There is a lot of information out there but very little wisdom being used. We have more data and analysis at our fingertips than at any other time in history yet people seem to be making more foolish decisions. Knowledge may be power, but wisdom is what leads to success. Choose to pursue wisdom in the New Year.
Proverbs 10:10-14
The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence. Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses. On the lips of him who has understanding, wisdom is found, but a rod is for the back of him who lacks sense. The wise lay up knowledge, but the mouth of a fool brings ruin near.
Learn from the Wisest Man
King Solomon is widely known as the wisest man who ever lived. People would travel from all over the known world to sit and listen to him speak. As he writes these words, we see a foundation that we can build which will develop wisdom in our lives. He shows us the difference between righteousness and wickedness, love and hate, wisdom and foolishness.
Wise vs. Foolish
The wise person lays up knowledge, but the fool does what feel good. Wise people try to understand things before opening their mouths; the foolish spews out hate, violence, and foolishness. The wise person is a fountain of life to those around them, but the foolish person stirs up strife. Wisdom brings success in our endeavors while ruin and discipline are in store for the person who is selfish.
The Path to Wisdom
King Solomon gives us the key to obtaining wisdom. He tells us that the mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life. Righteousness is the path to wisdom. A righteous person is someone who does the right thing at the right time. When we are guided by righteousness wisdom follows right behind.
Build the Foundation
How do we become a righteous person? That happens through the atoning work of Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul tells us on Romans 3:10 “as it is written: “None is righteous, no, not one;” When we believe in Jesus he gives us his righteousness. Through the working of the Holy Spirit, he starts to change us from the old person to a new person in Christ. This gives us a basis of righteousness on which we can build a foundation of wisdom. Choose to pursue wisdom in the new year and do that by getting right with Jesus. Ask him to forgive your sins and give you a clean slate. Then ask him to guide you as you walk in his righteousness.