Each week we feature a devotional, book review or testimony ~ a “Devotional Spotlight”, written by a woman in our ministry. Today’s devotional on wisdom comes from one of our gifted Bible Study teachers, Eleanor Lewis.
When told Solomon was the wisest man on earth, a little boy said, “But Solomon had 700 wives and 300 porcupines. That doesn’t seem very wise to me!” ‘Wisdom’ means ‘skill for living’ and Solomon wrote three wisdom books to give us skill to live godly lives in an ungodly world.
Solomon was a young man when he became king. When God asked what Solomon wanted God to give him, Solomon said, “I am but a little child…..so give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people to discern between good and evil.” I Kings 3:5-9
# 1 Wisdom: Wisdom (skill for living) comes from the Lord but we must ask for it and seek it.
“The Lord gives wisdom. How blessed (happy) is the man who finds it.” Proverbs 2:6, 3:13
“If you lack wisdom ask of God who gives to all generously.” James 1:5
Song of Solomon
Solomon wrote Song of Solomon when he was young and in love. It gives wisdom for marriage showing the pleasure and oneness in marital intimacy. If your marriage has become dry, apply the wisdom in this book. We’re reminded to think about what we admire in a person and not what annoys us. When first married, Solomon and his bride complimented one another but ‘after a wedding, comes a marriage!‘ After a conflict they continued to compliment, thinking on things that are true, pure, lovely, honorable and worthy of praise. (Philippians 4:8)
#2 Wisdom: It is said, women can become both ‘hysterical and historical’. We keep a record of wrongs, however, remembering the positive reminds us why we married them.
#3 Wisdom: If you are single, don’t settle but wait for God’s best mate! Solomon says, his bride’s ‘garden was locked’ until she married him. (Song of Solomon 4:12) She waited and was blessed.
Proverbs
Solomon wrote Proverbs in his middle age giving his son wisdom for living.
#4 Wisdom for Words: Words can heal or hurt, build up or tear down.
“Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord” (Proverbs 12:22)
“A constant dripping on a rainy day and a contentious woman are alike.” (Proverbs 27:15)
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” (Proverbs 18:21)
“Pleasant (kind) words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. (Proverbs 16:24)
#5 Wisdom for Marriage: Be Faithful
“…rejoice in the wife (husband) of your youth…Be exhilarated always with her love. Why should you be exhilarated with an adulteress (stranger)?” (Proverbs 5:18-20)
Actor Paul Newman was asked how he stayed faithful to his wife. He replied, “Why go out for hamburger, when I have steak at home.” Wives must strive to be steak!
#6 Wisdom for Parents: Discipline (correct, train) your children
“He who withholds his rod hates his son but he who loves him disciplines (corrects) him diligently.” (Proverbs 13:24, Hebrews 12)
“God let you hear His voice to discipline you.” (Deuteronomy 4:36a)
God disciplines/teaches/corrects through words. Children must be trained to listen to parents words so they learn to listen to God’s. Why? Because…
“Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child, the rod of discipline (correction) will remove it far from him.” (Proverbs 22:15)
“The rod and correction give wisdom but a child who gets his own way brings shame.” (disappointment) (Proverbs 29:15)
Child abuse is a violation of man’s laws and God’s love. When God speaks of discipline it is always for the purpose of instruction. Discipline with affection!
Ecclesiastes
Written by Solomon in old age after he was not wise enough to obey God totally. The Lord said, don’t associate with pagan women who will turn your heart away from Me; but Solomon married 700 of them and his heart went after their detestable idols. (I Kings 11:1-13) Apparently pride caused him to forget the source of his wisdom so he tried:
Human wisdom: “I set my mind to know wisdom, …this also is striving after wind because…increasing knowledge results in increasing pain.” (Ecclesiastes 1:17-18)
Wine, Women, Pleasure: “to stimulate my body with wine…many concubines” (Ecclesiastes 2:1-3, 8b)
Works, Wealth: “built houses for myself, planted vineyards for myself, made gardens and parks for myself…collected for myself silver and gold…” (Ecclesiastes 2:4-8)
The result of trying all the world has to offer? “So I hated life…” (Ecclesiastes 2:17)
#7 Wisdom (skill) for living: “The conclusion is…fear God and keep His commandments…” (Ecclesiastes 12:13)
Solomon concluded only life in total obedience to God is meaningful.
“The fear of the Lord leads to life, so that one may sleep satisfied, untouched by evil.” (Proverbs 19:23)
