Proverbs 3:23 “Then you will walk in safety on your path, and your foot will not stumble. 24 If you lie down, you will not be terrified. When you lie down, your sleep will be pleasant. 25 Don’t be afraid of a sudden terror or the ruin that comes to the wicked. 26 For Yahweh will be your confidence, and he will guard your feet from capture.”
“Resourcefulness” and “Discretion” are the Holy Spirit’s wisdom gifts to those who revere and seek Him (Prov. 3:21-22).
Resourcefulness is the ability to get one’s self (and those who follow) out of a jam through wisdom. Discretion is thinking through all the options of a situation and choosing the best way.
The definitions of these gifts are enough motivation for me to seek them. However, Proverbs 3:24-26 give three benefits making them even more attractive.
1. I will walk in safety and will not stumble on my path (3:24). The path metaphor is powerful for me as I walk with my family, our ministry partners and the world around me. I want my relationships, health, finances and ministry to progress in Christ and not stumble. Just a few verses earlier (3:6), he promises me that He will keep my ways straight if I “know” Him in all my paths. It may not seem straight to me, but He will reveal the “straightness” of the path if I walk in the discretion and resourcefulness He gives. If I find myself in the thorns and weeds, I have to ask, “Am I living and leading in the resourcefulness and discretion He gives?” I need His revelation.
2. I will sleep in safety and experience His renewal each morning (3:24). Not only do the Spirit’s wisdom gifts help me walk, but they also help me sleep! As I relax at bedtime, I often think of worries I have buried during the day. Living in resourcefulness and discretion will increase my trust in God and lessen my anxiety in the day and night. I can know that He is giving me wisdom and I am walking in it. Even when my immaturity is displayed, I have His grace to learn and grow further in wisdom, if I listen to my Father’s discipline. My failures in life and leadership can be opportunities to thank God for His grace and instruction in wisdom. I will enjoy His renewal through sleep.
3. I pray sudden terror from the consequence of wicked living will not overtake me because I make God my confidence and walk in the wisdom He gives. I may face tragedy in 2017, but it will be in Christ and for Christ’s glory. I pray it will not be because I have lived like a foolish, evil man and am reaping the consequences.
May these Biblical principles cause us to embrace the Holy Spirit’s gifts of wisdom this New Year.
The translation and some of the interpretation of this post is from – Longman III, Tremper (2006-06-01). Proverbs (Baker Commentary on the Old Testament Wisdom and Psalms) (p. 141). Baker Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.
ZacharyCEdwards.com 