Proverbs 9:6
"Leave your simple ways behind, and begin to live; learn to use good judgment.”
Living with Jesus makes us an entirely new creation. It means leaving behind the path of darkness and sin, and living anew in Him. Our simple and sinful ways are what we put down when we choose to pick up our crosses and follow after Jesus, and when we follow Him, we then learn what true living is.
Proverbs 9:7-10
"Anyone who rebukes a mocker will get an insult in return. Anyone who corrects the wicked will get hurt. So don’t bother correcting mockers; they will only hate you. But correct the wise, and they will love you. Instruct the wise, and they will be even wiser. Teach the righteous, and they will learn even more. Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment."
These verses say some interesting things: we are given warnings of what is to happen if we rebuke those who mock others or correct the wicked and the destruction that comes our way. Now, in all honesty, I don't believe these verses encourage us to let sin run rampant in the world, but instead, to simply trust that God is in control. The ultimate judge and corrector is Jesus, not us. It is not our place as believers to condemn those who are wrong because when we mess up, the last thing we want is to face condemnation, which just so happens to be the very thing Jesus freed us from! If anything, we are to love our enemies, love those who mock others, and even love the people who are wicked. We are not the ultimate judges of this world, but if anything, verses 7 and 8 serve as a warning to us believers. Because of the path these people have chosen to follow, their hearts, minds, and souls arent softened to the things of God just yet. We are called to and let God do what He needs to, and that requires us to submit to Godly wisdom.
While God is working in and on the hearts of those who are distant from Him, it is our job as believers to encourage and uplift other believers living in true wisdom. If anything, the Bible says that when you correct and instruct the wise and righteous, they will become even wiser!
At the roots and foundation of true Godly wisdom is fearing the Lord. This means having such great respect and reverence for Him, that you cannot help but have a fear of respect and reverence towards Him. Wisdom also means absolutely trusting God with anything and everything at hand, and in return, we are blessed with a kind of insight the world cannot even offer us.
Proverbs 9:11-12
"Wisdom will multiply your days and add years to your life. If you become wise, you will be the one to benefit. If you scorn wisdom, you will be the one to suffer."
We already know that wisdom will direct and illuminate our path through life. We also know what great value this treasure from the Lord Almighty carries. Another benefit (or blessing) that comes with Godly wisdom is the added life that comes with it. Not just walking, but living in Godly wisdom frees us of suffering and promises us more life. This means that when we intentionally choose to live the way Jesus has called us to, we are the ones who reap the benefits!
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