Day 96, Year 1 God’s Wisdom Transforms People

“For wisdom will enter your heart And knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.” (Proverbs 2:10 NASB)

Not everyone who recognizes the value of divine wisdom pursues her. There are at least four types of attitudes people might have toward wisdom.

First, rejecting the pursuit of wisdom. The book of Proverbs in the Old Testament labels those who reject wisdom as fools or simple-minded people. These people think they are free, and are only concerned with satisfying their desires for food, clothing, shelter, earning a living, etc. Yes, they might live long lives. But from a biblical perspective, they are pitiful as they remain bound by the power and retribution of sin forever.

Second, accepting wisdom as pieces of information without letting it change their lives. These people are the more pitiable ones, as if they have toured the edges of heaven, but choose not to go into it and instead choose to suffer eternally. These people might have hardened hearts, be self-enclosed, afraid to pay the cost of changing themselves, and often be troubled by various problems. Therefore, they are unwilling to be transformed by God’s wisdom, and thus forever lose His life.

Third, welcoming God’s wisdom into our lives and continuously changing ourselves until we can be changed no more. This is the kind of people described in today’s verse. When His wisdom enters our hearts, it is like a flowing and nourishing stream. Those who pursue His wisdom will continuously accumulate insights and knowledge. This lifelong learning drives us to constantly change our lives into His beauty, even drawing the attention of innocent animals and making infants smile. We are often able to prompt some people around us to seek divine wisdom and her blessings.

Fourth, accepting wisdom but then abandoning it. These people usually receive a bit of wisdom, and of course, their lives might have been changed a little. But in the end, they decide to give up His wisdom as they see the huge cost they have to pay. Those who fall by the wayside often lack the perseverance to endure the suffering that wisdom accompanies. Perhaps they are only satisfied with having just a little bit of wisdom or are afraid that God’s wisdom would put them out of sync with the unbelieving world. These people are the most foolish ones who seem to have entered heaven but later stupidly turn around and walk toward hell, for a little bit of distorted wisdom cannot lead them to heaven.

Reflection questions:

1) Which of the four types of people described above would you like to become? What should you do to realize your choice?

2) Do you think you have the determination and perseverance to be constantly transformed by God’s wisdom? How would you lean on Him to resolve the difficulties if you have any?