The last post from the first chapter of Proverbs talked about the enticement of sin and how we should not consent to its pull on our lives. You may be struggling with the noise of this world and how the devil uses distractions to turn your thoughts away from God. Solomon understood this and wanted his son to know that wisdom can still be found despite the noise.
Wisdom cries aloud in the street, in the markets she raises her voice; at the head of the noisy streets she cries out; at the entrance of the city gates she speaks: “How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple? How long will scoffers delight in their scoffing and fools hate knowledge? If you turn at my reproof, behold, I will pour out my spirit to you; I will make my words known to you. (Proverbs 1:20-23 ESV)
The voice of wisdom is not quiet
Despite what we may think, the wisdom of God is not silent. The first and loudest place God’s wisdom is found is in His Word—the Bible. When is the last time you opened it up? Maybe I better ask it this way. When is the last time you opened it up on a day other than Sunday?
Yes, even those of us who claim Christ as Lord can get distracted by other voices. Without the wisdom found in God’s Word, we are sucked into the lies, false narratives, and seductive ways of the world. The counterfeits look real when we neglect picking up and studying the truth on a regular basis. For thousands of years, God’s Word has been the bedrock of wisdom and truth in this world. It has not changed. Let God’s Word speak to you.
God’s wisdom is also being proclaimed through the local church, via godly pastors and Bible study teachers; through evangelists and godly men of God who are not shying away from the truth of Scripture and actively counteracting the messages of our world. Are you missing the voice of wisdom because you’re ignoring the importance of fellowship within a local Body of Christ? Have you sought out a church with a pastor who preaches the Word with integrity, or are you looking for messages that only speak to selfish needs and desires? God’s Word is being preached and taught, but we have to go to the church or turn on Christian radio or podcasts to hear it.
Wisdom is also made known through the words and lives of Christ-followers in the workplace. Are you listening to those who build you up or tear you down? We may be enticed by attractive messaging and people, but we quickly find that they lead to enslavement, depression, and despair. Those living by the Word of Wisdom will build you up and encourage you to live a life of righteousness that pleases God, not self.
The Spirit makes the message clear
Yes, despite the noise of this world, when we truly open our ears and eyes, we cannot ignore the fact that God is always making Himself known to man. Through access to His Word, the local church, online teaching and preaching, or a Christian co-worker or friend, Wisdom is crying out and being heard above the fray.
Solomon tells us that it’s only the foolish who refuse to hear and deny the truth, for God makes his Spirit available to all who repent and listen. When we acknowledge our sinfulness and put our faith in Christ Jesus, His Spirit enables us to grasp the richness, depth, and benefit of His Wisdom for our lives.
The Spirit enables us to tune out the static of the evil one and tune into the Wisdom channel of Truth and Light.
Wisdom is calling. The question is: are you listening?
Grace and Peace
If you missed the last Friday Focus post, click HERE, or start this Walking in Wisdom series from the beginning.
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