WORDS AND WISDOM
14th Sep 2016
Jesus was giving instructions to His disciples as He was about to leave them, that when the going got tough, He would supply all they needed, even if they were dragged into court. This is what He said, “Make up your mind right now not to worry about it. I’ll give you the words and wisdom that will reduce all your accusers to stammers and stutters.” (Luke 21:14-15 in The Message)
As I read these verses, the phrase “words and wisdom” jumped out at me. I believe that this promise is ours as well, and we don’t have to fall foul of the law to benefit from them. In his introduction to Proverbs, Eugene Peterson says, “Wisdom is the art of living skilfully in whatever conditions we find ourselves in.”
We are living very pressurised lives, we have to make decisions quickly, and take action without much time to think. As believers we have supernatural resources. James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all...”
To continue with what Eugene Peterson wrote, “Many people think that what’s written in the Bible has mostly to do with getting people into heaven. It is equally concerned with living on this earth - living well, in robust sanity.”
One vital reason for regular systematic reading of the Bible is that it contains words of wisdom and strength for daily living. Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.”
I believe that as we keep in living relationship with God on a day to day basis, feed regularly on His Word, we can be confident that in all the challenges of life, and when we face situations that are humanly beyond us, He will give us the words to speak and the wisdom to take the right actions.
Proverbs is a book of wisdom, written by Solomon, I have just started reading it once again in my One Year Bible reading plan. I’m looking forward to the “words and wisdom” it contains.
by Charles Sibthorpe
