“For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it” (Proverbs 8:11).
TEXT — Proverbs 8:9-14
Vade mecum is Latin for “go with me”. In popular parlance today, it signifies an object or handbook one carries about to remind him or her of appointments or schedules that must not be missed. The item or document accompanies them everywhere they go, the same way a person’s shadow is ever present with them. They are inseparable. For some, Vade mecum is a small manual where you note solemn promises you need to fulfil. It is always in their pocket or handbag.
The book of Proverbs is more precious than any man-made Vade mecum. It drops divine wisdom whose value is priceless. It declares that the discernment we receive in the word of God is “better than…silver… (and) choice gold…and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it”. It cannot be otherwise. Jesus Christ, the Messiah and King of kings is Himself the Wisdom Proverbs refers to. Man needs to go with His word everywhere he goes.
Mankind has scored great goals in medicine, science and technology, especially in our era. And there are moves for more achievements. However, we can only fully enjoy these benefits if we moderate or balance these attainments with wise counsel from God’s inspired Scriptures to guide us. Relying on our efforts independent of Christ, is akin to resting on sinking sand; earthly wisdom is as ephemeral as the world itself.
The conclusion is that crisis-wracked humanity needs Christ, the Wisdom of God, more than all the riches and material accomplishments in place. Man’s obsession with these as the panacea for his problems will lead to more crisis. Christ’s word, wisdom, will and way must be our Vade mecum, to take us out of the wilderness of perdition our rebellion against heaven has landed us.
Thought for the day
Not factoring Christ into our affairs amounts to prospecting for crisis.
Listed among “500 most powerful people on the planet” by the Foreign Policy magazine in 2013, Pastor (Dr.) William F. Kumuyi is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry (DCLM) headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria. DCLM started in 1973 as a 15-member Bible study group right in Kumuyi’s apartment at University of Lagos where he was a lecturer. His revolutionary Bible teaching on personal holiness and commitment to evangelism soon gained so much traction and resulted in a widespread revival.
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