Proverbs 18:3-4 

³When wickedness comes, so does contempt, and with shame comes reproach. ⁴The words of the mouth are deep waters, but the fountain of wisdom is a rushing stream.

Playground

         We were driving south of the city when we saw adults and children having fun next to several fountains at a community playground. Summer is expected to be very hot, and public fountains are very clever idea to refresh people under the hot sunny day. Water fountains in summer help refresh a thirsty feeling. It proclaims in Psalm 36:7-9, ⁷How priceless is your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings. ⁸They feast on the abundance of your house; you give them drink from your river of delights. ⁹For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light.

         Hot summer is uncomfortable, but we are gratified with delight in the unfailing love of God. Articulately, King David proclaimed his personal experience with God as the fountain of life. While taking care of the sheep in the field, David endured extreme weather, hot summer and cold winter.

         Hot summer and cold winter are unpleasant season that anyone may despise. But with God the fountain of life, we can experience pleasant life. Life on earth won’t always be refreshing, and God offers refreshing eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ, and we can rejoice and praise him forever.

         We can rejoice always despite unpleasant circumstances as we wait for the arrival of Christ to take us into heaven. How? Explore the word of God as guide to glorious path of life. Fools disregard of the word of God. But God has seriously warned very clearly in Philippians 3:19-21, ¹⁹Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things. ²⁰But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, ²¹who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.

         Do you eagerly wait for the arrival of Christ? Do you long to meet him face to face? Can you imagine when our mortal body is transformed into glorious body? How glorious feeling could that be? Practically, we prepare for the future but as citizens of heaven, we prepare for eternal residency. We should always be alert and not slack in faith or God may reproach us.

1.  Reproach

     ³When wickedness comes, so does contempt, and with shame comes reproach.

         God cares for our wellbeing. He will reproach us if we follow a wrong path. A reproach is useful rebuke to unmindful insensibility. People who are not ready to quit wickedness, they will disregard a reproach or reprimand. But we can pray that God may enlighten them eventually, even us.

         Anyone can easily appreciate good things. Anyone is happy to hear appreciation, for sure. When you appreciate people, observe their reaction. When you appreciate the things they do or have, they gladly welcome it.

         Make it a habit to notice one good thing or two in a person. Admire the color of dress or designer’s bag or branded shoes. Appreciate fragrant perfume. Notice nice hair do or haircut. Mention their smart ideas, bright eyes or smiling face. Truly, anyone can welcome a pleasant appreciation.

Children

         Sometimes, appreciation is not limited to verbally saying nice words.

If you can freely do what you want to do without reproach or reprimand, do you interpret it as appreciation? Naturally, anyone wants freedom. Children want freedom doing what attracts them. For example: We are not bothered when children move around us. They walk on stage during sermon. We let them be, but be watchful for risky danger next to the musical instruments.

         When children feel comfortable moving around us, they feel confident and welcomed, and that could productively inspires them as they mature. But when children sense fear that they may commit mistakes, it may affect their confidence. Everyone is invited by Psalm 34:9-11, ⁹Fear the Lord, you his holy people, for those who fear him lack nothing. ¹⁰The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing. ¹¹Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord.

         When we are satisfied, we want to explore more of things that God prepared for us. We try do anything just to survive. This why everyone is busy preparing for retirement. Retirement is attractive. You may retire and explore your hobby if you are financially sufficient  and not short of money.

         God is the fountain of wisdom. He can help us prepare for practical and spiritual needs. Reverent fear of the Lord is exemplified and expect to be gratified when we seek his help. If we seek God’s help, we lack no good thing. Do you believe it? If so, quickly rush to seek the Lord for wisdom.

2.  Rush

             ⁴The words of the mouth are deep waters, but the fountain of wisdom is a rushing stream.

         Words of mouth are mysterious deep waters, complicated and tricky. We should not rush to conclude what others may say. Some people express things they want others to hear, but the words they use are not necessarily the complete issue. Spoken words are not really simple as we hear them.

         Prayerfully discern words of wisdom. Discussions about beliefs are practical example of mysteriously complicated language to confuse many. Scholars argue that only Hebrew and Greek manuscript are inspired. They tricked anyone to ask what is God-inspired. Don’t be impressed too quickly.

         Many Hebrews and Greeks believe and obey God, but many don’t. It is useful to understand Hebrew and Greek. But it’s blessing to obey God. Did Christ ever teach that only Hebrew and Greek Bibles are inspired? Hebrew or Greek or any language, to obey the Lord is favorable.

         Pray that God helps you discern and follow goldy wisdom that comes from above. God is the fountain and source of heavenly wisdom. A fountain of wisdom from heaven is like rushing stream that refreshes the weary soul.

So how can we access to the wisdom of God? We trust in Jesus Christ, why? It declares in 1 Corinthians 1:24, ²⁴To those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.

         Strongly pray to trust Christ, and you sensibly access to the wisdom of God and the power of God. When the Holy Spirit of Christ came into our life, power of God comes to us. Wisdom of God is practically shown when we follow his instructions. His instruction is a path of adventure prepared for us. Christ is the way to God and glorious adventure. So, he invites us in Matthew 11:28-29, ²⁸Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. ²⁹Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

         We pursue treasures in this world, power, prosperity and popularity, and they make us weary. See? Powerful politicians are not satisfied by fame, power and wealth. Some are not concerned even if they become famous for graft and corruption. Yet, we, ordinary Christians can live with gratification. How? We find rest, joy and peace for our soul in Jesus Christ.

         Someone suggested that by reflecting on the word of God, we learn wisdom. We can also learn wisdom by imitating Christ and godly people. And to learn wisdom by personal experience can be tough. Whatever the means we may acquire wisdom, we pray for inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

         With wisdom, God created heaven and earth. He is the fountain and source of wisdom. We thank God for our faith in Christ, the wisdom of God and power of God. May God increase our faith in Jesus Christ our Lord.

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