Embracing God's Wisdom This New Year
With the New Year come our resolutions, some silly and others sensible. One of the most sensible and valuable is that of pursuing God’s wisdom each day. And that comes through daily Bible reading, meditation, prayer, and obedience.
Eternal Perspectives by Sally Bair
Let’s Pursue Wisdom
The Proverbs of King Solomon, which he received from God, are full of wise, common sense pearls. This new year I vow to read from the book of Proverbs daily and incorporate a little of its wisdom into my daily activities. Each day I vow to meditate on a particular verse.
What is wisdom? It’s the art of living skillfully in whatever circumstances we find ourselves. It’s our help in raising our kids. It’s the insight we gain in handling our money, conducting moral lives, and being good workers and leaders. It’s the help we receive in relating to others, becoming healthier, and exhibiting positive attitudes.
Chapter 1 of the Book of Proverbs states that Solomon’s wise sayings are a manual for living, for learning what’s right and just and fair. The beginning of wisdom is the fear of the Lord, and those who fear God are those who know Him and obey His commands. His wisdom shows us how to respond to God.
Proverbs 3:5-12 is a good example of how we can respond to God. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.” (Verses 5-8)
The chapter also says that by God’s wisdom, understanding and knowledge, He formed the heavens and the earth. God’s wisdom will surely help us as we strive to live according to His principles.
Perhaps we should all resolve to follow Solomon’s wisdom. I’m planning to start the daily habit of copying a verse on a card and taping it to the edge of my computer as a constant reminder. They’re surely worth following.
Lord, thank You for blessing us with the wise words You gave King Solomon. We don’t want to lose sight of Your wisdom that gives us clear thinking and common sense. Your wisdom keeps our soul alive, keeps us fit and safe, keeps us free of worry and care. Your wisdom helps us follow Your commands—especially those of loving You above all else and loving our neighbor as ourselves. In Jesus’ name, amen.