JANUARY 24 | BOTH EASY AND DIFFICULT

To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.

—Jude 25

But the God we must see is not the utilitarian God who is having such a run of popularity today, whose chief claim to men’s attention is His ability to bring them success in their various undertakings and who for that reason is being cajoled and flattered by everyone who wants a favor. The God we must learn to know is the Majesty in the heavens, God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, the only wise God our Saviour….

Knowledge of such a Being cannot be gained by study alone. It comes by a wisdom the natural man knows nothing of, neither can know, because it is spiritually discerned. To know God is at once the easiest and the most difficult thing in the world. It is easy because the knowledge is not won by hard mental toil, but is something freely given. As sunlight falls free on the open field, so the knowledge of the holy God is a free gift to men who are open to receive it. But this knowledge is difficult because there are conditions to be met and the obstinate nature of fallen man does not take kindly to them. KOH180-181

Lord, deliver me from viewing You as simply a utilitarian God and give to me the spiritual wisdom that defies my obstinacy and leads me to true knowledge of You. Amen.

Tozer, A. W., & Eggert, R. (2015). Tozer on the almighty god: a 365-day devotional. Moody Publishers.

JANUARY 17 | CALL UPON GOD

PROVERBS 2:6
The LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.

The prerequisite to obtaining help in dealing with our troubles is to realize that we lack sufficient wisdom to sort them out! The argument is this: “When facing trials, it is important to know how to cope with them. The only way we will be able to understand these trials and respond to them properly is by asking for the wisdom that only God can give.” When our friends and loved ones are going through trials, we may think we see what God is doing through the ordeal. But when we are the sufferers, when we are the ones going through the fire, viewing the situation from God’s perspective is a little more difficult. For this reason we are to ask God for wisdom.
As James motivates the troubled believer to seek wisdom, he describes God in such a way as to make us wonder why we have waited so long to reach out for His help.
We know from the Scriptures that God is the source of true wisdom. He is a good God who is not partial to any. He will always answer the prayer for wisdom, never turning away such a request. He may not always answer on our time schedule, but He always answers.

Jeremiah, D. (2002). Sanctuary: finding moments of refuge in the presence of God (p. 18). Integrity Publishers.

January 14.—And she said to the king, it was a true report that I heard in mine own land of thy acts, and of thy wisdom. Howbeit, I believed not the words until I came, and mine eyes had seen it; and behold the half was not told me.—1 Kings 10:6, 7.

IF the Queen of the South was so astonished in the view of Solomon’s wisdom, what ought to be thy surprise, my soul, in the contemplation of Jesus, in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge? When thou didst first hear of Jesus, and when constrained by necessity to come to him, a poor, blind, ignorant sinner, how little didst thou conceive either of thyself or him! He told thee, indeed, all that was in thine heart, and made thy very spirit, like her’s, to faint within thee, when he shewed thy sin and his salvation. Surely then, and often since, even now hast thou been constrained to say, as she did, the half was not told thee by others, of what sweet discoveries he hath made to thee of himself. Think then, my soul, what holy surprise and joy will burst in upon thee in the day when, at the fountain-head of glory in his courts above, he will unfold all his beauty, love, and wisdom; when thou shalt see him as he is, and know even as thou art known!

Hawker, R. (1845). The Poor Man’s Morning Portion (p. 14). Robert Carter.

January 14 | PURSUING GOD’S WILL

“In all wisdom and insight [God] made known to us the mystery of His will” (Eph. 1:8–9).

✧✧✧

Even if you haven’t obtained academic degrees, you have wisdom that far surpasses the most educated unbeliever.

When God redeemed you, He not only forgave your trespasses and removed the guilt and penalty of sin, but He also gave you spiritual wisdom and insight—two essential elements for godly living. Together they speak of the ability to understand God’s will and to apply it to your life in practical ways.
As a believer, you understand the most sublime truths of all. For example, you know that God created the world and controls the course of history. You know that mankind’s reason for existence is to know and glorify Him. You have goals and priorities that transcend earthly circumstances and limitations.
Such wisdom and insight escapes unbelievers because they tend to view the things of God with disdain (1 Cor. 2:14). But you “have the mind of Christ” (v. 16). His Word reveals His will, and His Spirit gives you the desire and ability to understand and obey it.
Today is another opportunity to cultivate that desire through diligent prayer and Bible study. Let the psalmist’s commitment be yours: “O how I love Thy law! It is my meditation all the day. Thy commandments make me wiser than my enemies. … I have more insight than all my teachers. … I understand more than the aged. … I have restrained my feet from every evil way, that I may keep Thy word” (Ps. 119:97–101).

✧✧✧

Suggestions for Prayer: Thank God for the wisdom and insight He gives you through His Word. ✧ If you have neglected the Word, ask His forgiveness, and begin once again to refresh your spirit with its truths. ✧ Ask for wisdom to respond Biblically to every situation you face today.

For Further Study: Many Christians think God’s will is vague or hidden from them. But Scripture mentions several specific aspects of His will. Once you align yourself with those specifics, the Spirit will direct you in the other areas of your life. ✧ List six elements of God’s will from these passages: Ephesians 5:17–18; 1 Thessalonians 4:3; 1 Thessalonians 5:18; 1 Peter 2:13–15; 1 Peter 3:17; 2 Peter 3:9. ✧ Are you following God’s will in those areas? If not, what steps can you take today to do so?

MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1993). Drawing Near—Daily Readings for a Deeper Faith (p. 26). Crossway Books.

JANUARY 12 | To God our Savior, who alone is wise.

Father, I am in Christ Jesus, who became for me wisdom from You, God—and righteousness and sanctification and redemption. Can I search out Your deep things? Can I find out the limits of the Almighty? They are higher than heaven—what can I do? Deeper than Sheol—what can I know?
I speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for my glory. The mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in You, God, who created all things through Jesus Christ; to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places.
If I lack wisdom, I ask of You, God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to me. Your wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.

Lord God, may my life be characterized by joy in Jesus, who is Your wisdom, and by the kind of wisdom for each day that only You can give.

JUDE 25; 1 CORINTHIANS 1:30; JOB 11:7–8; 1 CORINTHIANS 2:7; EPHESIANS 3:9–10; JAMES 1:5; JAMES 3:17

Jeremiah, D. (2007). Life-Changing Moments With God (p. 21). Thomas Nelson Publishers.

Wisdom and Knowledge | Ligonier Ministries

In college, I majored in philosophy. On the very first day of the very first course that I took in philosophy, the professor wrote the word philosophy on the chalkboard, then broke it down to show its etymological origin. The word comes from two Greek words, which is appropriate, for the Greeks are usually seen as the founding fathers of Western philosophy. The prefix philo comes from the Greek word phileō, which means “to love.” The root comes from the Greek word sophia, which means “wisdom.” So, the simple meaning of the term philosophy is “love of wisdom.”

When I came to understand this meaning, I assumed that by studying philosophy I would learn about wisdom in a practical sense. However, I soon discovered that Greek philosophy stressed abstract questions of metaphysics (the study of ultimate being or of ultimate reality) and epistemology (the study of the process by which human beings learn). It’s true that one of the subdivisions of philosophy is ethics, particularly the science of normative ethics — the principles of how we ought to live. That was certainly a concern of the ancient Greeks, particularly Socrates. But even Socrates was convinced that proper conduct, or right living, is intimately connected with right knowledge.

There is a section of the Old Testament known as the Wisdom Literature—the books of Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Solomon. Here, we see a completely different philosophical emphasis, one that is based on the initial assumption of the Bible. Many people regard the assertion that there is one god over all creation as a late development in Greek philosophy. In a sense, it was the conclusion of their thought. But for the Jews, the assertion of God’s sovereignty was primary. The first line of the Old Testament says, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth” (Gen. 1:1). Monotheism is not at the end of the trail; it is at the very beginning.

Genesis offers no argument or proof for the existence of God. One of the reasons for this is that the Jews were convinced that God had already done the job Himself: the heavens declared the glory of God (Ps. 19:1). The Jews were not concerned about whether there is a God but about what He is like: What is His name? What are His attributes? What is His character? The whole Old Testament focuses on God’s self-disclosure to His covenant people.

The Wisdom Literature makes a startling affirmation: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Ps. 111:10; Prov. 9:10). For the Jews, wisdom meant a practical understanding of how to live a life that is pleasing to God. The pursuit of godliness was a central concern of the writers of the Wisdom Literature. They affirmed that the necessary condition for anyone to have true wisdom is a fear of the Lord.

Such fear is not terror or horror. As Martin Luther said, it is a filial fear, the fear of a child who is in awe of his father and doesn’t want to do anything that would violate his father and disrupt their loving relationship. In a word, this concept has to do with reverence, awe, and respect. When the writers of the Wisdom Literature say that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, they are saying that the absolute, essential starting point if you want to acquire true wisdom is reverence and adoration for God.

Showing a contrast, the psalmist tells us, “The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God’” (Ps. 14:1a). Wisdom is contrasted with foolishness. However, in the Hebrew literature, the term fool does not describe a person who lacks intelligence. To be foolish to the Jew is to be irreligious and godless. The fool is the person who has no reverence for God, and when you have no reverence for God, inevitably your life will show it.

The Wisdom Literature also makes a sharp distinction between wisdom and knowledge. A person can have unbounded knowledge and not have wisdom. But the reverse is not the case; no one can have wisdom if he does not have knowledge. The antiintellectual spirit of our times declares: “I don’t need to study. I don’t need to know the Bible. All I need is to have a personal relationship with Jesus.” That viewpoint is on a collision course with what the Wisdom Literature teaches. The purpose for learning the things of God is the acquisition of wisdom, and we cannot have wisdom without knowledge. Ignorance breeds foolishness, but true knowledge—the knowledge of God—leads to the wisdom that is more precious than rubies and pearls.

We want to be rich, successful, and comfortable, but we do not long for wisdom. Thus, we do not read the Scriptures, the supreme textbook of wisdom. This is foolishness. Let us pursue the knowledge of God through the Word of God, for in that way we will find wisdom to live lives that please Him.

http://feeds.ligonier.org/~/910681025/0/ligonierministriesblog

How Can I Grow in Wisdom? | Ligonier Ministries

The Bible teaches us that we live in a world of mutually exclusive things, among which are wisdom and folly. These two represent contrasting paths that shape the lives of individuals. Wisdom is associated with the path of life and folly with the way of death.

Wisdom is often defined as practical knowledge or the skillful application of knowledge. As Christians, we need to take this a step further by remembering the words of Solomon: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge” (Prov. 1:7). Biblically, wisdom applies the knowledge of God to life, or to express it another way, wisdom is the skill of godly living.

That skill is needed in every area of life. We are to have wisdom in our words, relationships, households, vocations, emotions, sexuality, leadership, citizenship, plans, and management and use of resources. There is nothing in our day-to-day routine that does not need wisdom, because our aim is to live skillfully in all things for the honor and glory of God.

But how can we grow in wisdom? Maybe it is helpful to think about how we grow in any skill. When we want to learn to do something well, it takes intentional effort, instruction, and implementation. Growing in the skill of wisdom is no different.

Intentional Effort

The skill of wisdom is both something we ask for and something we seek. Ultimately, wisdom is a benefit given to us in Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul says that hidden in Jesus are “all treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Col. 2:3). Our Lord possesses that wisdom for the sake of His elect, as Paul says elsewhere, He “became to us wisdom from God” (1 Cor. 1:30). Adopted into the family of God, we have been promised wisdom in Jesus that gives us confidence to ask and assurance that our generous God will give (James 1:5). But the giving of wisdom is not disconnected from means.

The Bible also teaches that growth in wisdom comes through intentional effort. Wisdom is not an innate trait, nor does it come automatically with age. Again, the wise king directs that we must pursue it:

If you seek it like silver
and search for it as for hidden treasures,
then you will understand the fear of the Lord
and find the knowledge of God. (Prov. 2:4–5)

We grow in wisdom by asking and seeking: “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek and you will find” (Matt. 7:7).

Instructed by God

Growing in a skill set also requires instruction, and so it is with wisdom. We learn about wisdom from God’s Word and world. The Bible says,

For the Lord gives wisdom;
from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. (Prov. 2:6)

Instruction from the Scriptures comes in many ways, but the Bible consistently emphasizes the value of parents instructing their children in wisdom. This is clearly modeled by Solomon, as the first part of Proverbs takes the form of a father instructing his son. He says:

Hear, O sons, a father’s instruction,
and be attentive, that you may gain insight,
for I give you good precepts;
do not forsake my teaching.
When I was a son with my father,
tender, the only one in the sight of my mother,
he taught me and said to me,
“Let your heart hold fast my words.” (Prov. 4:1–4).

We are also encouraged by the example of Timothy, who from childhood knew the Scriptures that were able to make him wise for salvation (2 Tim. 3:15). There is good reason to think that he had been attentive to the instruction of his mother and grandmother as they taught him that wisdom (see 2 Tim. 1:5).

Creation is also a book that can instruct us about the wisdom of God. This is because Wisdom had a part in creation and so Wisdom’s thumbprint is everywhere (Prov. 8:22–31). Memorably, the words of Agur near the end of Proverbs say,

Four things on earth are small,
but they are exceedingly wise. (Prov. 30:24–28)

He goes on to name the wisdom of the ant, badger, locust, and lizard. Even the small and insignificant parts of creation instruct us in principles for skilled and godly living.

Implementing Wisdom

No skill is attained or strengthened unless we are committed to doing it. Solomon said,

My son, do not forget my teaching,
but let your heart keep my commandments. (Prov. 3:1)

This is why wisdom and folly are likened to a pathway—the whole point of a road is to set your feet upon it and walk. If we want to grow in wisdom, we must practice wisdom, being not only hearers but doers of it. As we do, we may move forward slowly, but our growth is promised:

The path of the righteous is like the light of dawn,
which shines brighter and brighter until full day.
The way of the wicked is like deep darkness;
they do not know over what they stumble. (Prov. 4:18–19)

Growing in wisdom is not dissimilar to learning and growing in any skill. In a very ordinary way, we pursue it with intentional effort, receive continual instruction from the Word and creation, and put into practice its precepts, living with skillful godliness until, by the grace of Jesus, we are made perfect in the world to come.

http://feeds.ligonier.org/~/910620482/0/ligonierministriesblog

Sunday, January 5, 2025 | Christmas Second Sunday after Christmas

Old Testament                                            1 Kings 3:4–15

Psalm                                            Psalm 119:97–104

Epistle                                            Ephesians 1:3–14

Gospel                                            Luke 2:40–52

Index of Readings

Old Testament

1 Kings 3:4–15

⁴ And the king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there, for that was the great high place. Solomon used to offer a thousand burnt offerings on that altar. ⁵ At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night, and God said, “Ask what I shall give you.” ⁶ And Solomon said, “You have shown great and steadfast love to your servant David my father, because he walked before you in faithfulness, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart toward you. And you have kept for him this great and steadfast love and have given him a son to sit on his throne this day. ⁷ And now, O Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of David my father, although I am but a little child. I do not know how to go out or come in. ⁸ And your servant is in the midst of your people whom you have chosen, a great people, too many to be numbered or counted for multitude. ⁹ Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?”

¹⁰ It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this. ¹¹ And God said to him, “Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches or the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, ¹² behold, I now do according to your word. Behold, I give you a wise and discerning mind, so that none like you has been before you and none like you shall arise after you. ¹³ I give you also what you have not asked, both riches and honor, so that no other king shall compare with you, all your days. ¹⁴ And if you will walk in my ways, keeping my statutes and my commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your days.”

¹⁵ And Solomon awoke, and behold, it was a dream. Then he came to Jerusalem and stood before the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and offered up burnt offerings and peace offerings, and made a feast for all his servants.

Psalm

Psalm 119:97–104

⁹⁷ Oh how I love your law!

It is my meditation all the day.

⁹⁸ Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies,

for it is ever with me.

⁹⁹ I have more understanding than all my teachers,

for your testimonies are my meditation.

¹⁰⁰ I understand more than the aged,

for I keep your precepts.

¹⁰¹ I hold back my feet from every evil way,

in order to keep your word.

¹⁰² I do not turn aside from your rules,

for you have taught me.

¹⁰³ How sweet are your words to my taste,

sweeter than honey to my mouth!

¹⁰⁴ Through your precepts I get understanding;

therefore I hate every false way.

Epistle

Ephesians 1:3–14

³ Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, ⁴ even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love ⁵ he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, ⁶ to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. ⁷ In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, ⁸ which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight ⁹ making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ ¹⁰ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.

¹¹ In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, ¹² so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. ¹³ In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, ¹⁴ who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.

Gospel

Luke 2:40–52

⁴⁰ And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favor of God was upon him.

⁴¹ Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. ⁴² And when he was twelve years old, they went up according to custom. ⁴³ And when the feast was ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents did not know it, ⁴⁴ but supposing him to be in the group they went a day’s journey, but then they began to search for him among their relatives and acquaintances, ⁴⁵ and when they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, searching for him. ⁴⁶ After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. ⁴⁷ And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. ⁴⁸ And when his parents saw him, they were astonished. And his mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been searching for you in great distress.” ⁴⁹ And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?”^{8 50} And they did not understand the saying that he spoke to them. ⁵¹ And he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was submissive to them. And his mother treasured up all these things in her heart.

⁵² And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man. ¹

---

¹  Lutheran Service Book Three Year Lectionary. (2009). Concordia Publishing House.

Heaven’s Wisdom | Pastor Jack Hibbs

Heaven’s Wisdom

 Proverbs 1:2

“To know wisdom and instruction, to perceive the words of understanding.”

The bright prospect of new beginnings is one of the joys of the New Year. On the cusp of this coming year, what hopes, dreams, or concerns will you be bringing into it? Whatever they are, wisdom will be needed.

The late Christian minister Vance Havner once said, “We have more illumination than our Christian brothers and sisters before us and walk in less light than ever.” That is true because we often seek human counsel when God wants us to pursue His.

Biblical wisdom comes from the proper use of biblical knowledge. It gives insight and good judgment, but you must be receptive to instruction to receive it. Do you want to live wisely? Be teachable and open to guidance. Determine to take a firm grip on God’s Word and follow His commands—even when difficult—and you will understand the right and profitable way.

According to the Bible, God’s wisdom is unfathomable! “Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God” (Romans 11:33). Are you considering a new ministry endeavor? Do you want to repair a relationship or start a new one? Or are you at a crossroads and wondering which way to go? God alone is the One to turn to because He promises to give liberally wisdom to those who ask (James 1:5).

God wants to give you everything you need for a blessed and purposeful life. His thoughts toward you are of peace, to give you a future and a hope, to bring your life to a full and complete end. Seek Him!

Awaiting His Return,

– Pastor Jack

Have you been blessed by Pastor Jack’s Devotions? Email us now: CLICK HERE

Share Share

Subscribe to the Devotional List

The post Heaven’s Wisdom first appeared on Pastor Jack Hibbs.

December 29 | All Is Vanity

Scripture reading: Ecclesiastes 12:1–8

Key verse: Ecclesiastes 12:1

Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth,

Before the difficult days come,

And the years draw near when you say,

“I have no pleasure in them.”

In Ecclesiastes, Solomon’s words hauntingly draw us into a time vacuum where reality spills over to the imagined, and we find ourselves wanting to push away at the discovery he made. Surely he was wrong. There must be a way for us to indulge in the pleasures of this world and serve God at the same time, but alas, there is not. Solomon is right—all is vanity.

Therefore, his warning is true that we should remember our Creator in the days of our youth, before the years come when you will say, “ ‘I have no delight in them’; before the sun, the light, the moon, and the stars are darkened, and clouds return after the rain; in the day that the watchmen of the house tremble, and mighty men stoop, the grinding ones stand idle because they are few, and those who look through windows grow dim … then the dust will return to the earth as it was, and the spirit will return to God who gave it. ‘Vanity of vanities,’ says the Preacher, ‘all is vanity!’ ” (Eccl. 12:1–3, 7–8 nasb).

God wants us to enjoy His provisions. However, the key to the good things in life is not in doing or having but in living for Jesus Christ. You will find that when your affections are set on material gain, your spirit suffers. Life takes on a hopeless effect. But you avoid all of this when knowing Jesus is your aim and goal.

Dear Lord, I want to set my affections on spiritual things instead of material things. Help me to do that during the coming year.¹

---

¹  Stanley, C. F. (2002). Seeking His face (p. 380). Thomas Nelson Publishers.

27 DECEMBER | Reproving without Harshness

Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Galatians 6:1

suggested further reading: Proverbs 4

The opposite sin in rebuking one who has fallen is excessive harshness.

Hypocrites often use this kind of rebuke, for when they see a speck in their neighbor’s eye, they cry out in alarm, yet they have a large beam in their own eye that they do nothing about, as our Lord Jesus says (Matt. 7:4). Since many people enlarge their consciences to swallow an entire camel yet strain at a gnat when it comes to the faults of others, we must guard against being too harsh or too severe when we reprove others. It seems to some that they are only correctly doing their duty if they loudly sound the trumpet when another person falls.

How many cautionary words today spring from righteous concern? If a person sees his neighbor doing evil, he should, if he has an opening and an opportunity, show him his fault, yet we see nothing of this! For if each one spies on his friends and listens as he keeps watch to see if he can find anything to reprove, then he will be severe in the extreme.

However, those who are severely dealt with in this way certainly cannot complain. After all, why else has evil become so prevalent in today’s society? Indeed, few people are admonished in private anymore to bring them back to God; rather, the sins that were hidden are slanderously published abroad.

Why? We cannot bear to hear the truth about ourselves. We want to cleave to our sins, as if no one has any authority or jurisdiction over us. True community cannot exist among us without such mutual correction, in which we all willingly submit to one another.

for meditation: Paul’s advice explained here by Calvin is sorely needed in our families, churches, and work environments today. Loving correction of an offending brother that follows Matthew 18:15–17 is seldom followed today. Most people operate in one of two extremes: either they think that this is the work of a minister or a church and they neglect their own responsibility as a member of Christ’s corporate family, or they overreact in harshness and neglect to approach their bother in love and humility. Are you lovingly and tenderly correcting your brothers and sisters in the faith when they fall into some sin?¹

---

¹  Calvin, J., & Beeke, J. R. (2008). 365 Days with Calvin (p. 380). Day One Publications; Reformation Heritage Books.

December 11 | God’s Unfathomable Ways

“Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”

Philippians 2:8

✧✧✧

Christ’s humiliation displayed God’s wisdom.

Somewhere along the path of Christ’s descent, you’d think He would have said to Himself, These people really aren’t worth redeeming. This is too degrading and humiliating! But the grace and love of God toward sinners was such that Christ stooped to die for you and me. At the end of Paul’s doctrinal survey of salvation in Romans, he said, “Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways!” (11:33). He was in awe of God’s plan of salvation—a plan no man would have devised.

If we had planned the Incarnation, we probably would have wanted Christ to be born in a palace. His family would have been wealthy and prominent, and He would have been educated in the finest universities with elite teachers and the best tutors. We would have orchestrated events so that everyone loved, revered, honored, and respected Him. He would have been in all the prominent places and met all the prominent people.

We would not have had Him born in a stable to a poor family. He would not have spent His youth in a carpenter’s shop in an obscure town. Rather than a ragtag band of followers, we would have made sure He had only the best people as His disciples, and they would have had to pass stiff qualifying tests for the privilege.

We would not have allowed Him to be humiliated. We would have imprisoned or executed anyone who spit on Him, pulled His beard, mocked Him, or hurt Him. Our plan for the Messiah would have been very different from God’s plan, and, as a result no one could have been saved. It’s no wonder the psalmist said, “Thy judgments are like a great deep” (Ps. 36:6). God’s ways are unsearchable, His truths profound. And His plan to redeem us was accomplished by Christ’s humiliation.

✧✧✧

Suggestions for Prayer: Daniel prayed, “Let the name of God be blessed forever and ever, for wisdom and power belong to Him” (Dan. 2:20). Like Daniel, worship the only wise God, who saved you.

For Further Study: Read 1 Peter 2:21–24. What did Christ leave you (v. 21)?¹

---

¹  MacArthur, J. (1997). Strength for today. Crossway Books.

December 4 | Where can wisdom be found?

Father God, if I lack wisdom, I ask You, who gives liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to me. But I will ask in faith, with no doubting. I trust in You, Lord, with all my heart, and lean not on my own understanding; in all my ways I acknowledge You, and You shall direct my paths. You alone are wise. I will not be wise in my own eyes.

Jeremiah feared and said, “Ah, Lord God! Behold, I cannot speak, for I am a youth.” But You, Lord, said to him: “Do not say, ‘I am a youth,’ for you shall go to all to whom I send you, and whatever I command you, you shall speak. Do not be afraid of their faces, for I am with you to deliver you.”

Whatever I ask You, Father, in Jesus’ name You will give me. Until now I have asked nothing in His name. Ask, and I will receive, that my joy may be full. And whatever things I ask in prayer, believing, I will receive.

Genuine wisdom can be found only in You, dear Lord, so teach me to turn to You for wisdom and to trust without doubt or fear.

Job 28:12; James 1:5–6; Proverbs 3:5–6; 1 Timothy 1:17; Proverbs 3:7; Jeremiah 1:6–8; John 16:23–24; Matthew 21:22¹

---

¹  Jeremiah, D. (2007). Life-Changing Moments With God (p. 363). Thomas Nelson Publishers.

November 23 | Playing the Fool

“Behold, I have played the fool.”

1 Samuel 26:21

✧✧✧

A Christian should not act like a fool.

In Deuteronomy 32:6 Moses looked out at the belligerent children of Israel who had failed God so many times and said, “Do you thus repay the Lord, O foolish and unwise people?” The children of Israel were playing the fool. Sadly, God’s people today continue to play the fool.

One way they do so is through disbelief. On the road to Emmaus, Jesus appeared to two disciples who didn’t believe that He had risen from the dead. Jesus said to them, “O foolish men and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken!” (Luke 24:25). To disbelieve God and His Word is to play the fool.

Another way believers play the fool is through disobedience. In Galatians 3:1 the apostle Paul says, “You foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified?” And in verse 3 he says, “Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?” They started out well but were disobedient and got caught up in the works of the law.

Still another way Christians play the fool is through desire for the wrong things. First Timothy 6:9 says, “Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires.” If you desire the wrong things, you play the fool.

Finally, you can play the fool through doing the wrong things. James 3:13–17 says that there are two kinds of wisdom. Godly wisdom produces “good behavior” (v. 13), but foolish wisdom produces “jealousy and selfish ambition” (v. 16). A self–centered person plays the fool.

It’s sad to see so many Christians playing the fool. It doesn’t make any sense. Why should Christians live as blind, ignorant, foolish people when they have the wisdom of God?

Paul says at the end of Romans, “I want you to be wise in what is good, and innocent in what is evil” (16:19). If you have to be a fool at all, be a fool (unknowing, unacquainted) about evil.

✧✧✧

Suggestions for Prayer: Make Paul’s exhortation in Romans 16:19 your prayer.

For Further Study: Read Proverbs 2:1–22 as a reminder of what benefits you’ll receive from following true wisdom instead of playing the fool.¹

---

¹  MacArthur, J. (1997). Strength for today. Crossway Books.

November 22 | Watch Your Step

“Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men, but as wise.”

Ephesians 5:15

✧✧✧

Walking wisely is a step in the right direction.

Sometimes a soldier has the thankless task of clearing mine fields from enemy territory. If you’re aware of the procedure, you know the work is both dangerous and tedious. To proceed in an orderly fashion, a soldier marks areas that are considered dangerous and areas that have been cleared. Above all, he makes sure he is careful where he’s walking!

In the spiritual realm, Paul is telling believers in Ephesians 5:15 to walk carefully. The Greek term translated “careful” speaks of looking carefully from side to side and being alert to what is going on. We need to be extremely alert because the world we’re walking through is a mine field of sin and temptation. Therefore, we must walk carefully, exactly, and accurately. The wise Christian carefully charts his course according to life principles designed by God. He doesn’t trip over the obstacles that Satan puts in his path or fall into the entanglement of the world’s system. He is “careful.”

The Greek word translated “walk” means “daily conduct,” “daily pattern,” or “daily life.” The daily pattern of our lives must reflect wisdom. The Greeks saw wisdom primarily as head knowledge. They tended to spin off theories that had no practical implications. To them, the wise people were the intellectuals and the philosophers. The Hebrew mind, however, defined wisdom only in terms of behavior. When a person becomes a Christian, it’s more than a change in theory—it’s a change in how he lives.

Paul is saying in verse 15, “If you used to be a fool, but you’ve been made wise in Christ, then walk wisely.” In other words, we’re to practice our position, to live in accordance with who we are. When we became Christians, we came out of foolishness into wisdom. Therefore, we need to act like it!

Be careful not to act foolishly and step on Satan’s mines. Your spiritual transformation demands that you live your life with care.

✧✧✧

Suggestions for Prayer: Thank the Lord for helping you obey His Word and avoid Satan’s destructive mines.

For Further Study: Read Titus 3:1–8. What are you to be careful to do (v. 8)? Why?¹

---

¹  MacArthur, J. (1997). Strength for today. Crossway Books.

November 21 | Growing in Wisdom

“Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”

2 Peter 3:18

✧✧✧

Growing in wisdom means growing in Christlikeness.

Perhaps you’re asking, “Shouldn’t believers acquire more wisdom?” Yes, we should. No matter how much of God’s wisdom we have, we should always hunger for more. The Bible tells us that we have all the principles we need to walk in wisdom, and yet there’s much more available to us. We should “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18), and we should be more and more conformed to the image of Christ by the transforming work of the Spirit of God. Our wisdom should increase, as should our godliness, but we are given the basic principles at salvation. Even though a person may not know all the truths in the Bible, God’s Spirit, who is resident in him from the moment of salvation, will convict and convince him of righteousness and sin.

What do you do if you want more wisdom? First, worship. Proverbs 9:10 says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” Make it your goal to have a worshipful heart throughout each day and to be faithful in attending the Lord’s house regularly (see Heb. 10:25). Second, pray. James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” Make it your continual prayer to ask God for more of His wisdom. Third, receive instruction. The apostle Paul encouraged “admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom” (Col. 1:28). If you want more wisdom, one good way to receive it is to be instructed by someone who is wise. Finally, study Scripture. In 2 Timothy 2:15 Paul says, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth.” Set up a regular Bible study time, and let the Holy Spirit teach you.

What about you? Are you growing in wisdom? If not, make it your priority.

✧✧✧

Suggestions for Prayer: Ask God to help you grow in wisdom.

For Further Study: Make it your daily goal to implement the four ways mentioned in today’s lesson for growing in wisdom.¹

---

¹  MacArthur, J. (1997). Strength for today. Crossway Books.

November 18 | The Words of a Fool

“The tongue of the righteous is as choice silver, the heart of the wicked is worth little.”

Proverbs 10:20

✧✧✧

A fool desires to share his folly with others.

Proverbs 1:7 says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.” Wisdom, as defined in the Book of Proverbs, is living by divine standards, which implies accepting divine truth. But a fool rejects that. First Corinthians 2:14 says that “a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God; for they are foolishness to him.” To a fool, foolishness is wisdom and wisdom is foolishness.

That a fool rejects God’s wisdom is evident by the way he speaks. Proverbs 15:2 says, “The tongue of the wise makes knowledge acceptable, but the mouth of fools spouts folly.” In other words, a fool is quick to air his opinions. Just as a bitter fountain produces bitter water, and a rotten tree produces rotten fruit, so also a fool produces foolishness—speaking on his own authority and generating his own opinions. The world is full of the opinions of fools—fools who have denied God in their living, who have become their own gods, and who mock the reality and consequences of sin.

A fool not only is quick to air his opinions but also propagates his foolishness to others. Proverbs 16:22 says that the instruction of fools is folly. The fool contaminates the rest of society with the same foolishness that damns his own soul. He leaves it as a legacy to his children, his friends, and all those who fall under the influence of his folly.

In contrast to fools, you as a believer are blessed to have the Spirit of wisdom indwelling you and illuminating your understanding of His Word. Your words to others are based on the wisdom of Scripture, not empty speculation. By bringing His Word to mind in every circumstance, you can speak words that are “like apples of gold in settings of silver” (Prov. 25:11).

✧✧✧

Suggestions for Prayer: Thank God for teaching us how we should speak—and not speak—through His Word.

For Further Study: What does Colossians 4:6 say about our speech? ✧ What further insight do each of these verses add: Matthew 12:36; Mark 9:50; Ephesians 4:29?¹

---

¹  MacArthur, J. (1997). Strength for today. Crossway Books.

November 17 | Living in a World of Fools

“Wisdom is too high for a fool.”

Proverbs 24:7

✧✧✧

A fool wants his own way.

There’s no question in my mind that we live in a world of fools. In fact, everyone born into this world comes in with congenital foolishness—otherwise known as the sin nature. Proverbs 22:15 says, “Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child.” Since we live in a world of fools, let’s look at a few of their characteristics.

A fool denies God. Psalm 14:1 says, “The fool has said in his heart, ‘There is no God.’ They are corrupt, they have committed abominable deeds; there is no one who does good.” I call this practical atheism. A fool lives as if there were no God—denying God with his actions.

A fool becomes his own god. Proverbs 12:15 says, “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes.” No man can live without a god. It isn’t a question of, does he worship? It’s a question of, whom does he worship? If a person doesn’t worship the true God, he will worship a false god—which inevitably will be a reflection of himself. He becomes the one who determines truth and error, articulating his own standards for living.

A fool mocks sin. Proverbs 14:9 says, “Fools mock at sin.” Since a fool makes his own rules, he wants to justify his own behavior to make sure he’s going to be all right in the end. He attempts to eliminate sin along with its consequences.

A fool, then, begins by living as if there were no God, substituting himself as god and determining his own style of life. Then he denies the existence of sin because he cannot tolerate guilt.

When God saved you, you stopped your foolishness and became His wise child. Be encouraged, knowing God will continue to help you grow in wisdom through your understanding of and obedience to His Word.

✧✧✧

Suggestions for Prayer: Pray for the salvation of a family member, friend, or neighbor who is living foolishly.

For Further Study: Read Matthew 7:24–27. What is the difference between a wise man and a foolish man?¹

---

¹  MacArthur, J. (1997). Strength for today. Crossway Books.

November 16 | The Results of True Wisdom

“The seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.”

James 3:18

✧✧✧

A wise life is a righteous life.

Puritan minister Richard Baxter said, “Wisdom is honorable because it is the skill of doing good.” Like Baxter, James also sees a connection between wisdom and doing good. James 3:18 is in the present tense and literally reads, “The fruit of righteousness is being sown in peace by them that make peace.” At first glance it seems strange that James would say the “fruit of righteousness is being sown” because usually seed is sown. But harvested fruit also becomes seed for the next crop. The fruit of righteousness is sown again in peace by those who make peace.

Where true wisdom exists, true righteousness follows. And that becomes seed and generates more righteousness. That’s the law of sowing and reaping. It is a continual cycle: one righteous act harvested from the field of true wisdom becomes the seed to grow another righteous act. Those who make peace receive the benefit from it, and righteousness flourishes in a climate of peace. The bottom line is that peacemakers aren’t preoccupied with themselves.

The life of a farmer illustrates what James is saying. The seeds that a farmer plants in the spring are what he eventually harvests in the fall. Similarly, by sowing righteous deeds each day of your life, you can be assured of what you’ll reap: a life that reflects true wisdom. Make it your aim to live righteously!

✧✧✧

Suggestions for Prayer: Worship the Lord for being righteous, and ask Him to help you obey His Word and live a righteous life.

For Further Study: James follows a clear line of thought: if one professes to be a Christian, he must prove it by living like a Christian. According to 1 John 3:7–10, what proves a person is a true believer?¹

---

¹  MacArthur, J. (1997). Strength for today. Crossway Books.

November 15 | The Qualities of True Wisdom

“The wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy.”

James 3:17

✧✧✧

True wisdom is evident in a person’s behavior.

What is true wisdom? James answers that question in verse 17 by pointing out the characteristics or qualities of true wisdom. After purity, the next quality is “peaceable,” which means “peace loving” or “peace promoting.” It refers to someone who doesn’t create confusion or disorder. He doesn’t promote himself or compromise truth but makes peace.

True wisdom is also “gentle.” A gentle person will submit to dishonor, disgrace, mistreatment, and persecution with an attitude of humility, courteousness, kindness, patience, and consideration. He will not display hatred, malice, or revenge.

True wisdom is also characterized as “reasonable.” It refers to someone who is willing to yield, who is easily persuaded, teachable, and compliant. It was used of a person who willingly submitted to military discipline or who observed legal and moral standards in life and willingly submitted to them. A wise person manifests such “reasonable” traits concerning God’s standards for life.

“Full of mercy” refers to someone who shows concern for people who suffer and is quick to forgive. He demonstrates kindness and compassion toward others.

“Good fruits“ refer to all good works in general or a wide variety of spiritual deeds. The Christian demonstrates the genuineness of his salvation through his good deeds—works that are produced by faith (James 2:14–20) and are called “the fruit of the Spirit” (Gal. 5:22–23) or “the fruit of righteousness” (Phil. 1:11).

“Unwavering” refers to someone who is consistent and doesn’t vacillate. He is undivided in his commitment, doesn’t make unfair distinctions, and is sincere in his faithfulness to God.

“Without hypocrisy” is the climax of true wisdom and speaks of someone who is utterly genuine. He isn’t a phony or fake. A truly wise person manifests sincere behavior.

If true wisdom is part of your life, it will be evident in your behavior. Make it your aim to reflect the qualities of true wisdom so that others may see Christ in you.

✧✧✧

Suggestions for Prayer: Ask God to help you develop the qualities of true wisdom in your life. But before you do, make sure you’re being motivated by a pure heart.

For Further Study: Read Matthew 5:1–16, noting how the words of Christ parallel James 3:17.¹

---

¹  MacArthur, J. (1997). Strength for today. Crossway Books.