Wisdom and Instruction

"but whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm" (Proverbs 1:33 NIV).

In the very first chapter of Proverbs--commonly referred to as the book of wisdom--we are see the importance of knowing God. In fact, Solomon begins by reminding us that, "the fear (reverential respect) of The Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction" (Proverbs 1:1 NIV). Throughout this conversation, we are told what happens when people refuse to hear God and obey and God's reaction to our disobedience.

James tell us that "if any lack wisdom, ask of God who gives it liberally without condemnation" (paraphrased). Wisdom is mentioned 234 times in the KJV and instruction 33 times and knowledge 172 times, obey 69 times, pray 313 times, God 4,447. So, what's the point? Wisdom, knowledge, and talking to God are important to Him.

Scoffers have always rebelled against any knowledge of God because they simply want to live their lives any way they choose. This is the way it has been since the beginning and this is still the way in the hearts of many. Any time a person or groups denies the credibility of The Bible or God--it is because they do not want to live a righteous life. By refusing to acknowledge moral values, they exempt themselves from the consequences of disobedience--they think.

When people violate or ignore "man's laws" there are consequences when caught and man's law states, "ignorance of the law is not an excuse to violate it" and fines or the consequences for breaking the law must be paid. What the rebellious have forgotten is that most of "man's laws" were based on biblical principles. And now that lawmakers are changing laws, they think they are changing God's principles, but when the consequences come due, they will understand that ignorance of God's principles is not an excuse to ignore them or violate them. For those who have the mind of Christ, look around at our society right now and see the destruction already coming upon the land and know that when it's over, God will have pronounced His judgment upon all because we refused to hear and obey.

What can we--who know God--do? We can continue to pray. "If my people, who are called by my name, would humble themselves and pray, turn from their wicked ways, and seek my face, then will I hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal the land" (2 Chronicles 7:14). The Believers must act with wisdom and follow God's instructions--love Him and love others, and promote the Gospel of Jesus Christ by our actions.  We must become the true ambassadors in order to save the lost. When we think we lack wisdom in doing the will of God, we must ask Him for more wisdom and He won't think less of us when we do.

Before the trumpet sounds, we must make sure we have built our faith on a solid foundation and know without a doubt, we have attained the right to enter into our eternal place of rest, to be with The Lord. When we listen to God, we have no need to fear what the enemy might do because the enemy is already defeated for those who know and hear God.

Help us O God, to always hear You and obey!