(PROVERBS 3:1-10)

A NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Our world is embattled by a struggle between two wisdoms, two ways of seeking to make sense of our universe. The Bible labels the first of these 'The Wisdom of the World" (1 Cor 1:20). This describes all thinking and reasoning that discounts the revelation of God's Word. Such wisdom may have impressive credentials. But it is unable to address ultimate issues relating to the purpose and meaning of life. And it leads nowhere.

The other wisdom in our world is 'The Wisdom of God'. This wisdom comes from God the Creator's supernatural revelation. And it addresses all the issues that the wisdom of the world cannot. God's wisdom leads to light, life and ultimately Jesus Christ.

These two wisdoms battle ceaselessly for the minds and souls of humanity. And it is therefore a surprise to see them side by side in Proverbs 3:5. The first phrase of v5 calls the believer to trust in Jehovah: the God who speaks, who reveals himself to his people. It is a call to trust in the wisdom of God. However, the second phrase of v5, is a warning that such a person should not lean on their own understanding - ie understanding that leaves out God. And vv1-10 are replete with such warnings.

Solomon wasn't wasting his breath when he first uttered these divinely-inspired wisdom teachings. They show that there's a very real danger that the Christian believer, living as he does in a world ruled by its own wisdom, will return to the thoughts and attitudes of that wisdom. How are we to avoid this?

First we are told to trust in the LORD with all our heart. It means that we desperately need Bible teaching (v1). And we must take that teaching to heart. It must invade our inner person, shaping our appetites, emotions and passions. Second, we are told to apply God's wisdom to every part of our lives. This is actually what God's wisdom is all about, as the whole Book of Proverbs makes clear. God's wisdom is a guide to living life, not an academic commodity. All our 'ways' should be directed by this wisdom (v6) - including the honouring of God with our wealth (v9), giving God the firstfruits rather than the left-overs - a practice Christians often observe today through tithing, the process whereby on principle one tenth of income is set aside first, for God's work.

So God calls his people to take his Wisdom to heart and live it out practically in their lives. And he is no man's debtor. This passage repeatedly assures the obedient believer of prosperity - not necessarily a literal prosperity - but a life lived under the direction of God (v6b) that is prosperous in the fulfilment of God's purposes. My prayer is that we - Christ's local church of Holy Trinity Lyonsdown - should hear and receive God's wisdom, taking it to heart and living it out in every part of our lives - lives thus brought under God's direction. And I pray that this practical witness should be a beacon within our Parish and wider afield, drawing many to the wisdom and rule of Christ.

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