Read Proverbs 8
I read Proverbs 8 from the New Living Translation and the Passion Translation
My thoughts on Proverbs 8:
Wisdom speaks, it calls out to get our attention (Call - qârâʼ, the idea of accosting a person met); to call out to (i.e. properly, address by name) call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say (Strong's H7121)
Wisdom wants to give us understanding from God's perspective
Understanding changes everything, even for the foolish, when they listen
We must listen because wisdom has a purpose - "The meaning of my words will release within you revelation for you to reign in life. My lyrics will empower you to live by what is right." (Vs 7 TPT)
Wisdom speaks truth and detests deception
Wisdom will not lead us astray and can be trusted
Wisdom corrects keeping us on God's path and purpose for our lives
Wisdom is accompanied by good judgment and knows where to find knowledge and discernment
With wisdom comes common sense, insight, and strength
When we love wisdom, it loves us and when we search for wisdom, we will surely find it
Wisdom is better than anything the earth can offer and much more valuable
Wisdom was established by God from the very beginning, before and during creation and is available to us right now
Don't ignore wisdom, look for it daily and you will find life and receive favor from God
CHOOSE WISDOM!
"Wisdom is a gift from a generous God, and every word he speaks is full of revelation and becomes a fountain of understanding within you. For the Lord has a hidden storehouse of wisdom made accessible to his godly ones. He becomes your personal bodyguard as you follow his ways, protecting and guarding you as you choose what is right." (Proverbs 2:6-8 TPT)
The verses that spoke to me:
"Listen as Wisdom calls out! Hear as understanding raises her voice! On the hilltop along the road, she takes her stand at the crossroads. By the gates at the entrance to the town, on the road leading in, she cries aloud, “I call to you, to all of you! I raise my voice to all people. You simple people, use good judgment. You foolish people, show some understanding. Listen to me! For I have important things to tell you. Everything I say is right, for I speak the truth and detest every kind of deception." (Proverbs 8:1-7 NLT)
Listen - shâmaʻ, to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.): attentively, call (gather) together, carefully, certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. (Strong's H8085)
My takeaway:
Listen! I love the definition of this word above. It's so much more than just hearing words. It's about obedience to what is heard, by being attentive and considering what is said. Listening is about diligence and discernment. It's also about proclaiming what you've heard. Don't keep it to yourself.
Wisdom wants our attention and is doing whatever is necessary to get it. All we have to do is tune into wisdom by tuning out the noise of the world. What we focus on is what has our attention.
Think about what you're thinking about, then ask yourself:
Will these thoughts help me to grow,
Will they help me to become who I already am, was created to be in Christ?
Are they encouraging and life giving?
Are they moving me forward in God's purpose for my life?
Are they true from God's perspective?
Do they align with God's Word?
Will they help me to advance the Kingdom of God on earth as it is in heaven?
Listen with your full attention when wisdom calls so you can answer and grow by spending time in the Wisdom of God, which is found in the Word of God. This might entail letting go of some activities and becoming more focused on being about your Father's business. However, it is the best use of your time and the results you'll experience, by gaining a deeper intimacy with God and a more productive life, will be worth it.
Wisdom wants our attention and it's our responsibility to make it a priority by making space in our life to pursue wisdom wholeheartedly.
Know that God wants you to have wisdom:
"If any of you is deficient in wisdom, let him ask of the giving God [Who gives] to everyone liberally and ungrudgingly, without reproaching or faultfinding, and it will be given him." (James 1:5 AMPC)
A.S.K.:
Ask God for His wisdom
Seek God's wisdom
Know you need God's wisdom and how to apply it
"Wisdom is making good and correct decisions based on the knowledge and things we learned. It is the ability to make the decisions in life that pleases God. Knowledge is defined as information that someone has about something. So, wisdom is the application of knowledge." (Anonymous)
FAITH CONFESSION:
Lord, thank you for the gift of wisdom. I know I need it in every area of my life. I welcome Your wisdom. I will listen when wisdom calls and give it my complete attention. I will seek it and treasure it because I understand its value in my life. Thank You for Your promise to give wisdom liberally and ungrudgingly, without reproach or faultfinding, to anyone who asks. Help me to grow wise so I can reflect Your Kingdom, and let Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
"Every good gift and every perfect (free, large, full) gift is from above; it comes down from the Father of all [that gives] light, in [the shining of] Whom there can be no variation [rising or setting] or shadow cast by His turning [as in an eclipse]." (James 1:17 AMPC)
Share in the comments what verse spoke to you and why. Let's grow in wisdom together.
Be Encouraged! ❤