The Benefits Of Wisdom
A Bible Study and Commentary of Proverbs 3:1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 21-26, 33
If we read throughout the book of proverbs we will find many, many benefits of appropriating Godly wisdom in our lives. In order to live victoriously we should take possession of all that God has for us. The condition for taking possession of these blessings is wisdom.
Proverbs 3 outlines many blessings that are derived from appropriating and walking in God's wisdom. I don't thimk it would hurt us to look at a few of them. One of the first things we see in this wonderful chapter is a promise of long life and peace:
"My son, forget not my commandments: For length of days, and long life, and peace shall they add unto thee." (verse 1, 2)
Many unsaved people seem to live long lives, but they never have God's peace. There is a growing rate of suicide among our senior citizens in this age. They are forsaken by their children and feel no need to go on. It would not be enough to live a long life on this earth and not have the peace of God to keep us.
Long life is not an Old Testament promise. It is available to anyone who will possess God's knowledge and walk in the wisdom of it. Unless God has called you to be a martyr for His glory (Dying for the sake of the gospel), then you can claim this promise for yourself. With wisdom God will give us favor and respect with God and men:
"And so find favor and high esteem in the sight of God and man." (Verse 4; NKJV)
Favor simply means approval. High esteem is to praise and to value. Can you first of imagine Godly appraising you and considering you to be of value. Make no mistake that it can be done if we walk in His wisdom. If we are in need of a raise or a job promotion, God's wisdom will give you these same things with men. Read about Joseph and see how God always worked the situation out for him. He always gave Joseph favor and high esteem with men no matter where he was at. Notice that the scripture mentions "God" first. You must have these things with Him first of all. Concern yourself with being pleasing to God then He will take care of man for you.
We will also find a promise of guidance in this chapter as one of the benefits of wisdom:
"In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." (verse 6)
We will not go into details on this benefit since we expounded on this earlier. Just mark the fact that you can receive guidance in all the affairs of life when you walk in God's wisdom.
Another benefit is divine health. Read verse 7:
"Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh and strength to your bones." (NKJV)
You don't have to walk in sickness. Utilize the wisdom of God to bring health and healing to your body. Staying healthy is not just a spiritual thing, but it is also practical. If it is cold, we should wear a jacket. If it is raining then wear a rain coat or use an umbrella. We should excercise consistently. 1 Tim 4:8 tells us that physical exercise profiteth little. I believe we need all the little that we can get. Eat the proper foods. These are all wise things to do to stay healthy. When we practice sound wisdom God, through His supernatural provision will do the rest.
Another benefit of wisdom is divine protection. Read verses 21-26:
"My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion: So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck. Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble. When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet. Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh. For the Lord shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken."
We live in an age of drive by shootings, muggings, rape, robbery, etc. There is much to be concerned about. Many people fear for their lives on a daily basis. Some are not sure if they live to see tomorrow. Isn't it wonderful to know that even in the midst of the adverse conditions of our day that the Christian who keeps sound wisdom and discretion is guaranteed God's protection. There is no need for fear or worry. God is upholding us with His own hand. He is our confidence. He won't let a foot or a hair of your head be harmed.
One more benefit of wisdom is God's blessings in the home. Read verse 33:
"The curse of the Lord is on the house of the wicked, but he BLESSES the home of the just." (NKJV)
While many marriages are ending in divorce and children are rebellious, we have the assurance that when we utilize God's wisdom, He will bless our home. He will teach us through His Word how to be a better husband or wife. He will teach us how to be better parents to our children. When we are obedient to God's Word we can expect His supernatural power to work on our behalf.
Proverbs 3 outlines just a few of the benefits that come from utilizing God's wisdom. Wisdom comes from knowledge. When knowledge is properly used in a Godly way it is called wisdom. We need God's supernatural wisdom in all the affairs of life. The Christian was never meant to be self sufficient. We were meant to always be totally and completely dependent on God.
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(c) Copyright 2001 by Troy J. Edwards and Victory through the Word Ministries