Tag: wise

Hold Fast to Your Hope

Hold Fast to Your Hope

We have good reasons to cling to our hope in Christ.  First of all, God cannot lie, so we know that we can trust His Word.  Secondly, this hope will not disappoint us as Romans 5:5 states (below).

. . . so that by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have taken refuge would have strong encouragement to hold firmly to the hope set before us.  (Heb 6:18 NASB, emphasis added)

We must ‘hold fast’ [keep hold of; hang onto; grip] the hope set before us by the Lord. 

Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him, on those who hope in His mercy . . .   (Ps 33:18 NKJV)

God is keeping watch over all those who hope in Him and in His mercy.  Glory to God!

. . . because you are my hope, Lord.  You, Lord, are the one I’ve trusted since childhood.  (Ps 71:5 CEB)

The Lord, who is almighty and never-failing, is the basis of all of our hope.  When we base our trust in Him, we have placed our trust appropriately.

My soul longs for your salvation; I hope in your word.  (Ps 119:81 ESV)

We are wise when we put hope in God’s Word because His Word will not fail, simply because He watches over His Word to perform it.

I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope.  (Ps 130:5 NIV)

This also confirms the wisdom of putting our hope in God’s Word.

. . . and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.  (Rom 5:5 NRSV)

In this verse, God promises that our hope in Him will never be disappointed or frustrated.  What a wonderful reassurance from the heart of the Lord!

Do You Want Wisdom?

Do You Want Wisdom?

Who is wise?  Let him understand these things.  Who is prudent?  Let him know them.  For the ways of the Lord are right; the righteous walk in them.  But transgressors stumble in them.  (Hos 14:9)

To be wise, we must seek to understand God’s precepts and ways.  Understand means to perceive the intended meaning of His Words and His ways.  Another definition states that to understand means to apprehend clearly the character, nature, or subtleties of something. 

Therefore, in order to be wise in God’s sight, we will clearly apprehend the character, nature, and subtleties of God’s Words and His ways—and His personality. 

If you don’t feel that you’ve arrived just yet at that place, then study passages from the Bible every single day.  Meditate upon what you’ve read.  Ask the Holy Spirit to enlighten your understanding and to give you wisdom.  He will answer your prayers.

He will open the eyes of your understanding and give you revelations into the Word of God and into God’s loving nature.  Hallelujah! 

Note:  This is a reprint of our blog article dated 02/23/2017.

A Wise Life Lesson

A Wise Life Lesson

An angry king is like a roaring lion.  Making him angry may cost you your life.  (Pro 20:2 NCV)

If a ruler’s anger rises against you, do not leave your post; calmness can lay great offenses to rest.  (Eccl 10:4 NIV)

As messengers of death is the king’s wrath, but a wise man will appease it.  In the light of the king’s face is life, and his favor is like a cloud of the latter rain.  (Pro 16:14-15 NKJV)

A “king” or “ruler” as used in these verses, refers to someone with power and authority over other people.  In modern times, that could represent a Prime Minister, Senator, President (whether of a nation or of a private company), employer, supervisor, manager or foreman.  A person’s boss has a measure of power and authority over them.  Anyone, even a parent, who has power or great influence over the events of our lives would fit into this description.

The life lesson here is to recognize the importance of these types of people in our lives.  It’s wise to learn what makes such influencers happy, what displeases them, and what soothes them.  Further lessons to be learned from these Scriptures are:

  • Don’t underestimate the significance of such people in our lives;
  • If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. (Rom 12:18 NIV)  We should strive to keep our relationships with “kings and rulers” peaceful.
  • Don’t leave an uncomfortable situation; remain calm; and work to placate (pacify, soothe) the influencer.
  • Pray for God’s supernatural favor with everyone, especially these types of people. 
  • Endeavor to earn favor by working hard, showing respect and following instructions.

Lastly, remember to ask God to give you the grace that you need in order to maintain peace in these relationships.  May God continue to bless you every single day. 

Humility and Wisdom

Humility and Wisdom

Humility and wisdom are two attributes that are praised in the Scriptures.  Blessings are frequently mentioned in connection with them.

When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.  (Pro 11:2 NIV)  Humility and wisdom are frequent companions!

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.  (Jas 3:13 NIV)  This verse informs us that humility comes from wisdom.  As a matter of fact, a person with humility coupled with the fear of the Lord will experience riches, honor, and life.  (Pro 22:4)

Toward the scorners He is scornful, but to the humble He gives favor. The wise will inherit honor, but fools get disgrace.  (Pro 3:34-35 ESV)  To people who are humble, the Lord gives favor; and the Lord bestows honor upon the wise.

Only we are capable of humbling ourselves; no one else can do it for us.  When we humble ourselves, the Lord promises to exalt us.  (Jas 4:10 NKJV)  The Bible reminds us that if we don’t humble ourselves, the Lord will do it for us.  (Mt 23:12 ESV)

James 1:5 tells us that if we lack wisdom, we should ask God for it because He will generously answer our prayer.  Scriptures state repeatedly the many blessings that God bestows upon those who are wise.  See Ps 111:10; Pro 3:13-18; 4:6-7; 14:16; 16:16; 24:3-7; Lk 21:15; Jas 3:17.

Because the end of the ages is approaching, all believers must live carefully and intentionally for the Lord.  Let us each take inventory of our strengths and our weaknesses; and if we are lacking in wisdom or humility, take steps to mend our ways. 

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.  (Eph 5:15-16 ESV)

Walk Circumspectly

Walk Circumspectly

See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise . . . (Eph 5:15)

What does it mean to walk circumspectly?  Circumspectly means:  cautiously, warily, vigilantly, watchfully, guardedly, and with awareness. 

So about what should we be so cautious and wary?

  • Do not call upon other gods or let their names be heard on your lips. (Ex 23:13)
  • Be shrewd as snakes and harmless as doves. (Mt 10:16)  Shrewd means wise.
  • Be infants in evil, but in your thinking be mature. (1 Cor 14:20)
  • Conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. (Phil 1:27)
  • Continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of His will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives. (Col 1:9)
  • Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. (Col 4:5)
  • Walk worthy of your calling. (Eph 4:1)
  • Be a light in the world. (Mt 5:16)
  • Allow the love of God for you, and for mankind [collectively and individually] to guide your life.

It is by faith that we see spiritual realities (Heb 11:1); but if we’re too tied into earthly or material things, it can dim our spiritual vision. 

Allow your “spiritual spectacles” to stay firmly in place as you make every decision in your life, whether it’s a physical, financial, or relational matter with which you’re dealing.  Trust God to lead you and guide you, and to provide grace in every season, department, and sphere of your life. 

He has promised that He’ll never leave us.  (Heb 13:5)  He will never fail us!  (Ps 89:33; Zeph 3:5) 

Love never fails.  (1 Cor 13:8)

Do You Want Wisdom?

Do You Want Wisdom?

Who is wise?  Let him understand these things.  Who is prudent?  Let him know them.  For the ways of the Lord are right; the righteous walk in them.  But transgressors stumble in them.  (Hos 14:9)

To be wise, we must seek to understand God’s precepts and ways.  Understand means to perceive the intended meaning of His Words and His ways.  Another definition states that to understand means to apprehend clearly the character, nature, or subtleties of something. 

Therefore, in order to be wise in God’s sight, we will clearly apprehend the character, nature, and subtleties of God’s Words and His ways—and His personality. 

If you don’t feel that you’ve arrived just yet at that place, then study passages from the Bible every single day.  Meditate upon what you’ve read.  Ask the Holy Spirit to enlighten your understanding and to give you wisdom.  He will answer your prayers.

He will open the eyes of your understanding and give you revelations into the Word of God and into God’s loving nature.  Hallelujah! 

Meekness

Meekness

Today’s topic is meekness.  I’m not considering the world’s definition of the word, but rather the Biblical definition of the word. 

Unless otherwise noted, the New King James Version of the Bible is quoted in all of my articles.

  • What will ye? shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love, and in the spirit of meekness?  (1 Cor 4:21 KJV) 
  • Now I, Paul, myself am pleading with you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ—who in presence am lowly among you, but being absent am bold toward you.  (2 Cor 10:1)
  • Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering . . . (Col 3:12)
  • Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom.  (Jam 3:13)
  • But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear . . . (1 Pet 3:15)

As you can see, the topic of meekness is mentioned frequently in the Bible.  (If you check out the King James Version of the Bible, you will find many more verses than what I’ve shown here.)  Jesus said of Himself that He was meek.  (Mat 11:29 KJV)  Jesus mentions meekness in the Beatitudes.  (Mat 5:5)  Meekness is mentioned as an adornment of a Christian profession of faith in Jesus.  (1 Pet 3:4 KJV)

The overall, Biblical definition of meekness is:

  • A calm temper of mind; not easily provoked (Jam 3:13)
  • This gift, which is woven into the soul, and the exercises of it are first and chiefly towards God.
  • That temper of spirit in which we accept His dealings with us as good, and therefore without disputing or resisting; it is closely linked with the word humility, and follows directly upon it. (Eph 4:2 KJV; Col 3:12)
  • Equanimity of spirit that is neither elated nor cast down, simply because it is not occupied with self at all.

The meekness manifested by the Lord Jesus and recommended to the believer is the fruit of power.  It’s commonly thought that when a person is meek, it’s because they can’t help themselves.  But Jesus was ‘meek’ because He had the infinite resources of God at His command. He had angels awaiting His every Word.  He was powerful and meek—at the same time.  This was because He was truly and lovingly committed to fulfilling His Father’s will.  As we follow His example, we walk in His power.   Praise the Lord!