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Wisdom

Proverbs 9: "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

Proverbs 9 compares wisdom and folly.  The invitations from both look the same, but what is gained by each is quite opposite.  Wisdom is prepared and invites people to come in to receive understanding.  She sets the table and provides stability in order to share and lead others to life. Folly is noisy and secretive.  Two words that seem contrary, but make perfect sense when you think about it.  Folly is noisy in that she speaks all of her opinions, however what is actually inside is kept secret in order to lure others in.  Folly offers death.  Wisdom is gained by asking God, it's that simple.  Solomon asked God for wisdom and it was given to him without limitation.  When you are trying to understand a situation or an individual do you think to ask God for wisdom?  If you've already been given a portion of wisdom, do you ask what you know about God in order to gain a deeper understanding in those situations?  Sometimes I am guilty of ignoring what I know about God because I don't want to face the truth of a situation.  And I definitely don't ask for wisdom in those times because I'm afraid it won't be what I want to hear.  God doesn't let me ignore Him though.  Instead He provides me with new knowledge, increasing my wisdom.  I am grateful for His persistence because in the end, His wisdom leads to life and a depth of understanding that is incomparable to anything I could imagine.  "Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man and he will add to his learning." Proverbs 9:9  Begin by asking for wisdom and you shall receive it.

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