Living with Wisdom

Living with Wisdom When we come across Proverbs 31 and begin reading about a wife of noble character, it sounds like we’ve met a superhero. This woman is described as persistent, hard-working, prepared, helpful, thrifty, wise, and God-fearing. Everything she does seems flawless, and it might seem hard to imagine living up to this expectation. No one but Jesus has lived a perfect life, and Proverbs 31 isn’t trying to suggest that anyone should be performing at superhero levels. Although it is describing a wife, this chapter gives everyone a description of what it looks like to apply wisdom to our lives. Here are four ways anyone can embody the characteristics described in Proverbs 31.  WORK HARD: “She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands.” Proverbs 31:13 ESV We can’t work for or earn our salvation. It is a gift from God that we can accept or reject. But hard work is a natural response of gratitude and thanks for all that God has done for us. We work hard to do what He has created us to do so that we can glorify God.  BE GENEROUS: “She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.”  Proverbs 31:20 NIV A wise person is able to notice the needs of others and tend to them. He or she will intentionally reach out and offer assistance to those in need. We can be generous with our time, resources, and God-given gifts because it's all been given to us by God.  BE PREPARED: “She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭31‬:‭25‬-‭26‬ ‭NIV‬‬ When we steward our resources well and trust God with the results, we can approach the future with confidence and joy, and share what we’ve learned with others. FEAR THE LORD: “Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.”  Proverbs 31:30 NLT Fear can have negative meanings connected to it. But in the Old Testament, fear is often associated with setting aside your will to follow God’s commands. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and a wise person seeks to obey God in all they do.  God doesn’t expect us to be more than human. He understands our limitations and has grace for our weaknesses. But He hopes that we will seek and apply wisdom to our lives so that we can know Him more intimately. And when each of us commit to seeking God’s wisdom, we will begin to exhibit the traits found in Proverbs 31.  Today, take some time to ask God to reveal where you can grow in wisdom. Allow Him to transform your character and be glorified through your life.