We read in (Proverbs 9:10): “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” My friends, godly wisdom begins by having a healthy reverence for the Lord. But in order to maintain godly wisdom we must be willing to obey God at all times. Albert Barnes said it well: “There is nothing more foolish than an act of wickedness; there is no wisdom equal to that of obeying God.”1
To me obedience to God is the ultimate test of wisdom. And the reason I say this is because of what we gain from obtaining godly wisdom. In yesterday’s devotion I shared (Proverbs 3:13-15): “Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her.” You see God wants to bless us and while salvation is a free gift, the blessings of God comes from leading a life of obedience to His ways and His will. As one reads (Proverbs 3) we see that true wisdom brings a treasure trove of benefits to those who make seeking it their life’s pursuit.
Consider the following blessings that godly wisdom will provide:
Wisdom will prolong your life
(Proverbs 3:2) states: “For length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you.” As with all proverbs these are not automatic sayings that will always be fulfilled. However, all things equal, they have a greater likelihood that they will come true. Wisdom here is keeping God’s commandments and when we do we will live a longer life because we will handle stress better, have more peace, and a host of other life-prolonging attitudes and behaviors.
Wisdom will bring you prosperity
(Proverbs 3:10) states: “So your barns will be filled with plenty and your vats will overflow with new wine.” This verse comes right after verse 9 which says to “honor the Lord from your wealth…” True wisdom knows that God is the source of all blessings, including financial ones. And wisdom knows to give back to the Lord and you will be blessed. It is a spiritual law that when you give you get blessed.
Wisdom will win you favor with God and man
(Proverbs 3:4) states: “And so find favor and high esteem in the sight of God and man.” Godly wisdom was something Solomon asked God for so he could rightly govern his people and as a result God was so pleased with his request that He added wealth and so much more. And man may not always agree with someone who possesses true wisdom but he usually will respect you because your decisions will be based on the soundest judgment possible.
Wisdom will bring you health
(Proverbs 3:8) states: “It will be health to your flesh, and strength to your bones.” This comes right after we read in verse 7: “…Fear the Lord and depart from evil.” In this context fear means reverent awe and obedience. As we reverence and obey God and depart from wrongdoing God promises us health. And this makes so much sense since we will be in communion with God which is the healthiest thing anyone could ever do. Also, as we depart from evil we will usually avoid a host of dangers to our health and well-being.
Wisdom will bring happiness
(Proverbs 3:18) states: “She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her, and happy are all who retain her.” When you have real godly wisdom, you will have a great chance to live a longer life, to prosper, to find favor with God and man, and experience good health; both mentally and physically. With all of these benefits it’s no wonder you can feel happy.
Wisdom will shower you with peace
(Proverbs 3:17) states: “Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.” When you have wisdom and are walking with the Lord, God promises you wonderful peace. So many people want peace but never seem to find it. For the Christian peace is just another by-product of doing the right thing. (Philippians 4:6-7) shares this thought so powerfully. I pray as we end this devotion you will meditate on this incredible opportunity to find peace that is truly out of this world: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”