Proverbs 3

All wisdom comes from God.  It is impossible for us to measure the amount of wisdom we have attained.  There is no meter we can hook ourselves up to which indicates the level of wisdom within our own hearts.

Proverbs 3:7 says, “Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.”  (emphasis ours)

Photo Credit: anton-hammes winery

Imagine walking into a wine cellar full of wine barrels which are transparent.  These are qualities in our lives we can easily evaluate like service to others, patience, kindness, etc. In the back of the cellar you discover another barrel, but this one is different; it is not transparent.  The label on the side says, “Wisdom”.  It’s contents are unseen.

As you look closer you notice a hose coming from this barrel that attaches to another larger vat marked, “the holiness of God.”  This vat is larger than human eyes can see.  It is filled from the river of holiness, which flows freely from the presence of God.

We draw from God’s holiness in our times spent with Him and in His Word.  As we do He miraculously imparts wisdom to our hearts.  It is like turning water into wine.

In this chapter we are told those who have wisdom will have the following:

• have more than all the riches of the world
• have pleasant paths
• have paths of peace
• are blessed
• will walk in their way securely
• will not stumble
• will not be afraid
• will have sweet sleep
• will not be afraid of sudden terror
• know that the Lord is their confidence
• will inherit honor

There are many of these qualities we don’t see yet in our lives.  But we want to.  This chapter motivates us to ask and seek for more of this kind of wisdom; a wisdom that isn’t afraid; a wisdom that doesn’t stumble; a wisdom that exhibits peace instead of fear.

Since we can’t see our own wisdom, we must do as Proverbs 3:5 says,

Verse 6 continues: “in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make straight your paths.”

As we acknowledge the larger limitless vat of God’s holiness in our lives and in our marriage we will begin to change.  We will start thinking as one who is wise and not the fool.  May we seek to draw from Him all we need for this hour – this day – this year, and as we do He will continue to fill our barrel of wisdom.  Doing so will allow us to draw from it for our own good as well as for the good of our marriage for His glory.