WISDOM FROM GOD – “BLESSED IS THE MAN WHO FINDS WISDOM”

We are progressing through Proverbs chapter three for the past few days. Let us consider the passage from Proverbs 3:13-18 for our meditation in the coming few days. This passage is part of a larger passage on wisdom, which speaks about the significance of wisdom in our lives.
– “13 Happy [Blessed] is the man who finds wisdom, And the man who gains understanding; 14 For her proceeds are better than the profits of silver, And her gain than fine gold. 15 She is more precious than rubies, And all the things you may desire cannot compare with her. 16 Length of days is in her right hand, In her left hand riches and honor.17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness, And all her paths are peace. 18 She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her, And happy are all who retain her.’ – Proverbs 3:13-18

As part of today’s devotion, let us look at Proverbs 3:13, and see what we can learn from it. 
– “13 Happy [Blessed] is the man who finds wisdom, And the man who gains understanding;” – Proverbs 3:13
There are three things that stand out in the above verse. 1- BLESSED 2- FINDING WISDOM 3- GAINING UNDERSTANDING. A man who finds WISDOM, and gains UNDERSTANDING is truly a BLESSED man – is the purpose of the above words.

1- “BLESSED IS THE MAN WHO FINDS WISDOM”
Finding wisdom is finding a blessing par excellence. Blessing is always associated with God. Blessing is always given to us by God. Unless the LORD Jesus lays His gracious and merciful hand upon our lives, one cannot be truly blessed. The LORD would lay His hands upon us only when we walk faithfully and obediently on the precepts that our LORD had laid down in His Bible…
– “26 “Behold, I set before you today a blessing and a curse: 27 the blessing, if you obey the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you today; 28 and the curse, if you do not obey the commandments of the LORD your God, but turn aside from the way which I command you today, to go after other gods which you have not known.” – Deuteronomy 11:26-28 
Therefore, when a man starts to think, speak and do things, as the LORD our God had commanded, then the man finds God’s favour, grace and mercy…which we otherwise call, “BLESSINGS!”
– “17 I love those who love me, And those who seek me diligently will find me…34 Blessed is the man who listens to me, Watching daily at my gates, Waiting at the posts of my doors. 35 For whoever finds me finds life, And obtains favor from the LORD;” – Proverbs 8:17,34-35
– “The concept of being “blessed” in biblical terms often refers to a state of happiness or divine favor. In the Hebrew context, this blessing is not merely material but encompasses spiritual well-being and fulfillment.” – Berean Study Bible Notes

2- “BLESSED IS THE MAN WHO ACQUIRES UNDERSTANDING”
Understanding is closely associated with wisdom. It is a word which signifies a deeper insight, and not some mere superficial knowledge. When it is said, “He is a man of understanding” it means he has a deep and insightful knowledge about a certain thing or things. 
– “7 Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding. 8 Exalt her, and she will promote you; She will bring you honor, when you embrace her. 9 She will place on your head an ornament of grace; A crown of glory she will deliver to you.” – Proverbs 4:7-9 
– “Understanding is closely linked with wisdom but emphasizes discernment and insight. In the biblical context, understanding involves the ability to see things from God’s perspective and to act accordingly. It is not merely intellectual knowledge but a deeper comprehension of God’s will and purposes.” – Berean Study Bible Notes

Dear brothers and sisters, there are many who are sharp and intelligent in this world. They can grasp things quickly and make good decisions. However wisdom and understanding which the Bible is talking about in Proverbs 3:13 is very different from this worldly intelligence. 
– “10 “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. 11 For by me your days will be multiplied, And years of life will be added to you.” – Proverbs 9:10-11
– “Wisdom is the right use of knowledge. To know is not to be wise. Many men know a great deal, and are all the greater fools for it. There is no fool so great a fool as a knowing fool. But to know how to use knowledge is to have wisdom.” – Charles Spurgeon

Do we have this godly wisdom and understanding in our lives? It cannot be earned or bought with things. Such godly wisdom and understanding come only through our obedience to the LORD, and our demonstrable faithfulness to God.
– “The chief means for attaining wisdom, and suitable gifts for the ministry, are the Holy Scriptures, and prayer.” – John Newton
– “There is nothing more foolish than an act of wickedness; there is no wisdom equal to that of obeying God.” – Albert Barnes

May we seek the LORD Jesus and ask His help to live a faithful and obedient life. May the LORD fill us with godly wisdom and understanding. Let us never forget – “BLESSED IS THE MAN WHO FINDS WISDOM.” So let us seek the LORD for the same. Even so, the LORD help us.