Daily Devotional
               Betty Miller shares her daily devotionals which are based on the book of Proverbs in the Bible.   

  The Wisdom of God

Verses for the Day:

Proverbs 8:1-11(KJV): "Doth not wisdom cry? and understanding put forth her voice?
2 She standeth in the top of high places, by the way in the places of the paths.
3 She crieth at the gates, at the entry of the city, at the coming in at the doors.
4 Unto you, O men, I call; and my voice is to the sons of man.
5 O ye simple, understand wisdom: and, ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart.
6 Hear; for I will speak of excellent things; and the opening of my lips shall be right things.
7 For my mouth shall speak truth; and wickedness is an abomination to my lips.
8 All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing froward or perverse in them.
9 They are all plain to him that understandeth, and right to them that find knowledge.
10 Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold.
11 For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it."

Thoughts for the Day:

The book of Proverbs tells us to get wisdom, but where do we find it?  Webster's New World Dictionary has this definition for wisdom: 1.) the quality of being wise; power of judging rightly and following the soundest course of action, based on knowledge, experience, understanding, etc.; good judgement; sagacity 2.) learning; knowledge; erudition (the wisdom of the ages) 3.) wise discourse or teaching  4.) a wise plan or course of action.

The wisdom that is spoken of  in Proverbs is godly wisdom. Since God has been around the longest and has all knowledge, then His wisdom would have to be the wisdom of the ages.  Proverbs, being poetic in its writing, is contrasting seeking wisdom  from a godly, righteous woman, in comparison to seeking an affair with a wicked whore. This godly woman is standing in a high place of honor. She offers a righteous path to follow. She is not hard to find, as she is crying out so she can be heard. God has sent His Word (the Bible), as well as His preachers, so that all may hear. She (Wisdom) is crying out at the gates.

In Biblical times, the gates of the city was the place where the elders who presided over the affairs of the city would meet, much like our city counsels today. Many towns were built with fences around them to keep out enemies and the gates to those cities were closed at night so there would be no open doors to intruders. Next to the gates of the city, there was usually a high tower which was not only used as a watch tower, to spot any enemies approaching, but also a place where the elders met.   The elders would view what was coming into the city and also watch the traffic, so as to make good judgements about the city's commerce and well being. Verse 2 and 3 of Proverbs is referring to seeking wisdom in the high places where the wise elders  convene. One way a young Christian can go to the high places today to find wisdom is by seeking out the godly advice of the church elders. They can help to guide him in the right path for his life.

Verse 9 and 10 says wisdom will be made plain those who seek with an understanding heart.  This simply means that we will understand what the Lord is saying to us, if we seek Him with our whole heart.  He will make His will very clear to us.  It will be a way of righteousness and will not be a perverse way.  God's instruction is better than silver, His knowledge better than gold, and His wisdom is better than rubies. All the earthly things that we could desire, do not compare to it. Wisdom is not only God's Word, but is Jesus Himself. He is more precious than all the wealth of the world, as He is the creator of the world. The Word of God is also the place to find wisdom. When we seek Jesus and heed the Words of the Bible, we will find wisdom.

Prayer for the Day:

Dear Father in Heaven, I am most thankful for everything you have provided for us, as Your children.  I do need Your wisdom and guidance every day.   Each new day brings situations that I must lean on You for Your help.  You are faithful in meeting those needs.  I was grieved at the loss of two friends this past month.  Your comfort eased that pain and I pray it eased the heartache that each of the families faced.  Lord, I pray for all who have suffered the loss of a loved one recently, some through death and others through divorce.  Lord, fill that vacant place in their hearts with Your love and comfort. Only You can erase the pain of loss.   The things in this world can only bring a numbness to pain.  May those who are grieving come to You for the removal of their suffering. I thank you that You died on the cross and took our grief and our sorrow. Comfort all who need this touch today.  In Jesus name I pray. Amen.