“For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; 7 he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity, 8 guarding the paths of justice and watching over the way of his saints.” Proverbs 2:6-8
Have you ever opened up your Bible and wondered to yourself, How do I grasp what I’m reading? How do I take what I’m reading and apply it to my everyday living? Well, by God’s amazing grace, He promises to give us wisdom as we seek Him and leads us to live it out each day on display for the world. Not only do we see God being faithful to this promise as we open up the stories in the Bible, but we see this faithfulness unfolding within the walls of our hearts and homes, too.
I’ve spent a lot of time recently in the beginning chapters of Proverbs. They teach us so much about the value of seeking God’s heart and desiring His wisdom above all else. He teaches us this not only for ourselves but for the purpose that we would share this wisdom with others. The Lord tells us in Isaiah 2:1-5, “My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you, making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God."
We see plainly spelled out for us in these opening verses of Proverbs 2 that God desires for us to receive His words and treasure His commands. By doing this we will begin to grasp what God desires for our lives and how to live out our faith in a world that seems upside down most of the time. He tells us when we make our ears attentive to His wisdom and when we long for His understanding, our hearts will hunger and thirst all the more for what He offers us through a committed relationship with Him.
He tells us that “if we call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding”, we will understand and find the knowledge of the Lord. How amazing is that? God paints us an incredible picture in Proverbs 2, He shows us that this journey with Him will be one that calls us to obedience but also a journey where we will be gifted wisdom in Christ.
As I prayed through those beginning scriptures, I couldn't help but continue to see what God says in verses 6-8, “For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity, guarding the paths of justice and watching over the way of his saints.” Another set of promises that change the way we live and help us cling to the truth that He is faithful as we seek Him with our whole hearts.
So, lean in and listen. Be attentive to the Lord and what He’s doing in your life. Make time for Him, seek His wisdom, and choose His ways over the world. He is a good Father, and He wants a deep relationship with you.
Father, thank you for the gift of your Word and your desire to be in relationship with us. On the days when I struggle to understand, help me to pause and seek you. Remind me that seeking you and your heart is what you desire most of me as I live to please you! Quiet my mind, and soften my heart, speak to me, Lord! In Jesus' name, amen.
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Ryan McVay
Chelsey is the voice behind the Living with Less Podcast and author of the 52-week devotional More of Him, Less of Me: Living a Christ-centered Life in a Me-centered World. She writes devotions for Lifeway Women's Journey Magazine, Crosswalk.com, and iBelieve.com. She also writes Bible reading plans for the YouVersion Bible App. Chelsey lives in Ohio with her husband and two children. You can connect with her on Instagram @chelseydematteis and at her website ChelseyDeMatteis.com.
Looking for authentic conversations about how to deal with body image, insecurity, and comparison issues as a Christian woman? The Compared to Who? Podcast is the show for you! Twice a week, we tackle tough topics like dieting, disordered eating, weight loss, aging, body dysmorphia, and more from a practical, grace-filled, gospel-centered perspective.
Originally published Wednesday, 14 February 2024.
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