Wisdom: The Principle ThingSample

Having Wisdom in All Things

It's a really good thing when you're walking in integrity in the Lord. It may be at times hard, yes, but it's truly rewarding. Having integrity is considered better than obtaining wealth (Proverbs 15:16). You may ask, "why?" When Christ saves you and regenerates your heart, you'll desire to choose to honor the Lord in doing right; it will bring Him the glory.

Throughout the book of Proverbs, it speaks adhering to wisdom in different aspects of life. Knowing from right and wrong stems from wisdom and seeking to do the right thing in every aspect of our lives. In James 1:5, it states, "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given to him." This is not a philosophical wisdom, but a wisdom that is lived out through God's word revealed in Scripture.

We cannot trust in our own hearts, but we must always trust the counsel of the Lord (v. 21). Our hearts are wicked (Jeremiah 17:9), and we need to daily check our motives and trust in the Lord with our hearts. He's given us His Holy Spirit, who lives in us, to help guard our hearts and minds with Scripture. Now, what do I mean when I say that when we fear the Lord, it's the beginning of knowledge (v. 23)? I mean not in sense of salvation type of fear, but a reverence, healthy, and a holy respect for the Lord. It will lead to obedience. When He saves us and opens our eyes to the saving grace of the Gospel, it is the beginning of truly knowing the Lord and His wisdom. An unbeliever may say statements about life and truth, but he or she do not have truth until they come to the redemptive relationship with our sovereign Lord, which is reverential.