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Refreshment in Refuge
by Gina Burgess
Have you ever watched those videos of criminals caught on tape? Some of the things they do are hysterically funny because they are so stupid. Who would drop down out of a vent into a store without a way to get out of that store? Who would use the back of his own check to write a note to a teller to give him all the cash in the drawer? Who would scrawl graffiti signing his name to the artwork on the side of the building he just robbed?
My son, if you receive my words, And treasure my commands within you, So that you incline your ear to wisdom, And apply your heart to understanding; Yes, if you cry out for discernment, And lift up your voice for understanding, If you seek her as silver, And search for her as for hidden treasures; Then you will understand the fear of the LORD, And find the knowledge of God. Proverbs 2:1-5
1. God gives wisdom.
2. God gives knowledge and understanding
3. God makes sure wisdom does not dissipate
4. He shields those who walk in righteousness
5. He makes sure justice prevails—no matter how long it takes
6. He safeguards and protects His people.
These things come from God to His people so that wisdom becomes a part of the soul of a person bearing understanding of knowledge. Wisdom is the weapon of the saints to see temptations for what they are, to discern evil behind its disguise, and to protect the heart from wicked promptings of the flesh. In other words, for the Old Testament human, godly wisdom was similar to the indwelling of the Holy Spirit today.
Solomon was pointing out that without making that conscience decision to turn away from wickedness, a person did not have any hope for wisdom in the heart.
Evilness and wisdom are basic opposites.
The results of an evil-led life and a godly life are direct opposites as well.
For the upright will dwell in the land, And the blameless will remain in it; But the wicked will be cut off from the earth, And the unfaithful will be uprooted from it. Proverbs 2:21-22
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Gina Burgess has taught Sunday School and Discipleship Training for almost three decades. (Don't tell her that makes her old.) She earned her Master's in Communication in 2013.
She is the author of several books including: When Christians Hurt Christians, The Crowns of the Believers and others available in online bookstores. She authors several columns, using her God-given talent to shine a light in a dark world. You can browse her blog at Refreshment In Refuge.
If you'd like to take a look at some Christian fiction and Christian non-fiction book reviews check out Gina's book reviews at Upon
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