Word for the day by Christian Education Forum
Seeking the Wisdom of God
“Let
your heart retain my words; Keep my commands, and live.”
We live in a
time where knowledge is increasing at an exponential rate. Constant changes in
technology make it difficult for an average person to keep up, but we know it
is necessary to accept these changes in order to live in this society. Without
negating the importance of acquiring knowledge in this world, the Word of God
shows us the need of a superior knowledge: the wisdom of God that is
essential in our lives to walk in the eternal paths of God. In today’s text,
King Solomon is encouraging us to seek the wisdom that both he and his father
King David received from God, which is available to generations of all time
through the Word of God. What we should do to live in that wisdom?
Listen to
the instructions (vs.1): The
Hebrew word “shaw-mah”, which translates to “listen”, is a call
for careful attention that leads to obedience. Instructions of a father
are not just informational, but are also to be well received to gain
understanding and maturity.
Retain them
in heart (vs. 4): Forgetfulness
and ignorance are considered as excuses for most of humanity’s destructive
choices. Here Solomon instructs us not to forsake this good doctrine,
(vs. 2), but to retain them closely in our heart, letting them bring vitality
to our lives.
Exalt and
embrace (vs. 8): The
first two steps lead us to the final stage, to exalt and embrace the knowledge
of the Word. In today’s world, compromises are well accepted to climb the
ladders of success, which are often short lived. This pattern causes constant
degradation and devaluation in social and even spiritual arenas. But the Word
of God insists that we follow the life standards of godly men like Daniel and
Joseph, who exalted and embraced the divine wisdom without fearing the
consequences; fulfilling the higher plans of God.
The divine
wisdom that is attained through the Word of God may seem to be foolishness to the
world, but will lead us to eternal blessings. This will promote us, protect us,
bring us honor and glory, give us a long life, and crown us with an ornament of
grace. (vs.6-10). Only this divine wisdom can lead us to the right path of God
where we can walk and run without stumbling and have the discernment to
avoid the paths of wicked. (vs.11-19)
Jesus Christ,
the Word that became flesh is the source of all wisdom, and we can reflect this
truth by living a Christ-centered life. Like David and Solomon, as recipients
of this divine blessing, we have a great responsibility to instruct our
generations to follow in this path of life.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for your Word to give
us divine wisdom. Help us to understand it and live it all the time.Amen
Thought of
the Day: Christian life
should reflect the wisdom of God.
Abey Cherian, St. Thomas MTC, NY.
Theme for the week: Seeking the wisdom of God