Proverbs Ch 1:3,4

“3To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity; 4 To give subtlety (delicacy, refinement, tact) to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion (good
judgment, prudence)”. –KJV

“3They can teach you how to live intelligently, and how to be honest, just and fair. 4They can make an inexperienced person how to be clever (sharp, skilful, cunning) and teach young men how to be resourceful (practical, capable, creative)” –Good News

I wasn’t going to blog tonight―too tired and busy day…as well as big day tomorrow, but can’t resist. (I’m such a bore…I know)…

Yesterdays intro into Proverbs appears to be describing the features of the book (“The What” ie. it will help you understand sayings with deep meanings)…today is all about ‘selling the benefits' – ie. The WIFM (Whats in it for me).

Obviously it does all about if you acquire wisdom you will grow and improve –you will become more astute… a simple person will become ‘street smart’. Funny, Calvin Coolidge “writes there are many educated derelicts”…so acquiring wisdom is more than getting knowledge - its about the application of that knowledge (something I remember from YWAM).

Three observations from the verses:

1) I like the KJV -– it appears to me that it implies that wisdom is designed to co-exist and to be executed with justice, and judgment, and equity. In other words it is to be used for good – not for self-service or to meet corrupt ends. I know many street smart people who lack integrity.

2) I also like the fact that while wisdom is linked with equity in the KJV, equity means fairness in the Good News. Applied wisdom and judgment are not there to redistribute wealth or resources - on the basis that everyone has the right to the same – rather the application of wisdom will see the equitable distribution of anything on the basis of ‘return for contribution’ – unless other factors come into play eg. Grace, Charity). Like Jack Welch writes he “rewards his team on performance” …buts lets see how these thoughts pan out as I progress…maybe its my sub-conscious right wing theology or something!

3) The thing I like is the best is that it promises to teach young men how to be “resourceful”. Funny several years ago, when interviewed to join the organization I’m working for my Boss asked me “how resourceful are you?”. He is himself a perceptive and resourceful guy – I plainly see the importance of resourcefulness in any area of life – to me its about getting the most out of any situation.

Anyway, that’s it for today.

Early Bed Tonight.