Showing posts with label wisdom. Show all posts
Showing posts with label wisdom. Show all posts

Sunday, October 16, 2016

What is The Power of Wisdom in our Lives? Proverbs 24:3

We would all like to be wise but what would happen to us if we really were?


"By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established." Proverbs 24:3.

WISDOM

Wisdom combines experience, knowledge, and good judgment; but more than that it is a gift from God and the result of diligently seeking it.

HOUSE

This reference can have multiple meanings. At first glance, you would think of a structure where a person lives as in a shelter and a place in a permanent community. Metaphorically it can refer to one's life, family and social standing. In both interpretations, several truths come to mind.

A house is built on a foundation, basic support that secures and gives stability to the structure. It can refer to a life that extends beyond oneself, a life that touches others and has an effect for generations to come. A house can be a place of identity and being.

BUILT

The effect of wisdom is intentional since it is actively building in a positive and desirable way.  We are all building a life and a legacy but not always with the counsel or guidance of wisdom.

UNDERSTANDING

Understanding does not just come it is the result of hard mental work. You need to think things through. You need to get informed and educated. Understanding takes time and effort.

ESTABLISHED
When something is established it is firmly set in place, it is ready and has an accepted place. It endures through difficulties and time. When our lives are established by wisdom and understanding they will be lives that others will respect and admire.

SOURCE

Wisdom and understanding are not something you can buy at a store or acquire in a classroom. These are unique things. The Bible teaches that the source of wisdom and understanding is God and He gives it to those who ask of him, James 1:5.

Seek wisdom from God and allow that wisdom to be your foundation then it will empower your works and your legacy will endure.

If you do not know God, who is the source of wisdom, and want to learn more about how to have a personal relationship with him then follow THIS LINK.


Thank you for visiting and reading my blog. I sincerely hope this post is helpful and encouraging.  For more like this see the most popular post in the left sidebar, or use the search box above.


(c) Adron 10/16/16


Monday, January 27, 2014

What Kind Of Person Gets Wisdom? 1 Kings 3:9

Is there a special type of person who gets to be wise?


"So Give your servant an understanding heart so that I can govern this people and to distinguish between right and wrong for who is able to govern this, your great people?"  1 Kings 3:9.

BACKGROUND
The quote is from the Bible where King Solomon responds to God in a dream in which God says, "Ask of me whatever you want." Solomon asks for understanding and discernment.

SERVANT
Solomon was humble. Though he was king of Israel at its peak of prosperity and power, he referred to himself as a servant. Even though he had riches and power and the allegiance of a nation at his disposal, he approached God humbly.

AWARE
Solomon was aware of his need; he made a case saying that understanding is critical for governing the people of Israel.

SOLOMON DID NOT GRASP
He saw the people and nation as God's, not his. He saw himself as a steward of God's people.

THE TIMES HAVE AND HAVEN'T CHANGED
King Solomon needed wisdom, understanding, and discernment for the enormous task of governing God's people, it was a simpler time, but his need was great. Today we need wisdom as much as he did. Our world is such a complicated place, and the battle between good and evil rages as never before.

WISDOM
Wisdom eludes us. We look for it and try to educate ourselves but still find it missing. Here we see that wisdom comes from God and is granted His gift.

Solomon's wisdom began with an encounter with God and a prayer. Like Solomon, we should seek God and ask for wisdom- He promises to give it (James 1:5).

(c) Adron 1/27/14

Thursday, December 20, 2012

How To Recognize Wisdom. James 3:17

How can we recognize wisdom? It is a valuable asset in a person's character. If you can identify this person they would be the person of choice.

"But the wisdom that comes from above is first of all pure, then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere." James 3:17 NIV*.

THE SOURCE
From above, it is from God and learned in the study of his Word, the Bible, and the fellowship of prayer and devotion. It is not that the wise believe in God or religion- it is who his faith in God has made him into. It is gained through much time with the Creator.

PRIMARY
It is first pure, without malice or agendas. It is innocent of wrongdoing or wrong thinking. It is free from pride, vanity, lust, and vainglory. This purity is of the heart, and from it grows out all the other traits of wisdom.

PEACE-LOVING
We all want peace, but the wise not only wants peace; they love peace. Peace is its passion; this makes it patient and gentle, not causing strife but being a peacemaker.

OTHERS
It is others' focused, not about self. It is considerate; it takes the needs, feelings, and concerns of others and elevates those above itself.

SUBMISSIVE
It is not arrogant, but it is humble. It takes the role of the servant. It is willing to yield its own rights to others. It is not inflexible about opinions or views but will bow to the moral standard when a difference of opinion may occur.

FULL OF MERCY
It is merciful. It leaves justice to the hands of God and practices the character of God that forgives. It has the mercy of actions, not just goodwill.

GOOD FRUIT
One doesn't need to wait long to see the good fruit. This is the evidence of a life lived wisely.

IMPARTIAL
There is no favoritism but is the same for all who it encounters; each person is treated with grace no matter race, religion, social status, or any other consideration.

SINCERE
The actions that define it are true at all times and to the core of the being.

THE COMMON DENOMINATOR
These tests of wisdom are all tests of actions and not matters of intellect or learning. These actions all have to do with our treatment of those around us. We must not be content to think wise but to act wisely.

The Lord Jesus is the ideal example of one who lived out these standards of wisdom. It is when we come to him to invite him into our lives and walk with him that we grow into wisdom.

*To read this verse in other translations, follow this link: James 3:7

(c) Adron 12/20/12

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

How To Be a Positive Influence. Proverbs 10:17

What does the Bible say about influencing people for good? If we knew this it would help us get the best for our lives and the lives of those around us?

"He who heeds discipline shows the way to life, but whoever ignores correction leads others astray." Proverbs 10:17.*  NIV.

When we trust Jesus as Savior we come into a family where God is our Father. We become a blessing to our families and friends because our relationship with God is like the engine on a train, if things are moving ahead with God things will be moving ahead with other people in our lives; but to be that blessing we often need to change in some way and change often requires God's loving discipline.

Discipline is not pleasant but it is beneficial. Discipline is...
  • For our good.
  • Enables us to serve Him effectively.
  • Brings us in agreement with His purpose.
  • Leads us to happier lives.
  • Removes sin's practice from our experience.
  • Corrects our character.
  • The list goes on, and on.
God may use circumstances, events and trials to discipline us and bring about good in our character and lives. When we go through these trials in a positive way we become better people, wiser, more compassionate, and many more good things. If we pay attention to discipline the Father will direct our lives and we will be a positive influence to others around us.

To ignore God's correction is folly! We may even louse fellowship with the Father, and hurt the loved ones around us. We will fail to grow as people.

The real challenge is the effect our response to discipline has in the lives of other people. If we pay attention we will be a living example of the way of life to our kids, spouse, co-workers, dear friends, and others. If we "ignore correction" we will actually be "leading others astray." As Christians we are wearing a sign that says, "This is what God is all about," or, "This is what Jesus is," and everybody is reading that sign!

If we ignore God's discipline, we are a message that Jesus is sloppy, lazy, angry, foul mouthed, etc. If we pay attention to discipline we are saying Jesus is about growth, forgiveness, maturity, and many other good things.

We need to pay attention to what God is doing in our lives through trials and circumstances. We must be in tune with the engine; anything else will wreck the train.

To learn more about how to have God in your life follow this link: Click Here.

* To read this verse in different translations follow this link: Proverbs 10:17.

(c)Adron Dozat
____________________________


Thank you for visiting and reading my blog. I sincerely hope this post is helpful and an encouragement.
For more like this see the most popular post in the left sidebar, or use the search box above.

Adron

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Tuesday, June 26, 2012

How To Become Wise, James 1:5

How do you find wisdom?  Do you adopt a philosophy, study the teaching of a great man, or practice some mysterious discipline?   The Bible suggests from James 1:5 that getting wisdom is not a matter of finding or learning but of asking.

WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS:

If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously and without finding fault, and it will be given to him. James 1:5 NIV.

This verse is so straightforward that it barely needs any comment, but it is deep.  There is an idea that God will give wisdom to those who ask.  This reveals that wisdom can't be bought, earned, or learned, but it can be provided, and God is willing to give it to those who ask him.

Diploma And Miterboard
There are many promises in the Scripture. Some have conditions that must be fulfilled for the promise to be received.  Here, we have an unconditional promise that we will receive wisdom if we ask.  It is that simple, and that is why so few find it.

WHAT WE MUST DO:

We can ask Him for wisdom with confidence. You don't just pray for wisdom and hope for the best, but you can be assured that if you pray for wisdom, The Lord will give it to you.  God does not find fault in the prayer for wisdom; it is always right to do and never wrong.

WHAT GOD DOES:

God is generous, and we are daily recipients of his generosity.  No one could earn His favor, so He grants His gifts freely.  Our Heavenly Father is not only generous in the fact that He gives at all, but He is generous in the vast measure of the gifts He gives.  He will not just give us a little like a sample taste; he overwhelms us with an abundant, exceedingly great amount of his favor.

WHO MAY BECOME WISE:

This promise is for anyone. It begins with "If any of you." It is not addressed to the kings, the powerful and learned of this world, but "Any." The All-wise, All-knowing, and All-Powerful One will give his gift of wisdom as an endowment to anyone humble enough to ask. He gives it without respect of status or class; even a janitor, a cab driver, or a waitress may receive this awesome gift.

PRAYER:

We wonder if we are praying correctly; we get tangled up with rules and forms in prayer.  We know we must pray according to His plans, and if we ask for something against God's revealed, we won't get our answer, but here we see it is his desire and will to give us wisdom.  It is a prayer we can pray with confidence, knowing that it will be granted.

(c)Adron Dozat 6/26/12

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

What Is The World's Biggest Need Today

The world is in such a mess with disasters on every side like global warming, nuclear threats, terrorism, war, famine, and more. The government says we need more taxes to fix this and that; others say education, social programs, laws, or money will fix our national and personal crisis- but our troubles are still there!

“How much better to get wisdom than gold, to choose to understand than silver.” Proverbs 16:16.

The problems of our country and world are not solved in more money, laws, dialogue, education, or bigger guns, but men and women of wisdom. We need leaders with the Wisdom of Solomon, our communities need people who are wise, and each of us needs personal wisdom.

BETTER THAN GOLD
Wisdom was with God before creation and will be with us for eternity. Wisdom touches all areas of life. Wisdom will add to our happiness, bless our relationships, grow our business, improve our health and increase our personal satisfaction. It will keep us from bad choices, folly, and error. Wisdom will earn us respect in our communities, families, and jobs.

WISDOM DEFINED
Wisdom can be defined as “good sense” or “ability to make sensible judgments based on knowledge and experience,” also as “Exceptional insight in a particular matter.” For the believer, wisdom is more; it is “Knowing the heart of God in a matter and acting in accord with it.”

GET  WISDOM
We should “get wisdom” and “choose to understand." It doesn't just happen through solar radiation or osmosis. We must choose wisdom and apply effort to get it.

There is much wisdom in the Bible; therefore, choose to read it daily to search for personal wisdom.
     * Read the life of Jesus, who even as a child “grew in wisdom and stature.”(Luke 2:52).
     * God is the source of wisdom and gives it to those who ask, “If any of you lacks wisdom he should ask God who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.”(James 1:5).
     * To respect God and his laws are the foundation of wisdom.“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. But fools despise wisdom and discipline.”(Proverbs 1:7).
     * Wisdom requires humility and is never found in the proud or arrogant. "With pride comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” (Proverbs 11:2.)

We all have many troubles and search for solutions. Let us seek personal wisdom through prayer and study the “scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 3:15). Wisdom is there, and God offers it to us if we seek it.

To learn more about how to find salvation, follow this link to my other blog.

(c)Adron Dozat 5/10/11

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Fatherly Advice- You can’t be too wise. Proverbs 9:9

God Loves You
After years of school, you get a diploma but are you really done, or just beginning?

“Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man and he will add to his learning.” Proverbs 9:9, NIV.

MADE BY GOD
We are made by God to be creatures that not only grow but who crave to grow, failure to grow leads to entropy.  It seems that God intends for us to be able to add to our learning. We cannot say, “OK, I am wise and learned now. I am done getting knowledge and wisdom.” This verse implies that there is always more wisdom to acquire and more learning to attain.

WISER STILL
If we are wise we will welcome continuous learning. It is a marvel that the wise can become “wiser still.” It is as if the depths of wisdom can always go deeper, and as for knowledge no matter how much you know there is more to learn.

NOT SMART- RIGHTEOUS
Our verse does not say teach a smart man, a professor, or a teacher, but to teach a “righteous man,” and “instruct the wise man.”  We can’t all be professors, PHDs, or Nobel Prize laureates but by the gift of God’s grace, we may be righteous.  Learning is a gift from God and the righteous man sees God in learning.  Righteousness leads to humility and humility is the enabler that opens us to learning.

WISE OR RIGHTEOUS
When two words are interchangeable they are synonymous, they share the same meaning. In this passage of scripture the wise and the righteous are made equal and the same. Wisdom and righteousness go together, you cannot be a wicked man and have wisdom- it is mutually exclusive.  Without righteousness you cannot have wisdom.

THE TEACHER
This verse of scripture does not identify the instructor. Any of us may have something to teach the wise and the righteous. The wise will learn even if taught by the lowly, they know that common everyday people may have something to teach them.

HE WILL
Be encouraged that the righteous may add to his learning, it is a choice; notice the wise “will” be wiser and the righteous “will” add to his learning. It is not just something that happens by chance, instead, there is resolve and decision on the part of the wise and righteous to learn and grow in wisdom.

Let’s copy the resolve of the wise and keep on seeking wisdom and continue searching for knowledge. There is no end to it or its rewards. If you have an opportunity to add to your learning you are wise to take it. 


(c)Adron Dozat
____________________________

Thank you for visiting and reading my blog. I sincerely hope this post is helpful and an encouragement.  For more like this see the most popular post in the left sidebar, or use the search box above.  

Adron

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Sunday, May 30, 2010

Advice To The Rebel. Proverbs 21:30

Often we feel frustrated and that the universe is against us, but maybe we are the ones who are against the heart of the universe.

“There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the Lord.” Proverbs 21:30, NIV.

NO, NO, NO
The three "no" statements cover everything. First, "no wisdom," that is the power of applied knowledge. All of your intelligence, acumen, or understanding cannot succeed against the Lord.

Then it says, "no insight," insight is that exceptional knowledge that can deduce the inner working it is to understand what is hidden.  All the efforts of superior thinking can’t win against the Lord.

Lastly, it says "no plan," that is the thoughtfully crafted detailed agenda.  You cannot make any map, or blueprint that will succeed against the Lord.

No matter if you take them by themselves or combine them together with wisdom, insight, and plans if you oppose God you will fail.

HA! HA! HA!
Even the casual thinker sees how ludicrous it is to oppose God who is all-seeing, all-powerful, and knows all future events; you can’t outsmart The Almighty.  There is no way to oppose an all-powerful God and succeed.

REBELLION
A person would laugh at the idea of going against God, but many of us, even devoted churchgoers, are doing just that!  We oppose God in subtle ways of rebellion, such as...
     * We may harbor a sinful pet fantasy in our secret thoughts
     * We nurture an unforgiving attitude toward someone.
     * We nurture a heartfelt bitterness.
     * We fail to do the good when we have an opportunity.
     * We may say, “I'll do this service for God, but I’ll do it MY way, and since it is for God it will be OK.”
     * We say, “I can disobey this one rule because I am a special person to God.”

Such attitudes are ultimately against God and just will not succeed.

FOOLISH
To oppose God in even the smallest issue is to diminish the life He has given you and to reject the blessings He has for you; it is a futile and frustrating endeavor.  In the end you will have loneliness, spiritual poverty, and an empty heart.  At best you will serve as an object lesson that the powerless created man cannot succeed against the All-Powerful Creator of the Universe.

Let us seek the Lord and find His will; let us not oppose Him but submit to His loving guidance.

(c) Adron

Thursday, May 20, 2010

A Countdown That Leads to Heart Wisdom. Psalm 90:12

God Loves You
We all want to be wise, but we wonder how to attain wisdom.

“Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12.

This verse is a kind of prayer. The Bible encourages us to pray and ask God to give us wisdom and here we see a specific request to include in that prayer.

We ask God to “Teach us to number our days.” We must be willing to learn from God. Since only God knows the number of our days He alone is fit to teach us. God has assigned the number of days for each of us, and He knows where we are in the count.

We do not number our years but our days. Since days are shorter; it reminds us that we are very mortal and our days are very temporary. We should not squander them, but should use our time with judgment and not put off the good we can do. We are only given so many and when they are spent there is no going back.

We live one day at a time. Every day is a blessing and a gift. We should treat it as such and live it with gratitude, humility, service and love.

One day will be our last and then we will stand before God- today maybe that day. As Christians we are trusting in the saving work and death of Christ we know the hope of heaven, but we will have to give account for the lives we live and numbering our days gives us focus on that future day. How should I live if today is the closing chapter of my life? What would I not leave undone or unsaid? What is a little slight or a small defeat, what will it matter if someone hurt our feelings, or stepped on our toe? We begin to think about bigger things, like love, service, and God.

What is a "heart of wisdom?" It is to be wise down to your very foundation. It is wisdom in its purest form, not the passing wisdom of these times but wisdom that sees eternity. Wouldn’t you want to have a heart of wisdom; to be a person who is wise all the way to their core? This verse is an exciting promise and great hope that we WILL gain a heart of wisdom. This heart of wisdom is not a myth, one may indeed gain it.

Our days are few may we live them well.

____________________________

Thank you for visiting and reading my blog. I sincerely hope this post is helpful and an encouragement.  For more like this see the most popular post in the left sidebar, or use the search box above.  

Adron

Use the share buttons below to save and share this to your social networks. 

(c) Adron