Reflections with Andy – Wisdom is a Gift – Proverbs 2

Today, we see that wisdom flows from God. It is a gift from God; it is a gift from the Holy Spirit. In James, we are told that if we lack wisdom, we should ask. And God will give to all who ask. It does not come from knowledge or from living; it comes from God. Today, see wisdom. Ask for wisdom. Ask boldly, and God will give. God will give us the grace to live out a worldview that comes from His understanding. It is His gift to us, His perspective. That is wisdom. But we also see today that wisdom isn’t simply a head thing or a heart thing, but it is a life thing. When we have wisdom, we will make the right choice. And that the right choice will lead to more wisdom. The choices lead to wisdom, and wisdom leads to choices. Today, let’s choose the wise past. And that choice will lead us to great wisdom, given to us by the Spirit.

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Good morning! It’s a pleasure to be with you as we continue our journey through the book of Proverbs. In our previous reflection, we explored Proverbs chapter 1, focusing on key points rather than the entire chapter. I encourage you to use the provided link to read the chapter in its entirety, discovering insights that resonate with you. Our approach aims to collectively engage with this book, and while I’ll share what speaks to me, your personal discoveries are equally valuable.

Today, in chapter 2, certain verses stood out to me, particularly verse 5, which reinforces the theme of the fear of the Lord as the foundation for wisdom. Additionally, verse 6 highlights that wisdom is a gift from God, emphasizing the importance of seeking it through prayer, reading, worship, and service. Wisdom, in my understanding, is bestowed by the Holy Spirit. Bishop Lewis encourages us to pray for wisdom in the Biennial Conference, and James reminds us that asking God for wisdom results in its gracious provision.

Contrary to knowledge, which we acquire through learning, wisdom goes beyond intellect and is a divine gift. Even those with minimal formal education can possess profound wisdom. For me, wisdom is intricately connected to the Holy Spirit’s influence in our lives. Therefore, the more we immerse ourselves in prayer, reading, worship, and service, the more the Spirit imparts wisdom to us.

I find it crucial to approach critical moments, decisions, and conflicts with a plea for wisdom. Scripture assures us that God grants wisdom to those who seek it sincerely. Instead of viewing wisdom as something earned through hard work or extensive learning, recognize it as a gift from the Spirit. Wisdom is not something we take but receive.

Moreover, verse 9 emphasizes that wisdom extends beyond intellectual understanding—it encompasses righteousness, justice, equity, and guides us along every good path. Wisdom, for me, is a holistic perspective that influences how we live our lives. The wise among us will be distinguishable by their actions, treating others with respect, love, equity, and justice.

Verse 20 underlines the importance of walking in the way of the good, choosing the path of the just. Wisdom is intertwined with our choices, requiring us to choose what is right. It’s a continuous process of making decisions aligned with God’s path. Wisdom, therefore, is a perpetual engine, where choosing the right path leads to more wisdom, and vice versa.

In conclusion, wisdom is not just an intellectual exercise; it’s a way of life. It influences not only how we think but also how we live. The path of wisdom comes from doing the right thing, choosing the right path, and living with equity and justice. Grounding ourselves in the Holy Spirit is vital, as our desires may not always align with what is right. Let us walk in the way that is good, making choices that reflect God’s wisdom.

Tomorrow, we will delve into chapter 3, exploring verses 5 and 6—some of the most beloved verses in the Bible. I look forward to discussing them with you. Thank you for joining us on this Proverbs journey. Have a wonderful day!

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