I was reading Proverbs today. It has 31 chapters so it is convenient to study a different chapter every day of the month. (I just read additional chapters to make up for those pesky months with less than 31 days.)
Today’s chapter began with this verse: “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.”
James elaborated on this by saying: “How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog — it’s here a little while, then it’s gone.”
Hmmm . . . This does not mean we should not prepare for tomorrow, rather we should not presume we will have a tomorrow. Matthew Henry wrote: “The frailty, shortness, and uncertainty of life, ought to check the vanity and presumptuous confidence of all projects for futurity. We can fix the hour and minute of the sun’s rising and setting tomorrow, but we cannot fix the certain time of a vapor being scattered. So short, unreal, and fading is human life, and all the prosperity or enjoyment that attends it… We are always to depend on the will of God. Our times are not in our own hands, but at the disposal of God. Our heads may be filled with cares and contrivances for ourselves, or our families, or our friends; but Providence often throws our plans into confusion. All we design, and all we do, should be with submissive dependence on God. It is foolish, and it is hurtful, to boast of worldly things and aspiring projects . . .
I get a lot out of studying Proverbs. It is referred to as the “Book of Wisdom”. It was written by King Solomon, son of King David and Bathsheba. In 1 Kings 3:3, Solomon was described as follows: “Solomon loved the LORD, walking in the acts of David his father.” One night, the Lord appeared to Solomon and said, “Ask what I shall give you.” In response, Solomon answered, “Give your servant an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?”
If you were asked by God to give you anything you wanted, would you ask for wisdom or would you ask for wealth, power, and fame the idols of this world?
The passage then states, “It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this” (1 Kings 3:10). He wanted wisdom in order to govern God’s people wisely. It turned out to be exactly what the Lord wanted to hear. God responded to Solomon’s request for wisdom in typical God fashion by promising not one but three different gifts.
The first is the wisdom Solomon had asked for: “I now do according to your word. Behold, I give you a wise and discerning mind, so that none like you has been before you and none like you shall arise after you.”
The second gift God gave Solomon was wealth and fame: “I give you also what you have not asked, both riches and honor, so that no other king shall compare with you, all your days” (1 Kings 3:13).
The third gift God gave him was conditional — a long life based on Solomon’s obedience: “And if you will walk in my ways, keeping my statutes and my commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your days” (1 Kings 3:14).
The first two gifts were unconditional. Solomon became known as a man of great wisdom and as a king of great wealth and influence. But was Solomon known as an obedient king who experienced a long life? By the grace of God, Solomon reigned for 40 years, a long period for one king to reign. However, Solomon’s obedience was mixed. He had many wives and concubines, including foreigners who influenced him to sacrifice to their gods. His great wealth also contributed to unwise excesses. Solomon began well, as his humble request for wisdom shows, but he later disobeyed God. Solomon was spared more severe punishment for the sake of his father, David. (1 Kings 11:11–12)
Thankfully this amazing king who had received such amazing gifts not the least of which was wisdom felt it was necessary to write down what he understood and pass it on to others for their benefit. The result of his efforts was the Book of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes. He also wrote the Song of Solomon.
Read what he wrote concerning his gifts:
“Happy is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding; For her proceeds are better than the profits of silver, and her gain than FINE GOLD.” (Proverbs 3:13-14)
I am no Solomon but I can guarantee I’ve found the same to be true in my life.
Do you want wisdom?
James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.
Seek and it will be given to you and you can begin by studying Proverbs today; it is God’s great gift to all of humanity.
Proverbs 2:6
God delights to give wisdom to those who truly seek it
April 27 2017 – Click here to listen