The Book of Proverbs is filled with Solomon’s exhortations for his son to hearken, heed, pursue and obtain wisdom and understanding. No doubt the finest tutors would have attended his children; however, Solomon was conscious that education and knowledge alone would not equip his son to rule Israel as a wise king. Recalling his own father’s exhortations, Solomon challenged his children:
Proverbs 4:5-7 – “Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth. 6 Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee. 7 Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.”
Solomon continues his appeal for his son to value wisdom in our devotional thought today from Proverbs 24.
Proverbs 24:5-6 – “A wise man is strong [mighty; bold; fierce]; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength [power; ability] . 6 For by wise counsel [good advice; guidance] thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellors there is safety [deliverance; victory].”
Our nation places a premium on education, but too often it is the process and not the product that is the catalyst for debate. According to the Federal Education Budget Project, America will spend more than $500 billion on public elementary and secondary education this year. We spend more than ever on education, but a well-funded education system alone cannot produce students who are insightful, discerning and wise. In fact, it is frightening to ponder the future of our nation if parents continue to abdicate their responsibility to impart to their children wisdom that reflects moral values, absolutes and vision.
Everyone of us would be wise to heed Solomon’s parables: Never stop learning; never cease being a student of God and His Word, for knowledge strengthens and a man of wisdom is strong. The king bears the burden of leading his nation in times of war, but safety and victory goes to those who seek wise counsel.
A closing thought: Do you seek wisdom and counsel when facing crossroad decisions? Who are your counselors? Do you hear their counsel with an open mind and heart?
You would spare yourself a lot of heartache if you sought the counsel of men and women whose lives evidence both knowledge and the wisdom of God.