"I Pity The Fool: A Look at Proverbs"

Wisdom is the ability to judge and act according to God's perfect and loving way. Wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord. The Message translation states, "Start with God - the first step in learning is bowing down to God; only fools thumb their noses at such wisdom and learning (Proverbs 1:7)."

King Solomon exhibited the characteristic of the fear of the Lord by humbling himself before God and praying, "I am a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in." And then, in faith, he asked God to grant him wisdom and knowledge. The Hebrew word for knowledge is "madda" and refers to an inner consciousness or an inner discernment that comes from the Spirit of God.

This Old Testament story is an illustration of the New Testament promise of wisdom to all believers. I Corinthians 1:30-31 says, "But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption, so that, just as it is written, 'LET HIM WHO BOASTS, BOAST IN THE LORD.' "

When we are born again, the Spirit of God comes to live within us and we receive the "madda" - that inner consciousness and discernment. The Spirit gives us right thinking, leads us to right relating, helps us in right living, and all because Jesus paid the right price for us, His sinless life.

I encourage you this week to read James 3:13-18 and compare heavenly wisdom with earthly wisdom. Think about your life and determine what kind of wisdom flows through you! Are you living from wisdom that comes from above and into your spirit - or are you living from wisdom that comes from below?