Discipleship Devotional, February 1st, 2025
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.
– Proverbs 3:13-15 (KJV)
As believers, wisdom is one thing we must place a high value on. It is only a fool who despises wisdom. The Bible teaches us to pursue wisdom because it is the principal thing (Proverbs 4:7). Our anchor text tells us that the merchandise of wisdom is better than that of silver and gold. In Proverbs 16:16, Solomon said: “How much better to get wisdom than gold, to get insight rather than silver!” This is coming from a man who had great wealth and riches.
Solomon prioritized wisdom such that when God gave him a blank check to ask for anything, he asked for wisdom. In James chapter one, we are told to ask God for wisdom because He gives freely. It is sad that many use Christian devotion as an excuse to ignore wisdom. This is folly in itself. Nothing can be a substitute for getting wisdom. Praying for 100 hours cannot be a substitute for getting and applying wisdom to your life. Some think they can just pray their way into the results of wisdom. Not so!
Prayer is very important, and even long hours of prayer are important. But it is not a substitute for wisdom. Miracles, as powerful as they are, are not a substitute for wisdom. Money, as great as it is, is not a substitute for wisdom. There are indeed rich fools. We must therefore commit ourselves to the lifelong pursuit of wisdom. By this, we speak of both spiritual and practical wisdom.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
– Proverbs 9:10 (NIV)
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, today I ask for wisdom for my everyday living. Father, help me to become committed to studying and applying the wisdom of Your word.
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