The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel

Someone said, "A smart man only believes half of what he hears. A wise man
knows which half." I heard someone say yesterday that "wisdom comes with
age." I'm still waiting for mine to arrive! I sometimes believe what I read.
I read a simple statement that made a lot of sense to me just today. It
said, "If your soup is served too hot, it's not polite for you to blow on
it. So, ask your wife to do it." (My wife said that is not true and it must
have been written by a man.) Who do I believe?

I do believe that it's true that wisdom comes from age (and experience), but
wisdom also comes from what you hold in your heart at any age. It's the old
"garbage in garbage out" concept of what you put into your life is what you
will get out of your life.

People are always looking for wisdom or understanding. The bookstores are
full of books and downloads abound which tell you "how to get what you
want;" "how to discipline your life to attain goals;" "how to reach your
potential." But as seems a common thing for mankind, we often look in the
wrong place. Which half of what you hear do you believe? Let me give this
suggestion. Notice what Solomon has to say about wisdom, discipline and
understanding in Proverbs 1:1-7

The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:
. for attaining wisdom and discipline; for understanding words of insight;
. for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just
and fair;
. for giving prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the young
. let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get
guidance
. for understanding proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the
wise.
. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise
wisdom and discipline.(NIV)

I understand that there are lots of things you want to know or understand. I
know that in my life I have a longing to learn. I read, listen and study
almost continually on a vast array of topics and skills. There has to be a
balance in our lives though. We have to at some point come to grips with
what is the most important thing we can learn or apply ourselves to. Solomon
also adds an additional thought in Proverbs 2:6 where he says: "For the LORD
gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding."

If you want to gain true knowledge and understanding; if you want to know
how to truly discipline your life, then look to God! Read again the words of
Proverbs 1:1-7 and strive to gain true wisdom and insight.

My wife and I started reading through the bible again in January. I really
can't remember how many years we have been doing this, but what is always
surprising, is the new insights we gain each time we read God's Word. We see
things we have never seen or understood before. I think we are gaining
wisdom a little at a time through the years. How about you?

Russ Lawson