For the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. (Proverbs 2:6)

One of the most neglected portions of Scripture seems to be the wisdom literature (i.e., Proverbs, Job, Ecclesiates)–that seems awfully unwise! We look to many other sources for wisdom. Open an issue of Men’s Health, and you can read the wisdom of “Jimmy the Bartender”. Where do you go for wisdom? We can run to a local book store and spend a lot of money on self-help books concerning all different aspects of life (e.g., parenting, leadership, purpose, success). God gives us his professional words of wisdom in the Book of Proverbs. There we find professional, divine guidance concerning parenting (12:1; 13:24), wealth (11:4), dealing with frustration (12:16), anger management (14:15-16), purpose (16:1-3), etc. To sum it all up: Proverbs provides a picture of God’s design for our lives.

As we encounter this guidance, we will surely also encounter some guilt; for we have all fallen short of God’s design in our sin. In times like this consider the words of Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”

God makes our paths straight through Jesus Christ, the one who is wisdom incarnate. St. Paul writes to the church in Corinth: “…to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God” (1 Cor 1:24). Through his life, death, and resurrection Jesus forgives our foolishness. Our gracious God has made the cross of Christ a life giving tree by which he restores us all according to his design. In this way, He demonstrates his all-surpassing wisdom.

The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise. -Proverbs 11:30

Have a great day in the LORD!

originally published at www.LCMSYoungAdultMinistry.org on 10/5/2010.