The Principal Thing in Life
I’m reading the words of the wisest of all men of all time this morning. I wish that I had the patience to memorize scripture in the way I have seen a few others do. I have friends who can spout scripture like someone turned the faucet of wisdom on in their mind, it just flows!!! I can quote a few and God certainly and very graciously brings scriptures to my mind at opportune times, or at least enough bits and pieces of it that helps me make sense of the situation. But I wish that I could memorize an entire book. And if I did, I believe I would start with the book of Proverbs. Oh how I wish it was taught in public schools, and to the educators who are there! I believe we’d live in a different world if it were. It wouldn’t guarantee that everyone who was taught it would be good, but it sure wouldn’t hurt. Solomon’s words, inspired by God, bring such peace to the soul…. Or conviction, depending upon where you’re at. And although his sons, for whom the first seven chapters were written to, didn’t take heed of their pap’s advice, that still doesn’t take away from the depth and goodness of the knowledge for living.
Wisdom is The Principal Thing
That’s what Solomon Said.
Proverbs 4:7-15 KJV
[7] Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.
Wisdom leads to understanding and understanding is the method of applying the wisdom that you’ve learned. I know some very, very wise people, who don’t have the sense to stay out of the fires of Hell. Just because you’re an educated individual, doesn’t mean you’re the best person in life to instruct others. By the same token, a person of limited intelligence can teach us a life lesson of great depth with just a few words, sometimes without words.
Wisdom and understanding do not come easy for me. What does come easy for me is a drive for attention getting shiny things and a passion for a cause. It is then that I will latch on with both hands and seek the understanding that is necessary to make a difference, or the knowledge of how the shiny thing works for entertainment. I can be both deep and very shallow. But when it comes to living a life fulfilled, the child of God must obtain the wisdom of God… it is the Prinicipal thing.
Wisdom Will Promote You to Honor
[8] Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her. [9] She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace: a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee.
A crown of Glory – – That is some serious bling! I love that God refers to wisdom in the female form. I’ll just leave that there without commentary… I just thought it was pretty cool. That crown of glory is not an earthly crown, there is no glory to be obtained here on earth that’s worth anything, unless it points to God. We’re not striving for earthly accolades, or at least we shouldn’t be. I’m not above appreciating when someone compliments me or does something for me for a job well done. Encouraging one another is good, especially since the world we live in can be very discouraging! Regardless if you work in a secular field of work, you’re a student or you’re in the ministry, all that you do should end to the glory of God. If you’re baking a loaf of bread, God should receive the glory for the flour, yeast, water, eggs, and above all the butter. 🧈🤣. If you have written an award winning novel, God should get the glory for the wisdom He provided you to write it. If you’re a skilled craftsman (or woman), you should give God the Glory for your fingers and imagination that allows you to create! Glory to God He is so good to us.
But in the list of seven things that God says He hates in Proverbs 6:16-19 many of them factor into people’s having too much wisdom for their own good:
[16] These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: [17] A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, [18] An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, [19] A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.
In the same manner that wisdom will promote you to honor, using it outside the will and glory of God will plummet you to the depths of Hell. The reason most people are not saved and serving God is pride. They’ve believed the lies of the Devil when he tells them they’re just fine and awesome.
Wisdom is the Pathway for Life
[10] Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings; and the years of thy life shall be many. [11] I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths. [12] When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; and when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble. [13] Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life.
When I began the road of salvation in 1996, my wisdom content might have filled a thimble. I won’t boast of great wisdom today. But I will boast of this, because it has nothing to do with me! My life began anew in 1996. Prior to that I was miserable, scared and filled with disappointment in myself. And then I met Jesus. Glory to God what a day. Little by little and day by day through the discipling of God’s people in a good church I began to grow in grace and confidence. I stood on a platform one night and sang my first song titled “When He Hung the Moon.” Nobody was shocked any greater than myself when I wasn’t half bad. The saints encouraged me and I began getting invitations to sing and God blessed me in a way that I had never been. I knew I was not the greatest singer, but I knew I served the Great God. God continued to fill me with understanding on how His wisdom played a purpose in my life for sharing the Word of God. I became a speaker and writer and again… I knew I wasn’t the greatest, but He was!
The same is true for every soul on earth. God created you for a purpose. But the heart of man is (according to scripture) wicked.
Jeremiah 17:9
The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?
Wisdom Can Be Wicked
[14] Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. [15] Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away.
Solomon’s advice to his children was not to even walk close to the paths of the wicked, because once you start down a path, there may never be a branch off of it. There’s a video that I have used so many times in the ministry and it never gets old. It’s called “Just a Little Bit”’ by the Skit Guys. They nailed the idea of how being exposed to just a little bit of wickedness can be very bad.
My life is far from perfect, and I am far from the wisest person you know. But I know Jesus. I have the sweetest peace in my life. I know God’s purpose for myself and I am so thankful for the day in 1996 when I went to the altar and asked Jesus to save me. And He and I began walking the pathway of life together. And when I get close to wicked wisdom… there’s tug on my heart where Jesus says… “That ain’t your path.” I pray you know Him.
