Daily Devotional
               Betty Miller shares her daily devotionals which are based on the book of Proverbs in the Bible.   

  The Wisdom of God

Verses for the Day:

Proverbs 16:16-17(KJV):
16 How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!
17 The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: he that keepeth his way preserveth his soul.

Thoughts for the Day:

These verses in Proverbs tell us that God's wisdom and understanding are better than having gold and silver. They also speak of the danger of embracing pride and evil.  Verse 16 is a powerful statement.  Those who are struggling by not having enough money might wonder if this is a true statement.  We must remember that although money has a degree of power in this world, it also has its limitations. There are some things that money cannot buy.  Money cannot bring healing to a fatal disease. Money cannot bring peace of mind.  Money cannot buy true love.  It cannot give us wise guidance.   It cannot give us sweet sleep.  It cannot keep us safe.  It cannot buy us extra time, when death comes knocking at our door.   The list could go on.   On the other hand, God's understanding and wisdom can do all of these things.  

Verse 17 tells us that the highway of the upright will turn aside from evil, and when we guard the way we walk in this life, it will preserve our soul. Obeying the Lord and His Word brings health to our being -- spirit, soul and body. Knowing God brings peace to our mind, in spite of what might be going on around us. None of us really know true love until we experience the love of God, and we really cannot love one another purely without Christ's love in our hearts.  We are all basically selfish until we ask Christ into our hearts.  His Spirit then changes us so that we can love one another with the love of God. 

When we are in need of guidance He will show us the way to go. Because God knows the future, He can tell us the things to do today that will prevent us from making mistakes that would bring destruction in time.  Millions of people suffer from insomnia because they do not have access to God's rest when they lie down.  The Lord promises His people that they shall have sweet sleep.

Proverbs 3:24: "When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet."

God's Word also promises us that we come under His protection when we look to Him in faith. When we abide in the Lord nothing can harm us. No amount of money can buy this kind of protection.  I call Psalm 91 my life insurance policy.

Psalm 91:9-11:
9 Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation;
10 There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.
11 For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.

God's wisdom and understanding can even prolong our lives.  When we understand the things that cause death and we depart from them we are promised long lives. When we understand that we can call on God in times of trouble and His promise is to deliver us, it will prolong our lives.

Psalm 91:14-16:
14 Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.
15 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.
16 With long life will I satisfy him, and show him my salvation.

Money cannot buy any of these things. However, with God's understanding and wisdom, we can also get the money we need for our daily provision. He promises us that He will always provide for us because we are His children and God takes care of His own.  Let us seek the Lord and His righteousness first, and then He will add all the other things we need.

Prayer for the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for always being faithful. Many times I have had needs that I did not know how they would be supplied, but because I sought You for my answer, You always came through with my answers and provided for me. Lord, give all of Your children the wisdom and understanding that they need at this hour, as we live in uncertain times and we need Your guidance.   Protect us from the plans of the evil one.  Thank You for watching over us and keeping us and our families and friends from harm.  Give us strength to live each day that we might delight Your heart.  I ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.