For the protection of wisdom is like the protection of money, and the advantage of knowledge is that wisdom preserves the life of him who has it. Ecclesiastes 7:12
My husband and I have a friend who is a little older than we are and whom we really enjoy spending time with. We do not get as much time with him as we would like, but the time we do get is such an incredible blessing to us both.
Our friend was a baseball player in his youth, he was in the military during the war and a bank president so he is both an experienced man and a brilliant one.
We try to take mini vacations with our friend three or four times a year and I believe he thinks that we are doing it for him, when in reality, its the only time that we can get to spend with him and glean some of his incredible wisdom. We never tire of hearing the tales and vast expanse of the experiences of his life and we absolutely delight in spending time with our dear, dear friend. Every time we do we find our selves growing in wisdom and knowledge.
The Bible tells us the importance of wisdom. The scripture says wisdom is “more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her.” Proverbs 3:15; Proverbs 4:6 says “Do not forsake her, and she will keep you; love her, and she will guard you.”.
But wisdom is a funny thing, God promises that if we lack wisdom, we need but ask and he will give generously (If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. James 1:5). But we can also gain wisdom by heeding advice and instruction (Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise. Proverbs 19:20). It also comes with age and long life (Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not long life bring understanding? Job 12:12). But ultimately wisdom is from the Lord (Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. James 1:17)
The scripture also tells us that our lives will be lengthened through wisdom (“For through wisdom your days will be many, and years will be added to your life.” Romans 9:11). However, the very next verse says, “if you are wise, your wisdom will reward you; if you are a mocker you alone will suffer” Romans 9:12. We also see that fools despise wisdom and instruction (The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Proverbs 9:10).
If the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, then yes our lives will be lengthened…eternally. And, yes our wisdom will reward us. But if we are a mocker of wisdom (the fear of the LORD) or a fool who despises wisdom (the fear of the LORD) yes we alone will suffer…eternally.
Wisdom is directly linked to salvation (“From childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” 2 Timothy 3:14-15).
But King Solomon shows us that it can be rejected and lost (Better was a poor and wise youth than an old and foolish king who no longer knew how to take advice. Ecclesiastes 4:13) . He was a wise youth and when God chose him as King he asked him what he desired. He was a wise youth and said that he wanted wisdom to be able to rule the people. God gave him the wisdom but over time he rejected it and the teachings of God and ended up a King deep in sin and regretful of a wasted life.
For 12 chapters King Solomon, who had been given wisdom directly from God, discusses the futility of a life of chasing pleasures apart from God. These are his last words in the book of Ecclesiastes and they are worthy of remembering “Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.” Ecclesiastes 12:13-14.
Apparently his wisdom returned to him in his old age.
My husband and I love the time that we get with our dear friend, growing in wisdom and knowledge. But, the best place to go to accomplish this is spending time with God himself and in His Holy Word.
I pray that today we would desire growing in the wisdom and knowledge of God. That we would spend precious and intimate time with Him and in His word. I pray that we would continue to grow in our hunger and love for Him, through the wisdom and knowledge that He provides. Lord, may we, never regret the waste of our wisdom, the way that King Solomon did.
If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior, I pray that you would go to our Life Preserver page and that you would find the beginning of wisdom and a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Pray the prayer that is outlined on that page and once you have, please shoot me an email at admin@Forgiven-N-Loved.com and let me know, so that I can pray for you and help you grow in your knowledge of and relationship with our precious Savior.
Luv Ya!
