The Wisdom of a Happy Man

As parents we want to impart to our children things that will make life rich and full    for them.  We want them to be happy.  That is the age old desire of mankind.  We may have failed here or there and learned some sad lessons. We want our children to avoid those ways and walk in a path that will lead them to happiness.  The Book of Proverbs begins with just this idea and the Book of Ecclesiastes ends that way.  At the start of Proverbs Solomon is speaking from his own point of view.  By chapter 8, however, he is using a symbolic speaker.  Wisdom herself is now addressing the reader and says, “Blessed (happy) is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors.”

Solomon began Proverbs by saying “Get wisdom”.  Then wisdom speaks and says that those who find her will be happy people.  But where do we find wisdom?  In chapter 2 Solomon tells us that the Lord gives wisdom out of His mouth.  Therefore, the first place to look for wisdom is to look to God.  Chapter 9 of Proverbs tells us that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.  Once again wisdom starts with God.  But this wisdom is not for those who don’t believe the God who offers it.  Proverbs tells us that the scoffer will not find wisdom.  The New Testament tells us that the scoffer is one who denies the truth of God’s word.  God and His word are the foundation of all wisdom.

The benefits of wisdom are truly such as should make everyone happy who has it.  The Proverbs tell us that it is better than rubies.  Have you priced rubies lately?  Wisdom is valuable for us to make us understand how to relate to both God and men.  The application of this valuable commodity will preserve us from many sorrows of life including financial ruin. That is one of the constant refrains from the Proverbs.  A good relationship with God, with family, with employers, with friends and even with enemies can be gained by wisdom.  There is richness indeed in being wise; wisdom that will make us happy.

A happy end on earth is sought, by riches it cannot be bought

By labors is cannot be won, for they may fail e’er day is done

By friends in pow’r we seek its gain, but those who seek will find it vain

Its source on earth cannot be found, by God in heav’n it’s handed down

So seek it from its wellspring there, with humble heart and humble prayer

Rejoice that God gives it in love to all who seek it from above   

 

 

 

Visit my website at www.davidccraig.net for inspiring Christian books.  Coming this month is my newest book Taking Care of Joe.  This is the story of a caregiver for an Alzheimer’s patient.  See how God adds His grace in the face of this horrible disease and how living a life of love is living a life NOT interrupted.  You may also find some of my selected daily devotions at FEBC.org.  FEBC is a vital missionary outreach to many countries that are closed to traditional missionary work.