First Things First

Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding. . . . Then you will understand what it means to fear the LORD, and you will gain knowledge of God.

SOMETIMES on our daily path in our relationship with God, spending time with him can seem like just one more thing on an already long to-do list. With responsibilities that seem to keep us unendingly on the go, it’s easy to lose perspective about exactly why we need to spend time in God’s Word daily. And yet God’s Word itself promises wonderful benefits to those who will take the time to pursue wisdom:

My child, listen to what I say, and treasure my commands. Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding. Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding. Search for them as you would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures. Then you will understand what it means to fear the LORD, and you will gain knowledge of God. For the LORD grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest. He is a shield to those who walk with integrity. He guards the paths of the just and protects those who are faithful to him.

Then you will understand what is right, just, and fair, and you will find the right way to go. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will fill you with joy. Wise choices will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe.

Doesn’t this seem like a great deal? If you have spent years second-guessing yourself, the wisdom in God’s Word builds confidence in decision making. If you have felt like a victim in some aspect of your life, God’s Word is a shield, and God is your protector. If you are depressed, God’s Word gives comfort and knowledge that are pleasant to your soul. If you are struggling with the consequences of unwise or foolish choices, God’s Word can teach you discretion that will protect and guard you from this point forward. Considering all the benefits of gaining God’s wisdom, our busy days will go much more smoothly once we have God’s wisdom firmly in our minds and hearts.