Devotion for July 29, 2008

Wisdom Protects

“Happy [is] the man [who] finds wisdom, And the man [who] gains understanding; For her proceeds [are] better than the profits of silver, And her gain than fine gold. She [is] more precious than rubies, And all the things you may desire cannot compare with her. Length of days [is] in her right hand, In her left hand riches and honor. Her ways [are] ways of pleasantness, And all her paths [are] peace. She [is] a tree of life to those who take hold of her, And happy [are all] who retain her. The LORD by wisdom founded the earth; By understanding He established the heavens; By His knowledge the depths were broken up, And clouds drop down the dew. My son, let them not depart from your eyes—Keep sound wisdom and discretion; So they will be life to your soul And grace to your neck. Then you will walk safely in your way, And your foot will not stumble. When you lie down, you will not be afraid; Yes, you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet. Do not be afraid of sudden terror, Nor of trouble from the wicked when it comes; For the LORD will be your confidence, And will keep your foot from being caught.” (Proverbs 3:13-26 NKJV)

It makes perfect sense that wisdom is a protector. Being able to see clearly the pitfalls in life definitely keeps one from stumbling into foolishness. As the proverb says, “Surely, in vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird” (Proverbs 1:17 NKJV).

This is a simple principle, but its value is undeniable. Therefore, emphasizing a few points might be profitable.

How does wisdom protect? The proper perspective of God, self, and the world exposes the wiles of the devil. Ephesians tells one to put on the whole armor of God because he is fighting against the devil. The first item in the list is, understanding. The believer is to have his waist girded with truth.

Knowing the truth about God gives one reverence for God. There is nothing more sanctifying than seeing God’s holiness and glory. “For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed, but he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God” (John 3:20-21 NKJV).

Knowing the truth about self places one on guard. Surely when one looks at himself he desires to see goodness. The flesh lies to the soul that all is well. However, those who are well acquainted with their flesh know that all is not so, and won’t be so until he is delivered from the body of sin and death (Rom 7).

Knowing the truth about the world also directs one’s steps. Consider the following Psalm.

“A Psalm of Asaph. Truly God [is] good to Israel, To such as are pure in heart. But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; My steps had nearly slipped. For I [was] envious of the boastful, When I saw the prosperity of the wicked. For [there are] no pangs in their death, But their strength [is] firm. They [are] not in trouble [as other] men, Nor are they plagued like [other] men. Therefore pride serves as their necklace; Violence covers them [like] a garment. Their eyes bulge with abundance; They have more than heart could wish. They scoff and speak wickedly [concerning] oppression; They speak loftily. They set their mouth against the heavens, And their tongue walks through the earth. Therefore his people return here, And waters of a full [cup] are drained by them. And they say, "How does God know? And is there knowledge in the Most High?" Behold, these [are] the ungodly, Who are always at ease; They increase [in] riches. Surely I have cleansed my heart [in] vain, And washed my hands in innocence. For all day long I have been plagued, And chastened every morning. If I had said, "I will speak thus," Behold, I would have been untrue to the generation of Your children. When I thought [how] to understand this, It [was] too painful for me— Until I went into the sanctuary of God; [Then] I understood their end. Surely You set them in slippery places; You cast them down to destruction. Oh, how they are [brought] to desolation, as in a moment! They are utterly consumed with terrors. As a dream when [one] awakes, [So], Lord, when You awake, You shall despise their image. Thus my heart was grieved, And I was vexed in my mind. I [was] so foolish and ignorant; I was [like] a beast before You. Nevertheless I [am] continually with You; You hold [me] by my right hand. You will guide me with Your counsel, And afterward receive me [to] glory. Whom have I in heaven [but You]? And [there is] none upon earth [that] I desire besides You. My flesh and my heart fail; [But] God [is] the strength of my heart and my portion forever. For indeed, those who are far from You shall perish; You have destroyed all those who desert You for harlotry. But [it is] good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, That I may declare all Your works.” (Psalms 73:1-28 NKJV)

Understanding these three things gives the believer tremendous foresight if he is willing to look. Therefore, my friend, seek wisdom with all your heart as she will keep your foot from stumbling. Know your God, know yourself, and know the world’s ways.

“It was said, long ago, that it is the highest wisdom for a man to know himself—but I deny that. The first, the highest, the best of all wisdom is for a man to know his God. As for himself, he is but a speck, an atom, a nothing. If he truly attains a knowledge of God, he will afterwards know himself in the best possible way.”—1898, Sermon C. H. Spurgeon