Louise Gevers

“By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures. Proverbs 24:3-4

“Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise.” Proverbs 19:20

Building a house is a rewarding process as each room is planned and prepared and eventually takes shape to provide exactly the space and comfort for which it was designed. A well-built house takes a long time to complete, and is well worth the wait, as it will provide shelter and security for many years to come. For it to last, it has to be built on a solid foundation.

KwaZulu-Natal recently experienced torrential rain which caused devastating floods and landslides, resulting in the collapse of several houses in different areas, killing some poor people and leaving others homeless. Sadly, not all of the houses had been built with care, heeding the necessary regulations, which resulted in destruction and death.

The verse today speaks of building a house, a metaphor for our lives, using the tools of wisdom, understanding and knowledge. Jesus said, “Everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall because it had its foundation on the rock.” (Matthew 7:24-25)

The book of Proverbs is a rich storehouse of insights and perceptions to teach us practical skill in living according to God’s wisdom, and holds warnings on how to avoid moral dangers. These proverbs were written by Solomon, along with some other wise men, for instructing the people of their time, but they’re just as relevant today. Wisdom is a much needed quality as we build the house of our life, to enable us to fill it with “rare and beautiful treasures” which is essential to living well. From the outset, Proverbs makes one thing clear: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.” (Proverbs 1:7)

The quest for wisdom began in the Garden of Eden with Eve tempted by the forbidden fruit as a potential source of wisdom. (Genesis 3:6) Her decision to surrender to temptation to gain what was forbidden by God was clearly unwise, as was Adam’s to join her. Wisdom and discipline go hand in hand – each needs the other for success. Every piece of wisdom contained in the chapters of Proverbs requires discipline to put it into practice, which we can achieve as we submit to God who gives us “a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.” (2 Timothy 1:7)

Proverbs has 31 chapters. Let us challenge ourselves to read one chapter each day and celebrate wisdom growing in our lives. God bless you.

“Blessed is the (one) who finds wisdom … who gains understanding, for she is far more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. She is more precious than rubies …” (Proverbs 3:3:13-15)

Prayer: All-Wise, Loving Father, we know that through You Jesus grew in wisdom and stature when He was on earth. We celebrate Your wisdom in our lives and Your generosity in giving to all who ask You for more in times of need. Thank You for Your loving care of us.  Amen