As I was sitting here after doing my devos, I realized I wanted to make my last post into the first post in a 2 article series. Crazy… But hey, so am I! The first focused on wisdom, and this post will mainly articulate more fully what I was trying to say in the previous one. I am going to focus on the word “instruction” and it’s ramifications. (P.S. This one might ramble on for quite a bit… I warned you! Lol)
Let’s start in Proverbs 1. This is a book universally recognized for it’s emphasis on wisdom. It starts out by saying that it was written for our wisdom. (1:2) The passage I really want to look into, however, is verse 3. It says “To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity;”. Solomon says to receive wisdom, we must receive instruction. What is instruction?
Instruction- “The act of furnishing with authoritative directions.”
So, in order to gain wisdom, we must gain instruction? Very true! Wisdom is separated from foolishness by the instructions we receive. More accurately, it is separated by our attitude. This is true for the simple fact that our attitudes determine our reaction to the instruction. Wise people react correctly, while fools do not.
A lot of people say that we choose to be wise by our actions when presented with an opportunity to display wisdom. I think this is incorrect. We choose to be wise long before it is manifested in our actions. We choose to be wise when we listen to our good counselors (v.8), rather than bad ones(v.10). We choose to be wise when we choose to accept(v.23), or reject(v.30) the reproof of God.
A lot of people say that wisdom is a process. I disagree. I firmly believe wisdom is a choice, and we must simply choose it! Sometimes it is taught that we must pursue wisdom like some elusive criminal, but in reality, she broadcasts herself for ALL to hear, “Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you.” (v.23) Not to say that wisdom is not worth pursuing, more than any precious metal, or other possessions.
Wisdom and foolishness are put at the proverbial fork in the road. We MUST choose one or the other. If we choose her, we shall reap all her benefits. If we choose the alternative, we suffer the consequences. Our indifference or inactivity does not stop us from making this choice. We must choose at one point or another. We cannot put our foolishness down to ignorance. We are all presented with this choice.
In conclusion, I’ll leave you with this verse to think about
Proverbs 1:32-33For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them. 33 But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.”
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Wisdom is skillful application of God's instructions. I would say there is a choice — to apply the instruction, or not. (KP#2)
Related to your thoughts: Pr 1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Fear of the Lord speaks of our HEART condition — do we have great awe and respect of our Lord for all that He has done; all that He will do; and all that He can do (including chastening).
Fools is also a heart condition as it states here — they despise, i.e. count as worthless & disregard WISDOM & INSTRUCTION. Hmmm… why? Because their heart — they want to do what they want to do!
That is exactly what i was trying to say! I think I ramble a little bit, though. I am always afraid to type too long of a post, as I don't want it to be too long of a read for someone. I am trying to be concise and to the point, kind of like a "shotgun" type blast… lol
It's good — keep them coming!