by Pastor Daniel 
 
Introduction
If there is anything we should acquire in life, I believe it is wisdom.  Many would say that other things would leave us, wealth or health but it is knowledge and wisdom that would remain and sustain us.  If that is true, then how do we acquire wisdom?
 
Proverbs 3:21-31 is a selection of sayings that talk about wisdom and life’s dealings.
 
Benefits of wisdom
In this section the wise man, namely King Solomon, exhorts mankind to seek after wisdom, that we should never lose sight of them.  We are to keep “sound wisdom and discretion.”  Then he went on to tell us the reasons, which are actually beneficial to life.
 
They are “life for the soul, adornment for the neck, brings security in that we will not stumble, brings peace to our tired souls when we rest at night or when we are faced with terror brought about by wickedness.”
 
In short, wisdom and discretion spare us from many unwarranted fears and anxieties in life.  How often we have been robbed of peace in our lives because we lack wisdom and discretion - we make mistakes and wrong decisions in life.
 
For a wrong word spoken, we tossed over it in bed and be robbed of sleep.  For a wrongful action, we worried how the other party is seeking to get even.  For a wrongful attitude, we cause a negative impact upon ourselves and someone else that would lead us to stumble and fall.
 
Having wisdom is indeed a benefit not just for our heads, but our souls.   Where do we get that kind of wisdom?
 
The Lord my wisdom
Interjected between those 11 verses, is verse 26 that says, “for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught.”
 
Rightful wisdom is not really about how much knowledge one has accumulated.  It is about how much we know our God.  The very theme of the book of Proverbs is this, “The Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.”  The reverence, the adoration, the respect, the fear, the worship, the acknowledging of the Lord in our lives and all that we do is the beginning of wisdom.
 
When God rules our hearts, we will be filled with wisdom.  When God takes priority in all our decision, there will be wisdom.  When God’s commands become the guiding principles of our lives, wisdom will flow.  That is how it works.
 
Will we take that challenge?  Many see that as a risk = can I take the risk of trusting God to do the right thing?  My question is this - is that a risk or is that a challenge of our faith to know that God will always bless his children.  Even his chastisement is a blessing in that He is our loving father who loves his children.
 
The Lord is our confidence and he will not let our foot slipped or be caught.
 
The acts of wisdom
Finally in the remaining verses, the writer poses some examples of wise decisions and actions.  From verses 27-31, is a list of actions and looking closely, they are found in relationships. 

•        Not withholding what is good from others when we have the power to do.
•        Be generous and kind with your neighbours because they will be beside us.
•        Don’t find fault with others for no reasons
•        Don’t envy the man of violence and all his wrong ways.

 
Ultimately wisdom is seen in the way we relate to one another.  That is why Jesus said, “Love one another as I have love you and by this shall all men know that you are my disciples.”
 
May developing good relationships be our pursuit so that the wisdom of God will be upon us.
 
Conclusion
Let us be found to be wise men and women in FCC.  By our deeds, may we impact others in their lives and we be counted to be wise.