“But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until the full daytime. The way of the wicked is like darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble. “ Proverbs 4:18-19
Those who are counted righteous through faith in Christ Jesus follow Jesus and are conformed more and more to His likeness until they are raised from the dead and transformed into His perfect image (cf. Rom. 8:29; 2 Cor. 3:18). The way of the wicked is darkness; they do not see the way of life and do not know over what they stumble and fall.
Open my eyes, O Lord, that I may see my sins and failings and look to Jesus and His cross for forgiveness and life; and grant that I be conformed into His image, more and more each day until that day when I am changed and perfectly reflect His likeness. Amen.
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” Proverbs 9:10
Some people are smart but not wise. They have the intellect to learn much, but they lack the wisdom to rightly apply what they have learned. True wisdom begins with knowing and honoring the almighty and holy God who has created all things and given us life. It comes from hearing and believing God’s Word, and it moves us to acknowledge our sinfulness and look to Christ Jesus and His cross for pardon and forgiveness. Without such wisdom and knowledge, even the most intelligent are fools.
Grant that I hear and believe Your Word, O Lord, and repent of my sins and look to Christ Jesus for pardon and forgiveness. Give me the wisdom to believe Your Word and honor You with my life. Amen.
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” Proverbs 1:7
True knowledge and true wisdom begin with proper regard for the LORD God who made us and gives us life. Many, thinking themselves wise, foolishly despise the wisdom and instruction the LORD offers and gives us in His Word and neglect to repent and look in faith to Christ Jesus and His cross for mercy and forgiveness.
Keep me from foolishness, O LORD, and, by means of Your Word, make me wise unto salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. Amen.
“My son, if you will receive my words and hide my commandments 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. For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding…” Proverbs 2:1-6
God is the source of true wisdom; He gives it to those who seek Him and hear His instruction. Knowledge and understanding come from hearing His words. Thus, true wisdom and understanding come from reading and studying the Bible, which is God’s Word and instruction. “The Holy Scriptures … are able to make you wise unto salvation through the faith that is in Christ Jesus” (2 Tim. 3:15).
Grant that I seek Your wisdom, O God, and gain knowledge and understanding through studying Your Word. I ask this in the name of Christ Jesus, my Savior. Amen.
“For He says to Moses, ‘I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.’ So then it is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs, but of God who shows mercy.” Romans 9:15-16
Many think that God’s choosing is based upon some goodness or willingness in us, but God’s Word teaches us that God’s mercy and His election are entirely of His grace. We all deserve His wrath and punishment. The fact that some are brought to faith in Christ Jesus and receive God’s mercy is entirely due to His undeserved love and compassion.
O gracious and merciful God, thank You for having mercy upon my soul and granting me faith and life in Christ Jesus. Amen.
