GET WISDOM

"The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom"

   Proverbs 4:7a (ESV)

THE LAST SHALL BE FIRST

During a recent devotional time with my wife and children at breakfast, I told them a story of runners who were waiting at the starting line for a race. A large group of runners began running early, to get a head start.  My children listened as I told them of how the runners at the starting line anxiously awaited the sound of the pistol to mark the beginning of the race. They had to withstand the taunts and jeers of the crowds who told them, "You're going to lose!" The crowd that ran ahead soon crossed the finish line, their faces filled with pride, confident they had won. 

Surprisingly, the story ended with shame for those who ran ahead and a burst of joy for those who had waited. The runners who crossed the finish line first were terrified to hear the pistol sound: Bang! The race had just now started. Those who waited had been wise and would now be counted as the winners. Those who started and finished first, were now judged as being disqualified by the race officials.  The crowd gasped in awe and turned to celebrate those whose prudence had caused them to outsmart those who had foolishly rushed ahead. 

START AT THE BEGINNING

In our devotions that morning, we were reading from the book of Proverbs. Chapter one, verse seven reads, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction" (ESV). I told our children that sometimes as Christians, we stand out by waiting, even though the world runs ahead.  Yet, God tells us in his word, that it is those who wait on him who will renew their strength (Isaiah 40).  I think of Erik Liddell, the olympic runner, who once fell during a race, only to get up and win first place, stunning the crowds and spreading his fame throughout the watching world. 

This reminds me of the saying, "First thing's first".  As we lead our families and homes, it is important to instill wisdom in them. We must work to build a solid foundation in our children and in the next generation.  For all of you who are reading this today, let these words serve as a reminder to you that sometimes our limitations and weaknesses are Christ Jesus lovingly "binding our wandering hearts" to himself (Robinson, 1758). 

Like the runners in the story, we must withstand the scorn and contempt of a world who does not see what we are waiting for. We must share with them the reason for the joy within us (1 Peter 3).  However, even if they do not join us in following Christ, we must abide by the law of the Lord. We must hold fast to his ways and then leave the results up to him. As you shepherd the children in your life, what are some ways you can instill this wisdom in their young lives?  One way is to “call out for insight” and to “hold fast to wisdom” (Proverbs 2).  Consider reading the book of Proverbs with your family. Each “nugget” of wisdom will be a solid foundation for them, keeping them from the folly of the world around them.  May you be blessed as you do!

By Joel Howard