Walking with the Wise

By Cheri Cowell –

“Such foolishness,” my grandmother would say, shaking her head in disbelief at the nightly news. We don’t hear that phrase too much anymore but it is a good one. It is good because the opposite of foolish is wise. In this context it is much easier for us to identify foolish versus wise choices. Is it wrong to tell the lady with two screaming children in front of you in line at the checkout that she has more than fifteen items? No, but it probably isn’t wise. Is easier to tell if it is right or wrong to speed up and run that yellow light, or is it easier to ask yourself, is it foolish or wise? God understands how confusing it is so He made it simple for us.

Wisdom is indeed a gift from God, but in Proverbs He makes it clear He freely gives it to those who earnestly seek it. His wisdom is found in His Word, “…and from His mouth come[s] knowledge” (Proverbs 2:6). John begins His gospel with these words, “In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1). It is from that Word that we receive His knowledge. But it is not enough to just hear the Word. We must apply it. When we apply the knowledge we receive from His Word, only then do we begin to understand.

PRAYER: Praise God for Your great gift of wisdom. I earnestly seek Your wisdom today. Use the time I spend in Your Word to speak knowledge into my soul so I may more fully understand all You have for me.

“My child, if you receive My words, and store up My commands within you, by making your ear attentive to wisdom, and by turning your heart to understanding, indeed, if you call out for discernment raise your voice for understanding if you seek it like silver, and search for it like hidden treasure, then you will understand how to fear the Lord, and you will discover knowledge about God. For the Lord gives wisdom, and from His mouth comes knowledge and understanding” (Proverbs 2:3-6, NET).

Today’s devotion is by Cheri Cowell, who writes and speaks on topics of Christian discipleship. In addition to her books and articles, you can learn about her speaking ministry and sign up to receive her daily devotional at www.CheriCowell.com