Life Ministries

 

Part 5 – Principles of wisdom

“Search diligently for wisdom”. (Chapter 3 vs. 13-24) Read of all the benefits;

*more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold.

*nothing you desire can compare with her.

*Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor.

*all her paths are peace.

*all who hold her fast will be blessed.

*you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble.

*When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be   

  sweet.

    Allow me to use the analogy of a farmer with a tractor in the field; He must have the right equipment- (you don’t plow with a hay rake!) He needs the right materials; He must know what to do and what not to do with it; He must know how and when to use it and when not to use it.

    Wisdom has two distinct characteristics: one is “information” the other is “know how”.  In these verses we read - 13-20 deal with knowledge, learning, information, data, facts, and experience. Verses 21-24 deal with perception, discernment, judgment, reason, and insight…or just plain old “common sense”.

    So, let’s look at the words “search diligently”. According to Webster’s Dictionary, the word “search” means; “to look through carefully in order to find something lost; to examine carefully in order to find something concealed;” The second part certainly applies to God’s Word or Bible study.

    I know you have all been in the type of situation I have found myself in several times; which involves not being able to find something when I need it! I look everywhere; in the drawers, in the cabinets, through the closet, searching clothes pockets, it’s so frustrating! I know right where I put it! Right? That drives me bonkers! However, we have not lost the Word of God; we have the wisdom of God right here all the time. We are talking more about searching diligently, or examining carefully, in order to find something – contained – but not necessarily concealed in the Word.

    The word “diligently” is described as “a constant, persistent, effort”. Not a once in a while – when I might need it – effort; not a once a month or even once a week, but an everyday, persistent, effort to gain wisdom and understanding! To quote my own book “Show and Tell” – “the more we know, the more it will show!” When I was called into the ministry by God, I spent literally hours and days reading books, listening to tapes, going to seminars, taking classes, taking notes, and ingesting as much as I could in my finite brain. I truly had a hunger for the Word of God, and a passion to teach others. However, you don’t have to be called into full-time ministry to have this same diligent passion.