Proverbs 4

<READ PROVERBS 4 ON BIBLE GATEWAY>

When I was growing up, my mom often had to repeat herself over and over again. This was mostly because we weren’t paying attention (sorry mom), but also because she was trying to get her point across to us. I have found myself doing the same thing with the students in our ministry, especially in my small group. There are some things that I want so badly for them to know that I repeat myself time and time again.  When we read Proverbs 4, we can see Solomon doing the same thing because he knows how important wisdom is in his son’s life. Just in the first 7 verses he says “gain insight…get wisdom..get insight..do not forget.. get wisdom.. get insight.” Can you tell this is really important to him?

In verse 7, he says, “The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight.” Pretty straight forward, right? The beginning of wisdom is just to get it. But how do we go about doing that? Is it like osmosis and just by having a Bible in our house we are wise as to how to lead our home in a Christian manner? Maybe you are a student and you think attending a retreat or a couple of church services will give you all the wisdom you need to live a godly life.  But I don’t think I have ever heard a parent tell their kid they only have to go to school one day a week. They wouldn't learn much that way! It takes years of teaching, studying and test taking to become “educated.” So why would becoming wise be any different? I want to challenge each of you to take a few steps in achieving wisdom in whatever situation you are currently in.

First, STUDY God’s word. Don’t just have it by your night stand; open it up. Read it. Look up a commentary on what that verse or chapter means. Actually spend time focusing on how the living, breathing word of God applies to your life right now, for this particular situation.

Secondly, PRAY about it. And I don’t just mean an “oh by the way” kind of prayer. If you need wisdom, guidance, understanding or intervention, get on your knees and truly seek what you are asking for! Be confident in your prayers; be expectant in your prayers. Have faith that the God you are praying to is capable of following through with what you are asking.

               

God wants to give us wisdom. He wants to give us an answer. But he also wants you to get insight as to who he is in the process.  Because once we center our lives around seeking God on a daily basis, we are going to have a better understanding of who he is and what he wants for our lives. We are going to have a deeper love for him and his people. Through this vigilance comes the source of life.  

What verse stands out to you in chapter 4?

Blessings, 

Karlie Berard
Student Ministry Large Group Coordinator