Proverbs 4:5-9 NKJV
“Get wisdom! Get understanding! Do not forget, nor turn away from the words of my mouth. Do not forsake her, and she will preserve you; Love her, and she will keep you. Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding. Exalt her, and she will promote you; She will bring you honor, when you embrace her. She will place on your head an ornament of grace; A crown of glory she will deliver to you.”
INSIGHT
-The word wisdom in Hebrew is written as Chokmah which means to posses the quality of good judgement. There are many leaders in the Bible that are considered wise, but king Solomon stands out. 1 Kings 10:23 reveals that, “King Solomon was greater in riches and wisdom than all the other kings of the earth.” He was able to build magnificent structures, unite the Israelites in peace and stabilized the economy. When presented by a vast array of options to choose from or rather requests when God appeared to him in a dream, Solomon considered wisdom as vital, that he may be able to rule God’s people effectively. King Solomon was also willing to serve God effectively in his area of calling. As a king, he knew that he would glorify God better given his status having the gift of wisdom. One day, he was called upon to solve a dispute between two unnamed women where one had lost her baby. King Solomon instructed his servant to cut the living child into two so that each woman can get a piece of him. In an attempt to save the life of the baby, the real mother was revealed and Solomon’s fame continued to grow. Like king Solomon, let us ask God to give us the gift of wisdom that we may serve Him better in our calling. Wisdom is the principle thing, in all our getting, we are called to get wisdom and understanding. Spiritual gifts are not only meant for bishops and pastors, but each one of us is called to influence our areas of operation or domain with our God given gifts, for the glory of God’s name. God created us in His wisdom and knows each of our purposes, we should then ask of Him and serve Him with wisdom for the glory of His name.
PRAYER
Almighty and Everlasting Father, we come before You today praising and lifting Your name high. You are the King of kings and Lord of lords, we worship You and honor Your mighty name. You have been faithful to us even when we have become faithless. You have journeyed with us throughout the year in peace and have brought us this far, we praise You and honor You. Forgive us dear Jesus all our sins and wash us with Your precious blood. As we start this new week may You fill us with Your divine wisdom that we may be wise and discerning in all areas of our lives. May Your presence go with us and guide our going out and coming in. May You take charge of our destinies and lead us in all decisions that we make. May You our president with wisdom; together with all other leaders as they govern the affairs of this country. Impart in all corporate and business leaders with Your wisdom as they build the nation, that we may experience economic growth. Be with all church leaders dear Master, that they may submit their authority to Yours in all their areas of domain, and that many people will experience Your transforming power. Remember all our children that Your word of wisdom may never depart from them and they may always follow You alone. May Your wisdom and understanding govern all those who go to school that they may understand and apply all that they learn. Like king Solomon, give us the gift of wisdom without partiality that we may serve You effectively with our calling for the glory of Your name. Help us to make good decisions that only reflect and represent You Jesus. Only You deserve all the glory and praise now and forever, Amen.
Further reading: 1 Kings 3:9
James 1:5 NKJV
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”
INSIGHT
-The book of 1 Corinthians 12:8-11 reminds us that the Holy Spirit gives us diverse gifts as He wills. To one is given the word of wisdom, to another the word of knowledge, faith, gifts of healings, working of miracles, prophecy, discerning of spirits, different kinds of tongues, interpretation of tongues, through one and the same Spirit Who works all these things. The Holy Spirit gives in generous proportions, and does not later disapprove His decision. These gifts are irrevocable, just as we were disobedient but now we have received God’s mercy (Romans 11:29-30). God calls us to exercise our gifts well, which is the application of wisdom. Each one of us has wisdom, for the Lord has written His law in their hearts, and our conscience bear witness, our thoughts either accusing us or excusing us, in the day when God will judge our secrets by Jesus Christ, according to the gospel (Romans 2:15-16). As we pray for wisdom, let us also pray that the Lord will enable us to use the wisdom that He has installed in our hearts, and do what is right and pleasing to Him.
PRAYER
We worship You Lord and praise Your name. We exult You for Your lovingkindness and truth, in our hearts. You have magnified Your word above all Your name, we exult You. You have installed Your law in our hearts, may You help us never to depart from it, either to the left or to the right but to hear Your voice and to follow it. We ask You to increase in us wisdom, knowledge and understanding, that we may hearken to Your word. We humbly implore You to forgive us for the times we may harbored the lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes and the pride of life in our hearts, that You may forgive us and make us as white as snow. May You teach us to do Your will. May Your fear which is the begin of wisdom remain in our hearts, and the hearts of our loved ones. May the Spirit of Your fear Lord permeate the hearts of all Your people in our entire nation and the world. You are our God and none can be likened to You, we exult Your holy name. Our Father who art in heaven; hallowed be Your name; Your Kingdom come; Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptations but deliver us from evil; for thine is the Kingdom the power and the glory; forever and ever. Amen
Further reading: Proverbs 1:7, Proverbs 9:10
1 Corinthians 3:18-20 NKJV
“Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you seems to be wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, “He catches the wise in their own craftiness”; and again, “The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile.”
INSIGHT
-God is Sovereign and full of wisdom and reveals the formula of obtaining wisdom, which is to become a fool. A fool in relying on our own thoughts and plans but to be led by Him. Job passed through severe testing which increased his faith and experiential wisdom in God. Even though he lost all his livestock and children, he did not curse God but lamented his painful ordeal. He became a fool and obtained wisdom through waiting patiently on the Lord. He narrates of the nature, sovereignty and authority of God in creation and His image through chapters 38 to 40. In Job 42:2-3 we find Job responding to God saying,“I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted. You asked, ‘Who is this that obscures my plans without knowledge?’ Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know.” Job realizes of the goodness of the Lord even through suffering, and that God’s plans cannot be thwarted. Even though we have many plans in our hearts, it is the will of God that prevails (Proverbs 19:21). It is therefore vital to submit to God, to His authority and purpose, and we shall enjoy His presence. Job trusted in the Lord despite his shortcomings, and he was restored. God is calling us to wait on Him and we will see His goodness in the land of the living (Psalms 27:13).
PRAYER
Dear Almighty Father, we come to Your throne of grace with confidence so that we may obtain grace and mercy to help us during our times of need. When we are weak then we are strong for Your grace is sufficient upon us. May I decrease as You increase in my life dear Jesus. May we decrease as You increase in our lives, family, businesses, careers, education, churches, nation and all the nations of the world. Our wisdom is foolishness to You dear Jesus, may Your plans take preeminence in our lives. May we decrease as You increase in all areas of our lives. We repent for the many times we have not feared You and honored You. May You forgive us where we have rejected Your wisdom and guidance, and leaned on our own understanding. May You increase our learning, knowledge and wisdom in You dear Jesus. May You sharpen our skills and talents so that we may use our time well and optimally grow what You have entrusted unto us with. You are our Sovereign God and we cannot fully comprehend Your wisdom. May You lead us and guide us in the way that we should go. May You protect us in our coming in and going out Jehovah. We surrender all unto You, asking You to enlighten our steps and make us fruitful; for You are the Vine and we are the branches. We pray all this trusting and believing in Jesus mighty name. Amen
Further reading: Job 38:36-37, Ecclesiastes 8:16-17
Matthew 25:1-4 NKJV
“Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.”
INSIGHT
-The parable of the ten virgins demonstrates the power of spiritual wisdom. In their quest on waiting for the bridegroom, the five wise virgins prepared well in advance and secure some extra oil, which is a sign of the Holy Spirit. They acted in the love of God and did not faint in heart but faithfully expected the Messiah given the grace of God. The other five were foolish, they never prepared well for the Savior and were caught off-guard when their lamps ran dry. When Christ came, the five wise virgins were admitted into the heavenly kingdom while the foolish virgins were locked out. The Spirit of wisdom comes upon lovers of God. Solomon loved the Lord and he received the gift of wisdom (1 Kings 3:3). Jesus calls us to love Him with all our hearts, minds and strength, and to love our neighbors as our selves, and He give us His Holy Spirit who increases is us the gift of wisdom.
PRAYER
Dear Almighty Father, we come before Your throne of mercy today declaring Your mercies and love that are new every morning. Thank You for Your unending blessings and goodness upon our lives. It’s a great opportunity to give You our praise and worship oh Lord. Dear Lord we honor You and celebrate You for this far You have brought us and the far that You are taking us. We count our blessings and name them one by one. We tell of Your wondrous works for we cannot count it all for they are truly numerous and great. Almighty Father, may You forgive our sins and iniquities, and wash us with Your precious blood. Holy Spirit may You clothe us with garments of love and wisdom, that we love You with our hearts, minds and strength, and love our neighbors as ourselves. May You anoint us afresh Holy Spirit and teach us to obey You in every step of our lives. May You fill us with Your oil that we may never run dry. May You enable us to keep ourselves ready for You with all wisdom and with Your guidance dear Lord. We need You in every step of our lives. May You direct our steps and help us in this journey of our lives. May You teach to always do good and to be there for those who need us most. May You bless all the children living in the streets and be their ever present help in times of need. May You heal all those who are sick and suffering. May You open the heavens and make financial breakthrough to reach all Your children and our economy. May You enlighten our spiritual wisdom that we may wait on You faithfully dear Jesus. May You grant all Your people the gift of salvation merciful Savior. May You answer all our prayers and hearts desires loving Master. We love and praise Your name. In Jesus name we pray while giving thanks. Amen
Further reading: Matthew 22:37-39, Luke 18:8
James 3:13 NIV
“Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.”
INSIGHT
-The word of God is the source of all wisdom and God calls us to do according to His will. If we say we have wisdom and we do not have Christ in our hearts then we lie to ourselves. 1 Corinthians 1:30-31 tells us that, “But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God—and righteousness and sanctification and redemption— that, as it is written, “He who glories, let him glory in the Lord .”” If then we have received the gift of salvation in our hearts, and submit to His wisdom, then the Holy Spirit guides us in all humility, honorable deeds that’s leads to a good life, for the glory and honor of His name. We are also called to hear the word of God and put it into practice, thus likened to a wise man who built his house on the rock, and when the rains fell, streams rose and winds blew, his house remained standing (Matthew 7:24-25).
SUMMARY
The wisdom of God is revealed throughout the scriptures, and the Lord put His law into our hearts, that we may discern between good and evil. When we choose either of the two, our consciences judges us. This is the judgement that will apply during the day of the Lord, where each one will make an account of their actions. Romans 2:6-8reminds us that, “God will repay each person according to what they have done.” To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life. But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger.” To become wise, we are called to become foolish that we may become wise, for the wisdom of the world is foolishness with God (1 Corinthians 3:18-20). Let no one be condemned or judge another for Jesus Christ became sin so that we might become the righteousness of God. Jesus is the source of all wisdom, and He became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory. He redeemed us, sanctified us and glorified us through His eternal blessings of salvation, that we may have faith in Him, and allow His Holy Spirit dwell in us. The Holy Spirit gives us His spiritual gifts of knowledge, wisdom, understanding, faith, etc, so that we may draw closer to Him and know Him more unto we come to eternity. This is the intimacy that we grow into if we love God and our neighbors as ourselves. This is the law which God placed in our hearts, that we may love and accomplish the law and the prophets. This is the love that king Solomon had, and he grew in wisdom. When he was offered a blank cheque to choose what he desires, he did not selfishly choose wealth, honor, destruction of his enemies, long life etc. But he chose a wise and discerning heart to be able to rule God’s people well, and the former was given to him as a result. He offered a thousand burnt offerings at Gibeon and this pleased the Lord. Apart from material sacrifice, he offered his life as a living sacrifice and was blessed beyond measure. Likewise, Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man” (Luke 2:52). Jesus loved us and offered Himself sacrificially for the sake of all mankind, that we may have propitiation for our sins (1 John 2:2). Jesus calls us to genuinely love Him, fear Him, and love one another genuinely, and He will abundantly grant us His wisdom. Proverbs 8:17-18 tells us that, “I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me. With me are riches and honor, enduring wealth and prosperity.” Love for God leads to selflessness and sacrifice, and the Lord adds all other things unto us. Like the five wise virgins, let us store up for ourselves some extra oil, and when Christ comes back we will be admitted into His heavenly kingdom (Matthew 25:1-4). As we ensure to work out our salvation with fear and trembling, giving reverence to the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, and intercedes for us with groanings that cannot be uttered and gives us all things. In all our getting, let us then get wisdom. If we do not get anything else in this world, let us get wisdom which promotes us, brings deliverance, honor and grace upon us (Proverbs 4:5-9).
PRAYER
Dear Lord Jesus we come before You with humble adoration. We thank You for Your goodness and mercies. We thank You for Your abundant grace upon our lives. Dear Lord, we pray that You may forgive us for all our trespasses, and remove any accusation against us in the courts of heaven. May You wash us and cleanse us with Your precious blood. Father, You are the God of all wisdom and in You there is knowledge, understanding, and life. In Your death dear Jesus do we find life forever more. In Your life Holy Spirit, we live abundantly. We come before You today to ask for Your wisdom, knowledge and understanding. May you open the eyes of our understanding and teach us how to listen to You and follow Your Word. You are truly awesome and glorious in all Your ways. May You protect us and our nation from threat and danger. May You heal our nation from corruption, injustice and I’ll will. May You give our leaders wisdom so that they may put Your interests and the interests of the people first. We submit ourselves to Your wisdom dear Jesus that You may fill us afresh with Your Holy Spirit. May You bless us Lord and keep us. May You make Your face to shine upon us and be gracious to us. May You lift up Your countenance upon us and give us peace. Amen
Further reading: John 3:16-36