By Deaconness Crissy Johns
The year 2023 has come and gone by so quickly. Seems like we were just 2020 dealing with COVID-19 and all of the problems associated with illness, the vaccines, death, loneliness, and isolation. Going into 2024, it’s a New Year, a new walk, living life at our best with God guiding us on the right path. We need to walk in wisdom - “GOD’s Wisdom”. There is no other way to go into 2024 without having GOD’s wisdom. Now, there are many scriptures in the Bible that teach you about walking in wisdom. It’s amazing the wisdom GOD gives us through Solomon in the Book of Proverbs. It’s the perfect guide whether you are a new or seasoned Christian looking to refresh your walk- in wisdom. Proverbs is a full guide to God’s wisdom, from parenting, marriage, and even trials and tribulations.
Now with that being said, let’s get a head start by reading Proverbs 1:1-33 (New Century Version-NCV).
The Importance of Proverbs
1 These are the wise words of Solomon, son of David, king of Israel. 2 They teach wisdom and self-control; they will help you understand wise words. 3 They will teach you how to be wise and self-controlled and will teach you to do what is honest, fair, and right. 4 They make the uneducated smarter and give knowledge and sense to the young. 5 Wise people can also listen and learn; even smart people can find good advice in these words. 6 Then anyone can understand wise words and stories, the words of the wise, and their riddles. 7 Knowledge begins with respect for the LORD, but fools hate wisdom and self-control. In Proverbs verses 1 through 7, GOD gives us wisdom through the author Solomon who teaches us the importance of Proverbs. Some immense benefits and goals can be gained from seeking the wisdom found in Proverbs. GOD says to fear no one and true wisdom comes first by the word of GOD. Now let’s read through verses 8-19. Remember this is just a summary of how GOD shows us that walking in wisdom is a journey we should all be on going into 2024.
Now Solomon shares more with Verses 8-19.
Warnings Against Evil
8 My child, listen to your father’s teaching and do not forget your mother’s advice. 9 Their teaching will be like flowers in your hair or a necklace around your neck. 10 My child, if sinners try to lead you into sin, do not follow them. 11 They will say, ‘Come with us. Let’s ambush and kill someone; let’s attack some innocent people just for fun. 12 Let’s swallow them alive, as death does; let’s swallow them whole, as the grave does. 13 We will take all kinds of valuable things and fill our houses with stolen goods. 14 Come join us, and we will share with you stolen goods. 15 My child, do not go along with them; do not do what they do.16 They are eager to do evil and are quick to kill. 17 It is useless to spread out a net right where the birds can see it. 18 But sinners will fall into their traps; they will only catch themselves! 19 All greedy people end up this way; greed kills selfish people.
This scripture of Proverbs has much to say about responsibilities, advice, and wisdom for parenting and teaching children about discipline and obedience.
Verses 20-33 Wisdom Speaks
20 Wisdom is like a woman shouting in the street; she raises her voice in the city squares. 21 She cries in the noisy street and shouts at the city gates: 22 You fools, how long will you be foolish? How long will you make fun of wisdom and hate knowledge? 23 If only you had listened when I corrected you, I would have told you what’s in my heart; I would have told you what I am thinking. 24 I called, but you refused to listen; I held out my hand, but you paid no attention. 25 You did not follow my advice and did not listen when I corrected you. 26 So I will laugh when you are in trouble. I will make fun when disaster strikes you, 27 When disaster comes over you like a storm when trouble strikes you like a whirlwind when pain and trouble overwhelm you. 28 Then you call to me, but I will not answer. You will look for me. 29 It is because you rejected knowledge and did not choose to respect the LORD. 30 You did not accept my advice, and you rejected my correction. 31 So you get what you deserve; you will get what is planned for others. 32 Fools will get because they refuse to listen; they will be destroyed because they do not care. 33 But those who listen to me will live safely and be at peace, without fear of injury.
Wow! The end of this scripture is so powerful! It speaks of Lady Wisdom. The cry of wisdom shows the patience and compassion of GOD. This shows us that we should not ignore or neglect GOD’s wisdom. We would be foolish to do so. See, GOD wants us to receive His wisdom, apply it to our lives, share it, obey it, and trust in it. This is the perfect time to start a fresh walk in wisdom. Once you do, GOD pours out His spirit on you, allowing you to understand His wisdom and your walk. Those who don’t accept GOD’s truth would be naïve and foolish to try to accept His wisdom. Proverbs is a great way to begin your walk into 2024, filled with wisdom. I hope and pray you take the time to read and study the Book of Proverbs. Proverbs guide us into the new year full of wisdom, understanding, and power. Having the confidence to do the will of GOD, accomplish goals, decision making, and overcome obstacles and distractions. So let Proverbs be your guide into 2024. Open your heart, mind, and spirit to what Solomon says to us about the wisdom of GOD. There is so much in Proverbs and like I said, there are other scriptures that teach wisdom in the Bible but Proverbs is for me! I hope this will encourage and inspire you.
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