Proverbs 1:3-4

³for receiving instruction in prudent behavior, doing what is right and just and fair; ⁴ for giving prudence to those who are simple, knowledge and discretion to the young.

Quit

You may have heard an ordinary story of a bright young man who excelled in high school; observers presumed that he would be successful person. And so, he enrolled in his chosen university to prepare for his career. But, few years later, he lost his desire to complete his education; he quit school and worked as laborer. Is it unfairness of life?

There are tough challenges and obstacles before greater things can be realized: financial problems, physical and mental health, relationship, bad influence, politics, and not to mention terrorism and natural calamities or man-made calamities.

Anyone may encounter those endless problems common to mankind; but listen: a prudent person would not quit but resiliently find solutions to his problem. Anyone can easily find anything to do; but with godly wisdom, we choose what’s beneficial.

Prudence manifests in smart choices of life. Let’s learn from 1 Corinthians 10:23:  ²³ “I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but not everything is constructive.

When Holy Spirit of God empowers us, we decide with prudence; our choices are beneficial to our physical life and eternal life. Godly wisdom is essential factor to being prudent, wise and smart person. And, how can godly proverbs help us to be prudent?

1.  Receive

³for receiving instruction in prudent behavior, doing what is right and just and fair

The phrase “doing what is right and just and fair” implies administering justice impartially. King Solomon was impartial, just and fair in his implementation of law; but, it’s sad reality that some authorities favor their personal or particular political leaning.

It cannot be denied that there are different political ideologies. And, interpreters of the law of the land are most often biased and not even very consistent. It’s sad reality but, partial and unfair practices of governance are not exclusive in our generation.

Christ’s Crucifixion

Before his crucifixion, the Lord Jesus Christ was accused before the governor. Pilate was the governor of Judea at that time but, he found no reason to sentence death on Jesus Christ; he decided not to release him though but, let him be crucified.

It is narrated in Matthew 27:22-26, ²² “What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called the Messiah?” Pilate asked. They all answered, “Crucify him!” ²³ “Why? What crime has he committed?” asked Pilate. But they shouted all the louder, “Crucify him!” ²⁴ When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, but that instead an uproar was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd. “I am innocent of this man’s blood,” he said. “It is your responsibility!” ²⁵ All the people answered, “His blood is on us and on our children!” ²⁶ Then… he had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified.

This biblical account of unfair governance is also prevalent in our generation. Government officials can be biased to their political ideologies. People are offended if interpretation of the law does not agree with their worldview or opinion. When safety or stability of office is threatened, the practice of fair governance is affected.

As believers of God, what can we do with unfair practices in the government?

Personally, we should regularly pray for authorities, and trust God, that decisions or advisories that authorities implement, the Lord makes use of them for our benefits.

Apostle Paul urged us in 1 Timothy 2:1-2, ¹I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— ² for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.

Believers who regularly pray for authorities could expect peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness, really? Of course, it’s by faith that we believe it. With godly wisdom, we spend time praying for authorities and not complaining against them.

Complaining against unfair governance could only add to distress, while praying is precious time of fellowship with the Lord; we find tranquility and peace of mind in him.

Additionally, praying for authorities includes not just government officials but also employers, school administrators, community leaders and even church leaders. The Lord instructed us, so it’s practical manifestation of faith to pray for authorities often.

Well, can you believe that God blesses us when we obey his command to pray for authorities? With godly wisdom, we are confident that the Lord rewards obedience to him. Godly wisdom strengthens our trust that obedience to his instructions is a smart decision.  Anyone has the right to choose what pleases them; but discreet and prudent decisions are favorable to believers whom God gave wisdom. Let’s read this:

2.  Give

⁴ for giving prudence to those who are simple, knowledge and discretion to the young.

What does it mean when it says, “for giving prudence to those who are simple?”

Are simple-minded people not prudent, not smart? What about the phrase, “giving knowledge and discretion to the young?” Do youngsters lack knowledge and discretion?

Well, can we accept that godly wisdom has significance to our lifestyle and experiences?

Have you ever wondered why some people have better life than others?

Some people are wealthy; some are poor; and, not a few complain about such reality.

Decision making is a very important factor to lifestyle and experiences.

How did you decide when you choose or take a career path you followed?

Most often, simple people are just satisfied with average or mediocre things.

So, when they make personal decision, their ability and capability are deciding factors.

Listen: How many young people can conceptualize the significance of exerting their best effort? And, as long as they don’t fall far behind from the majority, they can readily accept satisfactory circumstances as good and fair enough for them.

Social Media

One student posted his class records on his social media account. His grades were just few points above passing grade. The passing grade was supposed to be 75%; and, his average grade was few points above 75%. Many subscribers have identified with him; and perhaps, they tried to comfort him and encourage him. A particular comment said, “What is the benefit of excess grade? It cannot even increase my salary!”

Such comment had gathered much “thumb ups” and “likes” comments; it may have practically exposed what many others have in mind. Young and simple-minded people may not encounter life-changing hardship yet, and, they are not challenged to study harder or exert their best effort, why? With little experience, young and simple minded people may not readily conceptualize the essentiality of hard work.

Have you heard someone who credited his success to hard work?

If you exert much effort at work, you appreciate your compensation even more because you work hard, right? And, because you exerted your best effort of hard work, you would certainly make sure that you will spend your money discreetly and smartly, right? You want to save your hard-earned money as much as you can and spend wisely.

Whether success in life or failure of career, both are results of decisions made.

Godly wisdom hopes for great results beyond difficult obstacle. With prudence as offshoot of godly wisdom, we make smart choice and discreet decision. The proverbs of King Solomon are godly principles he practiced. His wisdom was given by the Lord.

The Lord Jesus Christ had promised in John 10:10: ¹⁰The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

Why is it that many believers have not personally realized life to its fullness, yet?

When scared or doubt their abilities, they settle for mediocre lifestyle. Mediocre lifestyle says: “This is good and fair enough for me.” And, they missed the fullness of life that Christ has promised; Doubt and fear steal the great opportunity of fullness of life.

Well, doubt and fear of the unknown should redirect us to God and seek his help.

Pray for increase of faith, godly wisdom and empowerment of Christ continually until you have life to its fullness. Pray until you sense tranquility of heart and mind.

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