Chapter One
JANUARY 1
TO READ
Proverbs 2:1-11
Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on
understanding Then you will understand
what it means to fear the Lord, and you will gain
knowledge of God. Proverbs 2:2, 5
First Things First
Sometimes on our daily path in our relationship with God, spending time
with him can seem like just one more thing on an already long to-do list.
With responsibilities that seem to keep us unendingly on the go, it's easy to
lose perspective about exactly why we need to spend time in God's Word
daily. And yet God's Word itself promises wonderful benefits to those who
will take the time to pursue wisdom:
My child, listen to me and treasure my instructions. Tune your ears to wisdom,
and concentrate on understanding. Cry out for insight and understanding.
Search for them as you would for lost money or hidden treasure. Then you will
understand what it means to fear the Lord, and you will gain knowledge of
God. For the Lord grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and
understanding. He grants a treasure of good sense to the godly. He is their
shield, protecting those who walk with integrity. He guards the paths of justice
and protects those who are faithful to him.
Then you will understand what is right, just, and fair, and you will know
how to find the right course of action every time. For wisdom will enter your
heart, and knowledge will fill you with joy. Wise planning will watch over you.
Understanding will keep you safe. (Proverbs 2:1-11)
Doesn't this seem like a great deal? If you have spent years second-guessing
yourself, the wisdom in God's Word builds confidence in decision making.
If you have felt like a victim in some aspect of your life, God's Word is a
shield, and God is a protection. If you are depressed, God's Word gives
comfort and knowledge that are pleasant to your soul. If you are struggling
with the consequences of unwise or foolish choices, God's Word can teach
you discretion that will protect and guard you from this point forward. Considering
all the benefits of gaining God's wisdom, our busy days will go much
more smoothly once we have God's wisdom firmly in our minds and hearts.
(Continues.)
