G01.07.88.htm

WISDOM.

"The first step to wisdom is the fear of the Lord". (Prov 9:10 NEB. Psalms 111:10). Godly fear is a feeling of reverence and awe of God. Reverence is high respect, respectful awe, veneration. The remainder of Proverbs 9:10 (NEB) reads: "and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding". So to acquire understanding we need reverential knowledge of God.

FEAR, FAITH AND WISDOM.
It follows then, that those who do not believe in the existence of God, or that do but reject His instructions, do not respect or revere His Godly authority, and therefore have not begun to acquire wisdom. For without respectful awe and faith in His Supreme authority, one is unable to acquire accurate knowledge of God. (Heb 12:28,29 NEB).

To discern complex matters and to exercise wisdom according to the principles and commandments of God requires spiritual insight. Only through having our perceptive powers trained to distinguish between right and wrong are we able to make wise decisions. (Heb 5:14).

Worldly wisdom cannot save one. It is merely of human origin, and in comparison to the heavenly wisdom of God, is babe-like. The sacred secrets of God through His Christ are hidden from the 'intellectuals' of this world. (1 Cor 1:19). But Jehovah reveals them to His servants, who themselves were once like "babes" as to understanding. (Matt 11:25). Furthermore, of what value is it if after having lived according to the worldly wisdom of intellectuals, one is led to enmity with God and everlasting death? For it is written: "There is no wisdom, nor any discernment, nor any counsel in opposition to Jehovah." (Prov 21:30).

The exercise of true wisdom is only achieved by having a high respect for and an accurate knowledge of God. As to how the heavenly wisdom of God is administered, the greatly diversified wisdom of God is made known through the congregation of God. (Eph 3:8-11. 1:17-19. 1 Peter 1:12). Although looked down upon as "unlettered and ordinary" by worldly standards, faithful anointed ones have "the mind of Christ" and speak "not with words taught by human wisdom, but with those taught by the Spirit". (1 Cor 2:11-16. Acts 4:13).

The importance of all this, is that there is a distinct difference between living one's life merely according to the flesh, and living according to the spiritual requirements of God with a view to everlasting life in a spirit body after one's fleshly body dies. A God-fearing person identifies this truth, and in accordance with the Will of God for mankind trusts in His wisdom and acts upon it. But a person who rejects these spiritual requirements does not have Godly fear and so is denied access to everlasting heavenly spirit life. (2 Esdras 7:78-80 NEB).

CHILDREN.
Children who wisely submit to parental discipline bring joy and honour to the family. They uphold its reputation against slander and accusation, and are living proof of their father's wisdom and training. (See Prov 10:1 & 13:1) (See also Prov 15:20, 23:24,25 & 27:11).

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