By Laura Lee Leathers
Decisions. Choices. Preparing for the future.
I don’t know about you, but at this stage of my life, I believe I need wisdom more than ever.
According to gotquestions.org, “Godly wisdom starts with the fear of God and results in a holy life. … With godly wisdom, we trade earthly values for biblical values” (1 John 2:15-16).
God appeared to a young King Solomon (1 Kings 3) and said, “Ask! What shall I give you?” (3:5b, NKJV). What would have been your answer?
Solomon could have asked for riches or a long life. Instead, he asked for “an understanding heart” (v. 9). Pleased with his reply, God gave the king wisdom and understanding, along with riches and honor (v. 11-13).
Years before Solomon, Moses wrote Psalm 90. In verse 10, Moses refers to 70 years as the days of our lives, or 80 “if by reason of strength.” Then comes his request:
Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom (v. 12).
The word “teach” means to perceive or understand (also see Psalm 39:4; 136:16). As we journey to eternity, we use time to measure our days. It’s a nonrenewable resource — use it or lose it.
Moses is asking God for the ability to live each day wisely. Regardless of age, we need to depend upon God’s wisdom, not man’s. The Book of Proverbs is “wisdom” — “the ability to live life in complete submission to God’s direction and principles” (The Charles F. Stanley Life Principles Bible, page 739).
From Proverbs, we learn the importance of fearing God and avoiding evil, which affects our spiritual and mental health. Take a moment to look at the subheadings in the first nine chapters. There is the call of wisdom, the value, security found in wisdom, the excellence of wisdom, and the way of wisdom.
And how do we obtain the wisdom of God? James 1:5 tells us to “ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” Also, read one chapter of Proverbs daily. Journal how God transforms your thinking.
At the top of my daily journal, I write Fear, Faith, and Flourish. I want to fear the Lord — gaining biblical wisdom; grow deeper in my relationship with Christ through faith and trust; and flourish, meaning the joy of the Lord, laughter, and creating new memories. Three words that guide me to live well.
One additional thought: The human heart weighs slightly less than one pound. If wisdom could be weighed, I desire pounds, not just a few ounces. Why? Because aging is not for the faint of heart!
Laura Lee Leathers is a writer and speaker. Imagine Lois Lane, over 65, living on a farm. Her metropolis is the area of freelance writing. Her primary love interest is the Word of God. She digs for information, interviews fascinating people, offers a cup of biblical hospitali-tea, and encourages, and helps others with the how-to’s of life. Visit LauraLeeLeathers.com.
