Bible Reading: Proverbs 4:1-27
“Get wisdom; get insight; do not forget, and do not turn away from the words of my mouth. Do not forsake her, and she will keep you; love her, and she will guard you.” (Proverbs 4:5-6)
As young people, we often arrogantly think we have it all right. It is good to challenge assumptions and battle for the truth in many situations. However, we must remember to seek wisdom in everything. At the baseline, know who we are. Do not think we have it all sorted out and arrogantly act as if we know the truth. We often do not see our blind spots regardless of how much we think we know and have studied. We must be teachable, humble-hearted and willing to learn in all aspects of our lives.
How can we get wisdom? John Piper gives some points in his sermon “Get Wisdom”.
1. Seek wisdom first and foremost in God’s Word. Psalm 19:7 says, “The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is pure, making wise the simple.” To live lives that please God and honour Him, we must learn from God’s Word.
Even though in Christ, we are justified, on earth, our sinful habits do not go away by themselves. God calls us into the process of sanctification. In this process, God longs to change our hearts and renew them every day so that our lives may be transformed into “living sacrifices” (Romans 12:1) so that we can live for Him and bring Him glory on this earth. Only God’s Word can revive our souls. It is perfect and pure and will make us wise for salvation.
How much do we treasure God’s word? Do we desire to learn from God’s Word? How often do we come to God’s Word in humility, willing to learn? God’s Word makes us wise.
2. However, wisdom makes no room for pride. Wise people never think they have gained wisdom. Their hearts are always teachable and willing to learn. In fact, 1 Corinthians 3:18 says, “Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you thinks that he is wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise.” Being wise means having a humble and teachable heart that longs to obey God’s will. The world will think that we are foolish when we long to learn from God. But that is ok.
Learn to become a fool. Seek the things of God even though they are contradictory to the world. Your friends and peers might scorn, but God’s ways are higher and better, and in the end, we will be most satisfied in Him as we live a life to glorify Him.
Take a look at the beatitudes. Those who are blessed are those who are poor in spirit, those who mourn, are meek, hunger and thirst for righteousness, are merciful, pure in heart, peacemakers, and persecuted for righteousness. This is the kind of person that pleases God. The end means of wisdom is that we may live lives that please and honour God. Are we willing to be people who are shaped to be humble, lowly, and always seeking to gain wisdom from God’s Word?
If we want to please God, let us learn to deny ourselves and lay down our pride and arrogance. Walk in humility. Learn from God and His Word, and He will surely guide us and shape us into His heavenly servants.
Lord, plant in me a pure heart of humility. Please forgive me for my arrogance and unwillingness to learn. Please rebuke me and teach me to learn from Your Word despite how hard or hurtful it may be. Give me a teachable heart. Only by Your Word can I be revived and renewed to love You and please You. Please give me Your Word and help me come humbly to Your Word to learn wisdom from You each day. Thank You, God. In Jesus’ name, amen.
