Wisdom Learned, Wisdom Applied

“I am about to go the way of all the earth. Be strong, and show yourself a man, and keep the charge of the Lord your God, walking in his ways and keeping his statutes, his commandments, his rules, and his testimonies,.. that you may prosper in all that you do and wherever you turn, that the Lord may establish his word… Moreover, you also know what Joab the son of Zeruiah did to me, how he dealt with the two commanders of the armies of Israel,.. whom he killed, avenging in time of peace for blood that had been shed in war… Act therefore according to your wisdom, but do not let his gray head go down to Sheol in peace. But deal loyally with the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite, and let them be among those who eat at your table, for with such loyalty they met me when I fled from Absalom your brother… You are a wise man. You will know what you ought to do.” 1 Kings 2:2-7,9 “And you, Solomon my son, know the God of your father and serve him with a whole heart and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches all hearts and understands every plan and thought. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will cast you off forever. ¹⁰ Be careful now, for the Lord has chosen you to build a house for the sanctuary; be strong and do it… Be strong and courageous and do it. Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed, for the Lord God, even my God, is with you. He will not leave you or forsake you, until all the work for the service of the house of the Lord is finished.” 1 Chronicles 28:9-10,20 It is a great gift we give those for whom we are responsible when we teach the ways of God and His word, then free them to put His truths into practice. David had spoken, written, and taught. He had modeled trusting and following his God, and the power of repentance and joy of forgiveness when he did not. When it was time to turn over the kingdom, he did not manipulate or control how his successor Solomon would reign, but entrusted him to the Lord and the wisdom already sown into his heart. And this wise son, so trained, began by asking more wisdom from God. (1 Kings 3:3-9)

How devoted are we to learning and applying biblical wisdom, that we might know, fear, and honor God? (Proverbs 2:1-12) And for those we love, rather than making all the decisions, stepping in to do things more efficiently, or hovering to ensure no mistakes are made, would we focus on training in righteousness? What would happen if we spent our time and energy on instilling scripture, teaching godly principles and character, and letting them make their own decisions? Would we ask questions and be silent while they come up with answers, discover solutions? There may be some painful failures, but not without accompanying lessons learned. Lord, so fill me with Your purposes and thoughts that I am wholehearted toward You in my devotion and doing. Daily teach me wisdom, and guide me to pass it on as I live it out among others. (1 Chronicles 29:18-19; Psalm 90:12)