Read Proverbs 9
I read Proverbs 9 from the New Living Translation.
What stood out to me in Proverbs 9:
Wisdom has built (bânâh, to build (literally and figuratively):—(begin to) build(-er), obtain children, make, repair, set (up), surely (Strong's H1129)
Wisdom has prepared - Fitted; adapted; made suitable; made ready; provided (Noah Webster 1828 Dictionary)
Wisdom invites everyone to life and good judgment - I have to accept the invitation, just let God know I want and will pursue 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)
The wise accept correction and love you for it - how do I accept correction? Am I defensive or do I see the value in being corrected? How do I respond to the person giving the correction? Am I thankful God sent them to help me get back on the right path?
Wisdom instructs and teaches the wise and righteous. This instruction and teaching help you gain more wisdom and learn more.
Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom - to fear God is to be in awe of Him, to honor, revere, respect, esteem Him highly. He's God the Creator of the universe and deserve glory and honor. When we see God for Who He is we have the foundation for wisdom.
Knowledge of God results in good judgment - the more we know Him the more we grow and become more like Him. ("And this is eternal life: [it means] to know (to perceive, recognize, become acquainted with, and understand) You, the only true and real God, and [likewise] to know Him, Jesus [as the] Christ (the Anointed One, the Messiah), Whom You have sent." John 17:3 AMPC)
Wisdom multiplies.
Because wisdom has built, made preparations, and sent invitations I can build, prepare, and invite others. Wisdom was established by God before the creation of the world.
"The Lord formed me from the beginning, before he created anything else. I was appointed in ages past, at the very first, before the earth began." (Proverbs 8:22-23 NLT)
Don't you just love how our loving Father has thought of everything?
As we study Proverbs let's make knowing God our heart's desire:
"[For my determined purpose is] that I may know Him [that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His Person more strongly and more clearly], and that I may in that same way come to know the power outflowing from His resurrection [which it exerts over believers], and that I may so share His sufferings as to be continually transformed [in spirit into His likeness even] to His death, [in the hope]" (Philippians 3:10 AMPC)
Determined purpose (Determined - Having a firm or fixed purpose; Purpose - That which a person sets before himself as an object to be reached or accomplished; Intention; design; purpose always includes the end in view [Noah Webster 1828 Dictionary})
What is the end in view? What is the result I'm looking for?
Progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him
Perceiving and recognizing the wonders of Who He is more strongly and clearly
Come to know the power outflowing (and available to us) from His resurrection
And yes, to share in His sufferings to be continually transformed in spirit and likeness to His death, in hope.
The verses that spoke to me:
"Wisdom has built her house; she has carved its seven columns. She has prepared a great banquet, mixed the wines, and set the table. She has sent her servants to invite everyone to come. She calls out from the heights overlooking the city." (Proverbs 9:1-3 NLT)
My takeaway:
Wisdom builds, prepares, and invites. It is not hidden from us and is available to us.
FAITH CONFESSION:
Lord, thank You for inviting me to the banquet table of wisdom. I accept Your invitation to get, and grow in, wisdom which will give me insight, understanding, and knowledge for life. Through wisdom I will reflect Your Kingdom come and Your will being done on earth, as it is in heaven.
Make seeking God personal by confessing this daily:
(YOUR NAME) seeks (aims at and strives after) first of all Your kingdom and Your righteousness (Your way of doing and being right). (YOUR NAME), first and most importantly, seeks (aims at, strives after) [Your way of doing and being right—the attitude and character of God]. Everything else You will take care of Abba. I live in Your Word (Based on Matthew 6:33 AMP & AMPC)
Share in the comments what verse spoke to you and why. Let's grow in wisdom together.
Be Encouraged! ❤