Psalms 111

Psalms 111:10 “Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; and all who follow his precepts have good understanding” 

 Bible portrays the wisdom of God. He is clothed with splendor and majesty. The Psalmist says, by wisdom God created the earth and by understanding he laid its foundations. When we look at the marvels of creation, the precision and perfection of the cosmos and heavenly bodies, we stand in awe of the mind of the grand designer. The psalmist acknowledges that the heavens declare the glory of God and the skies proclaim the work of his hands. God provides water and food to all the cattle, birds of the air, the lions roar for their prey and seek their food from God (Ps 104:21).” How many are your works O Lord, in wisdom you made them all” (Ps 104:24).

Paul writes in his letter to Romans that God’s invisible qualities –his eternal power and divine nature have been clearly seen from the creation of the world. Although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God and their thinking became futile. They claimed to be wise, but became fools and exchanged the glory of God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles. The great Apostle, who knew God, exclaims “O the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God…”

The education system in schools and colleges mainly focuses on a bright career, success in business and to compete and win but does not lay the right amount of emphasis on values of life. In effect, it creates intellectual monsters rather than men of worth and substance.

The book of Proverbs says that by wisdom we understand what is right and just (Proverbs 2: 9). Through education we gain knowledge but wisdom helps us to apply the knowledge rightly and beneficially with faithfulness, love and justice. With wisdom comes understanding, helping us to discern, with the perspective as that of God who is the source of wisdom.

God asked Solomon as to what he wanted to give him; the reply was for a discerning heart to govern the people and to distinguish between right and wrong. God was pleased and gave him along with discerning heart, riches and honor. Queen of Sheba came to test him with hard questions; nothing was too hard for the king to explain to her. All the kings of the world sought audience with Solomon for the wisdom God had put in his heart. When two women came to him with a dispute laying claim to the same child, Solomon exhibits his God given discernment and gives verdict. All Israel held the king in awe because they saw that he had wisdom from God to administer justice.

Understanding is a fountain of life to those who have it (Prov 16:22). A wise man’s heart guides his mouth. James speaks that if anyone lacks wisdom, he should ask God.

PRAYER

Dear Lord, be gracious to me and grant me the wisdom to fulfill your purpose in my life.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

Wisdom is more precious than rubies; nothing we desire can compare with it.

Christian Education Forum, Diocese of NAE of the Mar Thoma Church