Day 146, Year 1

The Wise are Strong

“A wise man is strong, And a man of knowledge increases power.” (Proverbs 24:5 NASB)

“Once God has spoken; Twice I have heard this: That power belongs to God.” (Psalm 62:11 NASB)

“Blessed are the men whose strength is in thee, In whose heart are the highways to Zion.” (Psalm 84:5 RSV)

In the three verses of today, “strong,” “power,” and “strength” are all translated from the Hebrew word ‘oz, which also means “might,” especially denoting the power that comes from God, which makes people steadfast and firm. It also refers to people’s physical, material, social, and political capabilities. The second verse indicates that God has spoken twice that all power belongs to Him, lest people fail to hear or notice.

There are many types of wisdom, but only a few bring strength and power to humans. Similarly, there are many forms of knowledge, most of which only make people weary, but some knowledge could increase our strength. Likewise, some pursuits of holiness only make us feel good, while some draw us near to the Holy Spirit. Naturally, those who pursue power or strength would receive strength. But today’s first verse states that those who seek God’s wisdom wholeheartedly gain power. These are ideas rarely mentioned in the Bible and seem to go a bit against common sense. Yet, the spiritual key is that it is not those who seek power who obtain power, but those who pursue His wisdom.

Today’s third verse states that those who rely on God receive strength due to their hearts on the “highways to Zion,” which is the path to see Him and live in His presence. Hence, the focus of today’s verses is on cultivating a heart that relies on Him, filling our thoughts and emotions with His wisdom, knowledge, and understanding, so that we might live an empowered life. We need to follow God in all things and meditate on His wisdom and knowledge so as to be filled with His empowering wisdom.

During the late 1800s and early 1900s, believers around the world were earnestly seeking God’s path of righteousness and holiness. They not only strived to overcome their own sins but also addressed their weaknesses with God’s help. Where they glimpsed the work of unclean spirits, they longed for the cleansing and filling of God’s Spirit. Where they yearned for God’s holiness passionately, and then encountered the Holy Spirit. Where they experienced physical weaknesses, they encountered His healing after prayers. When their faith faltered, they meet the courage and power of the Spirit after waiting on God. All these quests began with reliance on God and were connected by His wisdom and understanding, thereby empowering that generation of believers for His mission.

Reflection questions:

1) Do you believe that all power comes from God? Why?

2) Do you long to rely on God to receive wisdom, understanding, and knowledge, and to live a more empowered life? Why?