We are still talking and learning wisdom from the life and times of King Solomon. The truth of the matter is that we can never know it all.
Why do we keep on talking about wisdom? We do this because we learn everyday.
See another thing Solomon has to say about wisdom
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. For through me your days will be many, and years will be added to your life. If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you; if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer.” –Proverbs 9:10-12 (NIV)
Children, I want you to know that God abhors mockers. Mocking is a serious sin before God. Do you know that God destroyed some Israelites because of mockery?
Furthermore, Solomon’s father, King David, warned us about mockery. He told us no mocker will be blessed.
a BLESSED (HAPPY, fortunate, prosperous, and enviable) is the man who walks and lives not in the counsel of the ungodly [following their advice, their plans and purposes], nor stands [submissive and inactive] in the path where sinners walk, nor sits down [to relax and rest] where the scornful [and the mockers] gather. – Ps 1:1[AMP]
This tells us there are places you should not find yourself as a believer. There are gathering of mockers you are not meant to be found in. There are certain locations that should not be traceable to you.
I believe you want to be blessed even as you advance in age, then never give room to mockery. The resultant effect is that you will suffer alone.
May that no be your portion in Jesus name, amen.
PRAYER: Lord, help me not to be a mocker in Jesus name.
ACTION PLAN: List out associations you should do without.
Still on our series to discovering wisdom this morning, we will yet consider one more thing to note about wisdom.
Our anchor scripture remains;
Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength. By me kings reign, and princes decree justice. By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth. I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness. – Proverbs 8:14-18 (KJV)
8. Wisdom loves those who seek it.
One more thing about wisdom is that it loves those who seek it. If you are wisdom seeker, wisdom will love you.
If you go all out seeking for wisdom, you will find it.
There will always be a difference between someone who starts preparing for an examination from the beginning of the term, and someone who starts preparing for the same examination a day before the examination.
To get wisdom, you have to be intentional and deliberate about it.
A wise person is loved because he always something beneficial to give.
So here is the conclusion; if for any reason, you feel unloved by your parents, guardians, siblings, teachers, environment or whatever, go for wisdom.
Invest in your mind. Develop yourself. Focus on being a better you. I can assure you the narrative will change I er time.
Do you know you can be specific in the place of prayers? Yes, you can. Let’s take a look at the story of Ade. Ade mentioned his prayers to his mum as they drove home from school.
‘God should help me in my coming school examinations,’ Ade said.
‘That’s an empty prayer request,’ she said. ‘Be specific about what grades you want in each subject’
Ade wondered why he should. God said His plans for us are good. God should know what grades to give him.
‘It is good to be specific in your prayer requests to God,’ she said further.
Mum is right. Imagine if the blind man in yesterday’s story (Luke 18:40-41) asked for blessings?
The question is, what exact blessing did he need right then? What was the most important thing he needed? To see. And how did Jesus reply? Jesus said, “Jesus said to him, Then see! You are healed because you believed.”
Being specific aids your expectations regarding your wants. You have a view of the expected results in your mind and expect nothing less.
So, stop saying vague prayers and tell God exactly what you want. The blind man got what he wanted.
At once the man was able to see,… – Luke 18:43 (ICB)
Dear Child, do you know that you too can shine? There is a passage of the Scripture that talks about you shining brighter and brighter.
But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. 4:19 The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble. – Proverbs 4:18-19
Who is the Just?
1. Whoever has received Jesus Christ as Lord and saviour
2. A person that obey God’s word
3. A person that reads the Bible diligently
4. A person that prays all the time
5. Obedience to your parents is one of the proof of being just.
It’s a choice to be called just or wicked, the Bible clearly States the difference by showing us what happens to the just and the reward of the wicked.
The Bible equates being just with having light and being wicked with Darkness.
It is good to get people in your life. This is because no one is an island. In this life, you can’t do it alone, so learn how to have good associations.
What areas can you involve people?
We will look at goal-setting this morning.
You can tell others about your goals. Doing so is not to make you look holy or think less of those who don’t have goals like you.
When people know your goals, they could offer encouragement and support.
You want to start studying the bible and you tell your parents, they could offer to remind you daily to study, as well as ask you questions about what you have read – start up a discussion where you will learn more from them or offer you materials that could help you study well.
Goal setting is best achieved when you have the help, support, and encouragement of others. Why? When your goals seem unachievable, you aren’t too sure about them anymore and feel like giving up totally on them, you will need people to help you.
The Ethiopian eunuch was reading from the book of Isaiah and didn’t understand what it was about. It took the Holy Spirit sending Phillip to him before he could understand, after which he gave his life to Christ.
What do you think the eunuch would have done if Phillip hadn’t come? He probably would have just given up.
Phillip asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?’ He answered, “How can I understand? I need someone to explain it to me!” Then he invited Phillip to climb in and sit with him (Acts 30-31).
Do not go on a solo ride in goal setting. Involve God and others.
God bless you.
Prayer: Lord, help me to understand that I don’t have to do this alone. Help me involve others. Lead me to the right people and help me accept their advice and support. Amen.
Action point: Are there people who can support, encourage, and help you with your goals? If not, prayerfully ask God to show them to you.
Declaration:
I am surrounded by the right set of people. God helps me to set and achieve my goals.
