Proverbs 3.13-18

Proverbs 3:13–18 “13 Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding, 14 for the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold. 15 She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her. 16 Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. 17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. 18 She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her; those who hold her fast are called blessed.”

Studies have consistently shown that being smart does not always mean you will be successful.

Here the writer of Proverbs describes another kind of smarts. The bible calls it wisdom. Sometimes we think that having or controlling the information will make us look better in others eyes or can make us happy. But wisdom is more than knowing the truth. Or even making decisions based on accurate data. Wisdom is the ability to make good decisions based on sometimes incomplete or imperfect information.

We should strive to apply God’s wisdom to every area of our lives. Money, health, sexuality, politics. But more importantly to the relationships in our lives. At home, church and at work.

This last type of wisdom is called relational wisdom. And that is our ability to discern emotions, interest and abilities in both ourselves and others. And to interpret it in light of God’s Word and use it manage our responses and relationships in a healthy way.

So as we both sing and listen to the message this morning. Let us worship with wisdom resting in God’s providence that even though we don’t have things figured out. He does! And His wisdom is there to help use respond.