. Your blessings and benefits will follow my obedience."
ACTIVATION:
(Use comment section below to share your insights. Record sensitive items in your personal journal. You can login or simply use your first name.)
- What responsibilities of wisdom do you see in Proverbs Chapter Eight?
- What is the biblical basis for prosperity according to the text?
- What actions will you take today related to this lesson?
COMMENT SECTION:
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