ONE of the unique features of wisdom is its blending ability. Wisdom collides with the many issues of life but blends with daily realities... that’s when we see the wonder of its application. The blending of wisdom and life is not a compromise; rather, it is a unique kind of marriage... a deeper relationship and not just a polite acquaintance. Blending wisdom looks like this: “Wisdom and Realities” rather than “Wisdom versus Realities.”
1. Blending wisdom with reason and relationships (verse 1)
“A wise child brings joy to a father; a foolish child brings grief to a mother.” Solomon goes to the root of all relationships; the assumption here is that when parental relationship breaks down, many other relationships will also follow.
* Respect for parents is not negotiable. Respecting abusive parents or others even though they don’t deserve it may not be pleasant yet it is still in line with a concrete application of wisdom.
* Restraint is not impossible to do. Restraint is applied not only to the words that come out of our mouth, but the flow of bitterness in our hearts. Overriding our insatiable desire to be rude, wisdom says: adding grief to the satisfaction of our hunger for vengeance is not wise!
2. Blending wisdom with revenues and responsibilities (vv. 2-21)
Psalm 62:10 “Don’t make your living by extortion or put your hope in stealing. And if your wealth increases don’t make it the center of your life.” Godly principles over profit is godly profit.
3. Blending wisdom with resources and rest (22-27)
Proverbs 10:22 “The blessing of the Lord makes a person rich and he adds no sorrow with it.” Life is a blessing from God... with wisdom, life is not just existence, it’s with a purpose and it makes a lasting spiritual impact on you and others.
4. Blending wisdom with reflections and realizations (vv 28-32)
Wisdoms’ blend with life’s reflection and realizations will result in a healthy check-and-balance of reality and reflections.
Prayers:
ABBA, restore in me a fresh eye full of awe as I view how wisdom is wonderfully blended with daily living. Let me always find myself in the position of expectantly asking you for wisdom. As You grant them to me, may I be transformed by the wisdom You give. Lord, hear our prayers. Amen.
ABBA, help me blend wisdom as I deal with family relationship. As a child, may I choose to respect the parents you gave, and as a parent, may I treat the children you gave like my Heavenly Father treats me. Lord, have mercy on me a sinner. Amen.
ABBA, change my perspective and practice from being street-smart into a person who truly fears You. Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable before You, my God and my Redeemer. Lord, hear our prayers. Amen.