Have you ever encountered a situation where you just didn’t know what to do? The downside of learning as we go is that we don’t always know the answers. However, there are moments of significant life transitions or relational conflict where doing the wrong thing can leave lasting consequences. So how can we discern the best way forward when we’re confused? God tells us throughout the book of Proverbs that we need to seek wisdom. When we do, we will receive great blessings.
Though we desperately need the wisdom to discern good choices, that doesn’t always mean the right choice is the most gratifying. Sometimes it feels good to do what we want and face the negative consequences later. In a fight, sometimes it feels good to lash out and make an angry remark. When making a big life decision, sometimes we want to throw caution to the wind and take the selfish path. Afterward, though, making foolish choices always leads to regret. God wants what is best for us, which is why He’s given us directions to follow. When we seek wisdom and follow His path, we bear the good fruit of righteous living.
Those who seek wisdom receive God’s presence.
Proverbs 8:17 states, “I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently find me.”
When people seek God, He never leaves them hanging. Instead, He promises in the Bible that those who seek Him will find Him. James 4:8 reiterates this by saying, “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.”
As you seek wisdom, He will give you the best blessing of all: Himself. It’s easy to skim right past Proverbs 8:17, looking for more tangible results of wisdom, but He doesn’t want us to miss this. The blessing of God himself is the best part. Wisdom is a natural result when we have His presence with us and in us. The ministry of presence from Christ makes it easier to go against our selfish human nature and sinful hearts. So are you actually seeking God for wisdom and spending time in His presence?
Matthew 7:7 says, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.”
When you look deeper into the original Greek in which these verses were written, you learn that the verbs are written in the present iterative tense. This means they are repetitive. We are told to ask and keep on asking; seek and keep on seeking; knock and keep on knocking. When we do this diligently, we will seek and receive the presence of the Lord.
The presence of Christ in Paul’s life gave him the strength to be in prison. In Philippians, the presence of Christ allowed him to have joy even though he was waiting for a trial to pronounce him guilty and to take his life from him.
In Acts chapter seven, the presence of Christ gave Stephen hope while the stones were being thrown to kill him.
Are you practicing the presence of Christ in your life? He provides the hope you need to get through life. Are you waking up every day yearning to spend time with Him?
Those who seek wisdom receive wealth and riches.
Proverbs 8:18 says, “Riches and honor are with me, enduring wealth and righteousness.”
Not everyone who lives a wise life will become rich. Any preacher who promises health, wealth, and prosperity is not looking at the whole counsel of God. However, increasing wealth tends to follow when you live a wise life. Foolish people spend all their money on frivolous things, which keeps them from accumulating any money. Solomon gives a lot of advice about how to handle money wisely, especially in Proverbs.
First, he teaches to save money, which will help you stay out of debt. He teaches how to work for God and not yourself, which will help you learn generosity and invest in the Kingdom. He also teaches how to accumulate wealth to take care of your family and leave a legacy. Some examples of verses in Proverbs with this type of advice include:
- Proverbs 3:9: “Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce.”
- Proverbs 10:4: “Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth.”
- Proverbs 12:11: “Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.”
- Proverbs 14:21: “The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.”
Of course, Proverbs also speaks against greed because money can quickly become an idol. When you strive to live wisely and aim to please God with your finances rather than hoarding cash for yourself, He will bless you and provide for your needs.
Those who seek wisdom bear the fruit of righteousness.
Proverbs 8:19-21 goes on to say, “My fruit is better than gold, even fine gold, and my yield than choice silver. I walk in the way of righteousness, in the paths of justice, granting an inheritance to those who love me, and filling their treasuries.”
Better than any physical riches are the riches of righteousness. When you live in tune with God’s will, He will bless you and those around you. The fruit borne from righteousness provides a testimony to the world watching that there’s something different about you. You don’t fly off the handle when your employee messes up. You don’t abandon your kids to spend the weekend gambling. You don’t intentionally dishonor people just to get ahead. Instead, your kindness, patience, selflessness, humility, and love will help people know Jesus through you.
Is that what people see when they look at you? Do they see Christ in you? If not, it’s an excellent time to seek wisdom and spend more time in Christ’s presence. He will help you live a righteous life that makes people think, “Jesus looks good on them!”
Next Steps
People are always watching you. Your employees and coworkers watch how you respond to frustrating customers. Your kids are watching to see if their tantrum makes you yell at them harshly. The fruit you’re producing should reflect Christ’s character. What does this look like practically?
Love God
If wisdom is a natural result when we spend time in God’s presence, we need to set aside intentional time to seek Him. If you don’t set aside time in your schedule, it will be easy to let days or weeks go by without reading your Bible or spending quality time in prayer. Set a reminder on your phone right now to spend a specific time with God tomorrow.
Love People
Luke chapter ten tells the story of the Good Samaritan. He went out of his way, even when it wasn’t convenient or comfortable, to help a man in need. When was the last time you showed kindness when it wasn’t convenient or made you uncomfortable? Jesus tells us to love our neighbor as we love ourselves and even love our enemies. It’s hard to do, but this is the ultimate fruit borne out of seeking wisdom and living a righteous life.
Proverbs is filled with tons of advice, but when you break it down to the heart behind each proverb, it is simple. If you love God and love people, you will be walking in the way of wisdom, and God will bless you.
