The Bible Edge
Practical Points to Ponder from Proverbs
Proverbs 8:1-4
Doth not wisdom cry? and understanding put forth her voice? She standeth in the top of high places, by the way in the places of the paths. She crieth at the gates, at the entry of the city, at the coming in at the doors. Unto you, O men, I call; and my voice is to the sons of man.
Wisdom is personified in the life actions and teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. He is still standing at the door knocking. Any and all can find Him if they seek Him. One of the aspects of the wisdom of Biblical Christianity that I admire is its openness. Wisdom is not hiding. Not cloistered away. Not confined to a select few. No, wisdom, Biblical wisdom appears to all. The problem is not the difficulty in finding wisdom. The problem is the difficulty of finding individuals who will search her out.
Proverbs 8:5 proves that wisdom is available to all. O ye simple, understand wisdom: and, ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart. It does not matter if a person is simple or even foolish, they can understand wisdom. If not, this verse would not be in the Bible. Yes wisdom, God’s wisdom is readily available to all. But sadly, all will not find her.
The lack of wisdom or the use of wisdom stands in the crossroad of every decision. “Should I do this?” “Should I do that?” “How should I react?” On and on the questions of life demand answers. When faced with such questions a person may call on the wisdom of the Bible or just do that which they think best. Ask yourself, When was the last time you faced a question and you actually stopped to consider the Bible teaching on the matter? Feelings may lead one way; the Bible may lead another. To which will you yield? In making life decisions there are two rules my wife and I try to live by, both of which have been learned by failing to use them, and both have been proven over the last thirty-five plus years of our walk in Christ.
One: If it is doubtful do not do it. Not until all doubt is removed.
Two: Apply the 100-year rule. What will it matter in one hundred years? While in eternity will we be glad of the decision we made, or will we regret it?
In both of these questions Bible study is mandatory. Prayer is essential. Caution is an ally. Counsel is always well advised.
A Bible Edge for life is listen to wisdom.
William T. Howe, Ph.D.
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