Sunday, April 07, 2013

Wisdom and Understanding



Job 28:28 And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.

The self-help industry is a huge business in our nation. Billions of dollars are spent to buy the latest and greatest book on whatever issue one might encounter. Some of these resources have merit and are useful tools for navigating through the difficulties of life. Others are not worth the paper on which they were printed! We all have a responsibility exercise diligence with such. Whatever assistance such resources might offer, we must remember that they will never offer perfect counsel. One must eat the watermelon and spit out the seeds.

But there is one guide that we can trust fully. That is the word of God. The King of Kings has provided the ultimate authority on how we should conduct ourselves as His people. Some will argue that the Bible does not specifically address every issue that one might confront. This is true, but God had provided guidelines that indeed apply to every issue that one might encounter in this world.
Job teaches that true wisdom starts with fearing the Lord. The world as a whole is systematically trying to eradicate God from every avenue of life. We observe this in many civic and educational institutions. This has been going on for many years now! In light of Job’s proclamation is there any wonder that our society is so ‘dumbed down’ today. We have neglected the fountainhead of wisdom.

He also exclaims that understanding is demonstrated by a departure from evil. This is indeed a timeless truth. One of the catalysts of the downfall of all great nations is the cultural move towards and endorsement of gross immorality. Unfortunately, this appears to be the current trend in our own great nation.
But this does not have to be so! If we would simply return to God’s instruction book, The Bible, we would find the solution to the problems that plague our current way of life. Paul emphasized the blessings of the word of God to Timothy:

2 Timothy 3:16-17 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

Most homes have easy access to God’s word, yet how often is it neglected? It is complete. It is inerrant. Lord help us to dig out the truths of Scripture such as the ones exalted by Job. It was a comfort to him in the midst of great difficulty. I am certain that it will benefit us also!

Blessings,

Michael D. Green, Jr.
Fort Wayne Primitive Baptist Church

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