Pretty and Practical
November 12, 2010I have a friend who is the worlds’ best gift giver. No matter the occasion, she has the perfect offering. Not only will it be thoroughly researched, on time, and professionally wrapped, it will pass the “Two P” test. In other words, it will also be Pretty and Practical. Getting a gift from her makes every occasion more than special and I treasure everything she has ever given me because I love the intention behind the present. Because her gifts can pass the “Two P” test (Pretty and Practical) she truly does give the gift that keeps on giving.
Carefully reading the first ten verses of Proverbs 2 reveals another gift we can cherish, the gift of wisdom.
“For the Lord gives wisdom, from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.” Proverbs 2:6
I don’t know about you but if the Lord is giving out something, I want it!
However, there are a few prerequisites for receiving His words of wisdom. First of all we have to actually receive them. At first glance, that may seem a bit strange – of course we are listening and heeding the word of God. It would be unthinkable to refuse a gift from my friend, how much more unthinkable to refuse the very Word of God!
Words matter but God’s Word matters most of all. Are we listening attentively to His Word (Proverbs 2:2) or are we, as my mom used to say, “just letting it go in one ear and out the other?”
Even Jesus, while growing up, received instruction and obviously wisdom.
Luke 2:52 tells us he grew in “wisdom and stature and in favor with God and man”. Later when His ministry began, crowds were amazed that He taught “as one who had authority.”
If God’s giving it, I want it. And if Jesus received it, I surely need it, too.
Another condition is inclining our hearts to understanding. When situations are spiraling out of control, are we praying for perspective or a quick fix? When we had to move our then 14 year old son across the country, I prayed for his teenage heart to be inclined to understanding this move was the best for our family. The result? He settled in faster than anyone else.
The passage also says we have to cry for discernment, lift our voices for understanding, seek wisdom as if it were silver and search for it like treasure. What will be the result for us? We will treasure the treasure.
Listen to the benefits of receiving wisdom from God.
“Then you will discern righteousness and justice
And equity and every good course.
For wisdom will enter your heart
And knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.
Discretion will guard you,
Understanding will watch over you.” Proverbs 2:9-11
Righteousness, justice, discretion, and a soul filled with knowledge. Sounds to me like seeking wisdom is indeed pretty practical.
Looking for more words? Read Matthew 7:7-11 and James 3:13-18 and make a list contrasting earthly wisdom and the wisdom that comes from above. (CT)