READ: PROVERBS 2
For the Lord grants wisdom! From his mouth comes knowledge and understanding. (V. 6)
“Woodie” is one of the harbingers of Spring around our house. You have probably figured it out by the name–Woodie is a woodpecker. He announces the imminent arrival of Spring by constantly drilling away on our metal rain spout. It would seem that over the winter he had a memory lapse and forgot the difference between metal and wood. Within a few days he realizes his mistake, but instead of heading for the nearest tree, he alights on the roof and commences trying to drill through our asphalt shingles. Eventually the area of his bird brain that controls the application of wisdom to his activities begins to function—you are not getting any insects to satisfy your hunger from all this work! On top of that, your beak, designed to bore into wood, is becoming sore and dull– message received, and he heads into the trees. Now on many mornings we hear Woodie happily doing his thing away from our house to our relief and his delight!
Thinking of the antics of our friendly woodpecker, I am reminded of the many times I have proceeded to handle situations and relationships without the application of wisdom. How many times have I “barked up the wrong tree, flew off in the wrong direction or banged my head against the wall” trying to deal with an issue. I find the sole application of my flawed problem-solving skills mimics the woodpecker furiously pecking away at the rain spout looking for his breakfast. That is when I have to engage my human brain and make the decision to continue down my current unproductive path or take the time to re-think the problem and its solution through the application of God given wisdom.
According to my Life Application Study Bible wisdom comes to us in two ways: “it is a God-given gift and the result of diligent searching.” Wisdom’s starting point is God and His revealed word, the source of all knowledge and understanding. But he gives wisdom only to those who “earnestly seek it.” This tells me that it is essential for me to stay close to God and continually study his word so that I may enhance my ability to apply wisdom to all aspects of my life. In addition, I should seek the advice of wise Godly people; avoid choices that compromise my integrity; learn from my mistakes; and to constantly pray to receive the wisdom truly needed to live a satisfying life.
PAUSE FOR REFLECTION AND PRAYER
Tired of being like the woodpecker hammering away on the rainspout, earnestly seek and trust in the wisdom of God.
Dear Father God, help me apply your gift of wisdom in all aspects of my life.