Daily Devotion, November 8, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read Proverbs 1:1-5.

We see from the beginning of our reading today in Proverbs 1:2, the purpose of Solomon’s proverbs is “To know wisdom and instruction.” This kind of wisdom is not just advanced learning, keen intelligence, or rare insight. The Hebrew word for wisdom means “the skill of living.” When we know and receive God’s instruction we gain practical wisdom for daily living. We need wisdom to navigate this complicated world. Alexa and Siri don’t have all the answers. There are just so many things you can’t Google. We run into so many difficulties in life, and we need more than a rule book or Internet voice assistants. We need God’s wisdom.

Psalm 111:10 NLT tells us that the “beginning of true wisdom” is found when we fear the Lord, and then goes on to say that we’ll “grow in wisdom” when we obey God. Verse 4 tells us the key to knowing wisdom is receiving wisdom. 

How do we receive wisdom? In Proverbs 1:5 Solomon says that the wise person listens, increases in learning, and obtains guidance from others. Having a teachable spirit is often a challenge. Receiving instruction requires us to leave arrogance aside and become humble. We exemplify a teachable spirit when we seek instruction and guidance from others and then demonstrate God’s wisdom in what we think, feel, say, and do.

Godly wisdom is seen in those who live according to God’s commandments and apply God’s principles in everyday living. We best do this through reading God’s Word, through honoring God, through practice and discipline, and through listening to and modeling the habits of Christian role models.

Personal Worship Option:

How do we know we’re living a life of Godly wisdom? We demonstrate the characteristics found in James 3:17, But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. (NLT) 

Pray today for God’s wisdom today as you go about your daily living.