MEMORISE
But he who sins against me ruins his own soul, those who hate me love death (Proverbs 8:36).
READ:
Proverbs 8: 1-36
[1]. Does not wisdom cry out, And understanding lift up her voice?
[2]. She takes her stand on the top of the high hill, Beside the way, where the paths meet.
[3]. She cries out by the gates, at the entry of the city, At the entrance of the doors:
[4]. “To you, O men, I call, And my voice is to the sons of men.
[5]. O you simple ones, understand prudence,
And you fools, be of an understanding heart.
[6]. Listen, for I will speak of excellent things,
And from the opening of my lips will come right things;
[7]. For my mouth will speak truth; Wickedness is an abomination to my lips.
[8]. All the words of my mouth are with righteousness; Nothing crooked or perverse is in them.
[9]. They are all plain to him who understands, And right to those who find knowledge.
[10]. Receive my instruction, and not silver,
And knowledge rather than choice gold;
[11]. For wisdom is better than rubies, And all the things one may desire cannot be compared with her.
[12]. “I, wisdom, dwell with prudence, And find out knowledge and discretion.
[13]. The fear of the Lord is to hate evil; Pride and arrogance and the evil way And the perverse mouth I hate.
[14]. Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom; I am understanding, I have strength.
[15]. By me kings reign, And rulers decree justice.
[16]. By me princes rule, and nobles, All the judges of the earth.
[17]. I love those who love me, And those who seek me diligently will find me.
[18]. Riches and honor are with me, Enduring riches and righteousness.
[19]. My fruit is better than gold, yes, than fine gold, And my revenue than choice silver.
[20]. I traverse the way of righteousness,
In the midst of the paths of justice,
[21]. That I may cause those who love me to inherit wealth, That I may fill their treasuries.
[22]. “The Lord possessed me at the beginning of His way, Before His works of old.
[23]. I have been established from everlasting, From the beginning, before there was ever an earth.
[24]. When there were no depths I was brought forth, When there were no fountains abounding with water.
[25]. Before the mountains were settled,
Before the hills, I was brought forth;
[26]. While as yet He had not made the earth or the fields, Or the primal dust of the world.
[27]. When He prepared the heavens, I was there, When He drew a circle on the face of the deep,
[28]. When He established the clouds above,
When He strengthened the fountains of the deep,
[29]. When He assigned to the sea its limit,
So that the waters would not transgress His command, When He marked out the foundations of the earth,
[30]. Then I was beside Him as a master craftsman; And I was daily His delight, Rejoicing always before Him,
[31]. Rejoicing in His inhabited world, And my delight was with the sons of men.
[32]. “Now therefore, listen to me, my children, For blessed are those who keep my ways.
[33]. Hear instruction and be wise, And do not disdain it.
[34]. Blessed is the man who listens to me,
Watching daily at my gates, Waiting at the posts of my doors.
[35]. For whoever finds me finds life, And obtains favor from the Lord;
[36]. But he who sins against me wrongs his own soul; All those who hate me love death.”
EXPOSITION
Discussing the value of wisdom on this day which is International Literacy Day is not out of place. Wisdom is the application of knowledge. The importance of knowledge cannot be overemphasised (cf. Hag. 4:6). What you don't know and don't care to know may bring grievous consequences on you and those around you. Of course, there is no excuse for ignorance in law, you must get punished even when you err ignorantly! Yet, some acquire the knowledge of God's Law but don't allow it to change them for good. This shows in their sheer lack of wisdom, i.e the application of their acclaimed knowledge. Let us briefly examine the value of wisdom as documented in our text for today.
Wisdom makes one truthful and helps one to hate wickedness. It is wisdom to shun unrighteousness and wickedness, because those who engage in these are unwise (v. 7). Moreover, wisdom is much more valuable than rubies. Nothing here on earth is comparable to possessing godly wisdom; it surpasses wealth, fame, gold, silver, etc. A billionaire without wisdom squanders it in a jiffy (Lk. 15:13,14). Thirdly, wisdom makes one prudent. Wisdom will help you to be able to manage men, materials and money well (v. 12). Fourthly, it is profitable for rulers/leaders. Unwise leaders will misrule people. In addition, wisdom brings blessing (v. 21). No wonder Solomon became so blessed because he first got godly wisdom. Wisdom will help you to understand what many don't know. Wisdom cries out loud, looking for who will embrace her (v. 1), but unfortunately, many hate her, thus loving death! Be wise!
SUGGESTED HYMN FOR TODAY:
CAC GHB 801
1. God of all wisdom and goodness
Give us Thy light and truth
To show the strait and narrow way
And our footsteps to guide.
2. When in danger to be our guide
And on the rocky steep;
To pilot our ship safely through
Until we reach the shore.
3. And as we grow more in Thy grace,
To teach them as Thy word;
Help us to teach all our children
According to Thy ways.
4. In time, destroy their vain desire
The lust and pride of life,
Help to reach them the holy way
To their Saviour and Lord.
5. We want to look up and follow
Thy good example, Lord
Channel their hope and fear to Thee
Their thoughts to be renewed.
6. We want to woo them to have faith
And show their zeal for Thee
Grant that we teach not peevishly
Rather, teach them with love.
7. In faith we ask for this from Thee
E'en wisdom from above;
Grant them a childish fear in Thee
And with a perfect love.
8. Help us guide their bent to evil
Away from all dangers,
That we may gently bend their hearts
And draw them close to Thee.
Amen.
PRAYER POINTS
1. Amidst alternatives in life, help me, O Lord, to befriend Your wisdom.
2. Lord Jesus, let me never be guilty of abusing Your knowledge.
3. Pray for our national leaders, that their hearts will pant after the knowledge and wisdom of God, to have a sane and peaceful society.
EXTRA READING FOR TODAY:
Lamentations 3:52-5:22;
Ezekiel 1-2
AUTHOR.
CAC Worldwide
Remain blessed
 DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE DATE: Friday, September 8, 2023 (International Literacy Day) TOPIC: THE VALUE OF WISDOM){kind=link}