Tag: wisdom to rule
Rulers need wisdom!
Scripture reading for July 10th: Proverbs 22-24
The Bible teaches that we are all designed to rule and have dominion! Adam was given dominion over creation in order to tend and care for it as God desired and instructed. (Genesis 1:27-28) We need God’s wisdom because He owns all things and knows best how they will further His purposes. Many of today’s proverbs offer wisdom to those in authority to enable them to effectively rule with the mind of God and avoid the snares of our enemy, the Devil.
Rulers need humility. (Proverbs 22:4) When we fear the Lord, God gives us discernment between good and evil. When we choose the good consistently we will get wealth, honor and life as added benefits. We also get a good name and reputation, something that money can’t buy! (Proverbs 22:1) Staying humble after God has blessed us can be a real test, for prosperity can cause pride.
When a king rules, he acts on behalf of God. The poor must be treated with equity and respect. (Proverbs 22:16, 22-23) Rulers should watch out for their friendships and social contacts. They must stay away from the adulteress and the hot-tempered man. (Proverbs 22:14, 24; 23:26-28) Both of those people lead to trouble. When judging in court, be sure and convict the guilty and do not show partiality or take a bribe. God will bless righteous judgment and integrity! (Proverbs 24:23-25) Do not seek revenge because that is for God alone! (Proverbs 24:29)
Drunkenness is dangerous and addictive. (Proverbs 23:29-35) Drinking takes away sound judgment and ability to see clearly. It causes violence, strife and quarrels. A hangover comes the next day and bloodshot eyes! It poisons our life like a snake-bite!
The final warning is against laziness. (Proverbs 24:30-34) Laziness causes life to fall into ruin around you. Your life looks like a field that is not tended. Walls of protection are broken down and enemies steal the crop. Weeds grow and choke it out and thorns are a sign that the curse is at work. Laziness leads to poverty and lack!
“Humility and the fear of the Lord bring wealth and honor and life.” Proverbs 22:4
“A wise man has great power, and a man of knowledge increases strength; for waging war you need guidance and for victory many advisers.” Proverbs 24:5-6
Give Me a Discerning Heart!
Scripture reading for April 3rd: 1st Kings 1-4
“At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon during the night in a dream, and God said, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” (1st Kings 3:5)
“So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?” (1st Kings 3:9)
Solomon sacrificed a thousand burnt offerings at Gibeon as he took the throne of his father David. He knew that he needed God’s wisdom and favor to govern God’s people wisely. God appeared to him in a dream and gave him a blank check–he could ask for whatever he wanted! Solomon asked for a wise and discerning heart to administer justice! God was pleased and gave him what he desired as well as riches and honor.
Immediately after this, Solomon was tested with a difficult case. Two prostitutes came before the king arguing over their baby sons. One baby had died and his mother had tried to replace the dead son with the other mother’s live son. The king gave an order to bring a sword and cut the live baby in half. The real mother had compassion and wanted to give her son away to save his life. The other mother wanted to kill the baby. Solomon awarded the live baby to the compassionate mother and all Israel marveled at his wisdom. (1st Kings 3:15-28)
Solomon grew in wisdom and insight and had great understanding. He spoke 3000 proverbs and authored over a thousand songs. He was a scientist and understood plant and animal life. People from all over the world came to hear Solomon’s wisdom.
Solomon is a type of Jesus Christ. He is a son of David. He was humble when anointed to be king. He was the wisest man who ever lived, other than Jesus Christ. Scripture says that in Jesus Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. (Colossians 2:2-3) We who have Christ as Savior have access to that wisdom for He was made unto us wisdom! (1st Corinthians 1:30) People from every tribe, tongue and nation are coming to Christ for wisdom and understanding!
Have you asked God for a discerning heart? Discernment is pleasing to God and so necessary in the day in which we live. This prayer is fully answered in a relationship with Jesus Christ!