In what ways can wisdom enhance our spiritual and material blessings today? Setting the Passage in View “Wisdom, like an inheritance, is good, and it is an advantage to those who see the sun.” — Ecclesiastes 7:11 Why Solomon Compares Wisdom to an Inheritance • Inheritance places resources in your hands; wisdom shows you how to use them. • Both can be passed from one generation to the next, but only wisdom guarantees lasting profit (Proverbs 3:13-18). • Earthly wealth can disappear; wisdom holds value “better than jewels” (Proverbs 8:11). Spiritual Blessings Wisdom Brings Today • Deeper Knowledge of God – Leads us to fear the LORD, “the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10). – Aligns priorities with God’s kingdom (Matthew 6:33). • Discernment in Decision-Making – Helps “test and approve” God’s will (Romans 12:2). – Shields from false teaching (Ephesians 4:14). • Joy and Contentment – “Godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Timothy 6:6). – Wisdom uncovers treasures of peace not tied to circumstances (Isaiah 26:3). • Stronger Walk of Holiness – Teaches us to “walk carefully, not as unwise but as wise” (Ephesians 5:15-17). Material (Earthly) Blessings Wisdom Brings Today • Sound Stewardship – Budgets, saves, and invests with eternity in view (Proverbs 21:20). • Favor in Relationships and Work – “A good understanding wins favor” (Proverbs 13:15). – Wise speech builds trust, opening doors of opportunity (Proverbs 22:11). • Protection from Harmful Choices – Avoids debt-traps, addictions, and reckless ventures (Proverbs 22:7; 23:29-35). • Generational Stability – “Through wisdom a house is built” (Proverbs 24:3-4). – Children inherit more than money; they inherit patterns of prudence (Proverbs 20:7). How to Seek and Apply Wisdom • Ask God Directly: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God” (James 1:5). • Immerse in Scripture: “The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple” (Psalm 19:7). • Walk with the Wise: “He who walks with the wise will be wise” (Proverbs 13:20). • Practice Obedience: Wisdom grows when truth is lived, not just learned (John 13:17). Living It Out This Week • Start each morning with a proverb; jot one practical takeaway. • Before major decisions, pause and pray James 1:5 over the choice. • Audit spending or scheduling through the lens of Proverbs 3:9-10. • Share one nugget of wisdom with a child, friend, or coworker—pass the inheritance forward. |
    |