Wisdom

I was inspired to talk to you about wisdom. Being at work I couldn't get my hand on my reference books so for the first time I'm going to have to "wing it" and use my own words instead of someone else ideas and thoughts. To G-d be the glory. (Prov. 3:7)
"The fear of the L-rd is the beginning (or some translations say the "best part") of knowledge." (Prov. 1:7) The beginning of knowledge, meaning the more you reverence or fear G-D the more knowledgeable you could become.
"You eat the fruit of your ways" (Prov. 1:31) once again, you reap what you sow. So it is very important to acknowledge G-D in ALL your ways and He will make your paths smooth. (Prov. 3:6) ALL means every little detail of your life - not with just the big things, but G-D wants you to discuss all (big and little) details of your life and have you go to him for direction before you act. The promise then is He will make your path smooth.
I don't know about you but my life has been a very bumpy road because I usually act before I think and didn't want to bother G-D with little things I could handle on my own.
Then G-D goes on to say if you listen to him you will dwell in safety, untroubled by the terror of misfortune. (Prov. 1:33) Do you feel like misfortune just keeps coming your way - when it rains it pours. Could it be your not listening good enough?
"If you accept my words". If leaves room for choice. Didn't say you have to or you even must, but "if you accept - and treasure up G-D's commandments." (Prov. 2:1-5) Now we all learn and some memorized the 10 commandments when we were little, but do we put much focus on them today. Do we meditate on them and treasure them or are they a thing of the past and not of much importance today?
"If you make your ear attentive to wisdom." (Prov. 2:2) That states action on your part - you need to tune your ears in. "Those that have ears let them hear" (Matt. 11:15) speaks of spiritual deafness. What are you listening to? Are your ears tuned into G-D's wisdom? "And your mind open to discernment." (Prov. 2:2) Once again you need to get you mind open. Open to what? Open to discernment. Is goes on in verse 3 to say that you are to call out for understanding and cry aloud for discernment. In many different camp grounds, people smile and nod at everything they hear. They are like sheep, just following the herd. G-D didn't mean for us to be puppets but gave us individual choices and personalities. It's our responsibility to open our ears to Him directly for wisdom, treasuring His commandments in our hearts. We are to call for understanding and cry aloud (not silently but aloud) for discernment. Sometimes people run to their local pastor for every little thing. Yes, they are there to help and guide you but G-D wants you to turn to Him first and have a one on one relationship with you as an individual.
Verse 4 tells us to SEEK and SEARCH for it.
Verse 5 explains the results of your active part: "Then you WILL UNDERSTAND the fear of the L-rd and ATTAIN KNOWLEDGE of G-D"
This is His promise in verse 6; "The L-rd GIVES wisdom; out of his mouth cometh knowledge, and understanding." This is his decree.
Can G-D lie? It's His word folks. We do our part and He smooth out the way and just showers us with blessings. He promises in His word in verses 7-12, "He reserves ABILITY for the upright and is a SHIELD for those who live blamelessly. He will GUARD the path and PROTECT the way. Wisdom will enter, knowledge will delight, foresight will protect, discernment will guard and it will save you from the evil way of man."
Well, I hope you are getting a little excited about now! Prov. 3:13-18 is a fact: "Happy is the man who finds wisdom, attains understanding. Wisdom had great value; in her right hand is length of days, in her left, riches and honor. Wisdom's ways are pleasant, the path peaceful. Wisdom is like a tree of life to those who grasp her, and whoever holds on to her is happy."
"It gives life to your spirit and grace to your throat. Then will you go on your way safely and not injure your feet, will be unafraid, sleep peaceful; no disaster or sudden terror." (Prov. 3:22-26)
I hope this has been a blessing to you and leave with this; "Follow the ways of the good and keep the paths of the just," (Prov. 2:20) "For the L-rd will be your trust," (Prov. 3:26) "G-D says I instruct you in the way of wisdom, I guide you in straight courses!" (Prov. 4:11)