“A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength” (Proverbs 24:5).
TEXT — Proverbs 24:1-20
Message
The book of Proverbs gives profound insights into living a life of wisdom and righteousness. The collection of wise sayings in the book offers guidance on avoiding common mistakes, pursuing wisdom, and understanding the consequences of wickedness. Today’s passage teaches many of such nuggets on wise living and freedom from folly.
The opening verses warn us to avoid envy, choose our companions wisely, seek godly counsel, and build our lives with wisdom and understanding. It’s often tempting to look at the prosperity of ungodly people and be envious, but we must not overlook the fact that their path leads to perdition. Many believers get discouraged by the apparent success of the wicked. It appears that when we choose to do right in our corrupt society, we always receive the short end of the stick. However, instead of comparing ourselves with the wicked, true wisdom demands that we build our lives on the foundation of obedience to God’s word, living with integrity and righteousness. Trusting in God’s justice, we are sure the wicked will receive their due retribution, and the righteous will shine in God’s kingdom.
God calls us to live righteously and surround ourselves with people who love righteousness and truth. We must avoid intimacy with wicked folks or desire their company because their hearts plot violence and their lips boast about making trouble. Undue closeness to evil people opens us up to their ungodly influence and makes us liable to God’s judgment. The Scripture teaches that evil communications corrupt good manners. The passage also encourages us not to falter but stand firm in times of trouble. Adversity is a test of our strength and faith. Our strength is small if we give up easily. Therefore, we must trust in the Lord and persevere whatever the challenges we face.
Wisdom for the wicked is to repent and desist from attacking the righteous, knowing that grave consequences await the unrepentant. On the other hand, believers should remember that rescuing the perishing is our primary duty. We see sinners around us everywhere we go, and we know the doom awaiting them; we cannot claim ignorance. Wisdom in this regard is that we should preach the gospel to them and deliver them from eternal death. Believers who win souls are wise indeed.
Thought for the day
Wisdom, truth, and righteousness belong to the same family.
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.
What a great spiritual teachings!