Be Wise

 By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches. A wise man is full of strength, and a man of knowledge enhances his might, for by wise guidance you can wage your war, and in abundance of counselors there is victory. Wisdom is too high for a fool; in the gate he does not open his mouth. (Proverbs 24:3-7 ESV).

 

Today’s devotional may sound a bit pedantic. I might even be accused of “ranting” a bit; however, since I brought up the topic yesterday, I though a little follow-up might be warranted. I have heard some people who confuse being wise with blind herd mentality. That is not the wisdom of the Scripture. Such “wisdom” is the topic today. Wikipedia says:

 

Wisdom, sapience, or sagacity is the ability to think and act using knowledge, experience, understanding, common sense and insight. Wisdom is associated with attributes such as unbiased judgment, compassion, experiential self-knowledge, self-transcendence and non-attachment, and virtues such as ethics and benevolence.

 

Our proverb for today teaches that the house of our lives is best built with wisdom, which comes from God. Jesus talks about a house like that in a parable about wise and foolish builders (cf. Matthew 7:24-27): “Everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.”  With wisdom we build our lives on the solid rock of the love of God in Christ. The commands of God give us firm flooring, the protective arms of God are like walls keeping out the cold, and the Word of God is like windows letting in God’s light.

 

I have participated in various roles in the construction of structures as small as a tool shed and as large as complex, multi-use complexes of commercial and religious buildings. I must confess that it doesn’t concern me if I build a tool shed without plans. Truth be told, I’ve done enough of those building that I can do the construction nearly flawlessly. You should note I said “nearly flawlessly.” Mistake in the construction of a tool shed can easily be corrected or simply covered over. That is not the case in building a more substantial structure. That requires three dimensional planning and organization. A small mistake can ultimately lead to a building that simply will not stand.

 

Our lives are like that. My encouragement to each of you today is to seek the best judgment and experience available in making your decisions. Since wisdom is perhaps as important as it ever has been in our lives, leave no source unconsulted. Start with the Scripture and move dimensionally to those with knowledge and respect in the area of concern. There really is too much at stake in this day of ours!