Introductory Thoughts
In our passage today, the Bible identifies three gifts from God intended to enable believers to make right decisions. These three gifts are knowledge, wisdom, and reproof. Knowledge involves factual information that enables the believer to possess details before making a decision. The Lord rebuked the simple pointing out that “they hated knowledge” (Proverbs 1:29). Because they hated knowledge, the people did not choose the fear of the Lord. Wisdom, on the other hand, involves the proper use of the knowledge provided by God for the individual. Wisdom takes the facts obtained and uses them to make the right choices. The last of the three gifts completes the package. Reproof entails the enlightenment of error. Knowledge, wisdom, and reproof work together to enable believers to choose wisely and properly.
Devotional Thoughts
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(For children): Learn everything you can about God and His word. He will help you make the right choices for any decision you face. Learn why mom and dad say "no" to things and be grateful they love you enough to stop you from making some bad decisions.
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(For everyone): Knowledge turns out to be the most foundational of the three things mentioned in the passage. Where do you think you can obtain true knowledge? What are you doing to obtain that knowledge?
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How you accept reproof reveals much about your heart. How do you respond when your errors are pointed out to you by those who love you? How do you react? Do you fix the problems or give excuses and continue in them?
Prayer Thoughts
- Wisdom is a necessity for the believer. According to the Bible, God will give wisdom to those who ask (James 1:5). Ask God to give you the wisdom necessary to make wise choices.
- Ask God to help you understand the importance of making wise choices and to help in making them more frequently.
Song
HOLY BIBLE, BOOK DIVINE
