Proverbs 3

What is wisdom?

• Wisdom is staying in the Word. We are to bind wisdom around us like a necklace!
• Wisdom is trusting in God instead of being influenced by ungodly influences or ungodly impulses.
• Wisdom is trusting that God will take care of us, which then allows us to be charitable.
• Wisdom is understanding that God’s discipline is for a purpose. He wants us to do what is right!
• Wisdom is doing good for others when you can.
• Wisdom is paying what you owe.
• Wisdom is being kind to your neighbors.
• Wisdom is not picking a fight with someone who isn’t looking for one.
• Wisdom is choosing not to be violent and not envying those who are!
• Wisdom is being forthright and truthful instead of devious.

Thought for the day: The Hebrew word used here for “blessed” can also mean “happy.” When we gain wisdom and understanding we will be happy! Happy because we stay out of trouble, and happy because of the benefits we gain. Nothing is more important than wisdom, not even wealth. Wisdom helps us to have long lives and be at peace. Wisdom is a “tree of life.” We know from Genesis that mankind was expelled from the Garden of Eden and barred from the tree of life (Genesis 3:24), but Revelation teaches us that we’ll have access to it again in the new heavens and the new earth (Revelation 22:14). It was a mercy to be barred from the tree because it would have the effect of locking us into our sinful state (Genesis 3:22). Wisdom helps us to live righteously in this life, so it is a type of the “tree of life,” but one day we will get to eat of the actual tree because of Jesus Christ!

John 11:25-26 (WEB) “Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will still live, even if he dies. Whoever lives and believes in me will never die.’ ”