Benefits

Read:

Proverbs 2:6-8, "For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He holds success in store for the upright; he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones."

Proverbs 2:20-21, "Thus you will walk in the ways of the good and keep to the paths of the righteous. For the upright will live in the land, and the blameless will remain in it."

Think:

Have you ever had a salesperson try to sell you something? They usually start with the most notable benefits, and once you are semi-convinced, you hear the price. But with Proverbs, you get the price, then the benefits. The price is obedience. The cost is living God's way. But it is easy to get caught up in the requirements without seeing the benefits; it is easy to get snatched in the intensity of "good works." The provision of being upright may seem daunting and challenging, but we know God does not expect perfection or even ask us to do something without equipping us. He desires us to seek him, and the "uprightness" will follow as we pursue Jesus. The pursuit brings blessings.

The benefits of wisdom are success, understanding, and protection. But the most important benefit is the privilege of knowing God and experiencing his presence as we travel through life. This is the greatest blessing of all.

Apply:

Today spend time with Jesus. Take ten minutes to read his Word and talk to him through prayer.

Pray:

Lord, I come to you today seeking wisdom. Help me accomplish all that you place in front of me. Give me wisdom and discernment that can only come from you. Amen.