Who Is Wise Series

How does a man become wise?

“Who is wise? Let them realize these things. Who is discerning? Let them understand. The ways of the LORD are right; the righteous walk in them, but the rebellious stumble in them.” (Hosea 14:9NIV)

1. If you are wise the first step is to trust and reverence the Lord.

“Fear of the LORD is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment”. (Proverbs 9:10NLT) “Fear of the LORD teaches wisdom; humility precedes honor.” (Proverbs 15:33NLT) “Fear of the LORD is the foundation of true wisdom. All who obey his commandments will grow in wisdom. Praise him forever” (Psalm 111:10NLT) A man only begins to fear God when he starts to know Him, and he only gets to know Him as and when he fears Him. When a man realizes who God is and what His attitude is towards all people, then he begins to fear the Lord. It is important to notice that this fear has to be sought (Proverbs 1:29-30); it has to be learned (Deuteronomy 4:10; Psalm 34:11); there has to be a desire for this (Nehemiah 1:11); it requires obedience (Ecclesiastes 12:13), and some people fear God more than others (Nehemiah 7:2).

2. If you are wise you will hate sin and love a holy life.

“Don't be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the LORD and turn away from evil”. (Proverbs 3:7NLT) “All who fear the LORD will hate evil. Therefore, I hate pride and arrogance, corruption and perverse speech.” (Proverbs 8:13NLT) “Whoever fears the LORD walks uprightly, but those who despise him are devious in their ways.” (Proverbs 14:2NIV)”Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for; through the fear of the LORD evil is avoided.” (Proverbs 16:6;NIV) All the above references make it clear that when anyone really learns the fear of the Lord his whole manner of life is affected – look up 1 Peter 3:1-2; this includes the way he dresses, talks, spends his money, his time, what he hears, the places he goes to, the pleasures he seeks and the books he reads. Even his friends are different (Malachi 3:16).

3. If you are wise you will be filled with full of assurance and confidence.

“In the fear of the LORD one has strong confidence, and his children will have a refuge.” (Proverbs 14:26ESV)Please refer to; Ecclesiastes 8:12-13. One reason for the confidence that is gained by fearing the Lord is that the one who fears Him lives on very intimate and personal terms and in close fellowship with the Lord Himself (Psalm 25:14). This makes him sure of Gods protection (Psalm 34:7); His provision (Psalm 34:9-10); and His purpose (Psalm 33:18). When we fear the Lord we are led into a full assurance of faith (Hebrews 10:22); we know that our sins are forgiven (1 John 2:12); we know the truth of Romans 8:28 and we can say 2 Timothy 1:12!

4. If you are wise you will experiences true peace, joy, riches, honor and long life.

True humility and fear of the LORD lead to riches, honor, and long life.(Proverbs 28:14) Even though a man is poor in a worldly sense, if he fears the Lord he will be wonderfully rich and truly satisfied (Proverbs 15:16; Proverbs 19:23). The man who fears God has immense satisfaction and joy in knowing that all is well, not only for time but for eternity – look up Psalm 31:19 and Psalm 61:5.

5. If you are wise you will reap the benefits of a disciplined life.

“The fear of the LORD adds length to life, but the years of the wicked are cut short”.( Proverbs 10:27NIV) “The fear of the LORD leads to life; then one rests content, untouched by trouble.” (Proverbs 19:23NIV)

If we are disciplined, getting the right amount of rest, food, sleep and exercise, serving others, and above all giving the Lord His rightful place, we shall be freed from anxiety and we shall live out our appointed span.

6. If you are wise you will serve God whole-heartedly

“Serve the LORD with reverent fear, and rejoice with trembling. “(Psalm 2:11)”Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe.”(Hebrews 12:28NLT).What an amazing thing it is to be in the service of God and to be humbly waiting on Him for His guidance and empowering!

7. If you are wise you will walk in the same manner as Jesus walked.

“Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.” (1 John 2:6) In Hebrews 5:7-9 we read that “During the days of Jesus' life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered. And, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him” and it was in this way that He offered Himself on the cross to secure our “eternal salvation. If we would really be like Him we shall always seek to live and work to do everything in the fear of the Lord all day long. God is putting a choice before us. The question is, will you be wise? If you are wise, you will choose to walk in the way of the Lord and enjoy life eternal. Moses issued the same challenge in Deuteronomy 30:19-20: "This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him." Are you wise? Are you discerning? Then you choose the ways of the LORD and receive the divine benediction.