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Read Job 28:20-22

“Seeing it is hid from the eyes of all living, and kept close from the fowls of the air” (v. 21).

My dictionary says that wisdom is “accumulated philosophical or scientific learning.” Much effort, time, and money are spent to gain such wisdom, yet it seems the use of it would determine if it really is what it is said to be! I think of “wisdom” as the practical use of knowledge and insight. That makes wisdom more elusive, for simply knowing a lot has not always resulted in good choices. An ongoing question, though often unvoiced, is “How does one gain wisdom?” Earlier in this chapter Job asked, “Where shall wisdom be found?” (v. 12). In the New Testament James identified two kinds of wisdom. He said that worldly wisdom, which does not include God, “is earthly, sensual, devilish” resulting in “every evil work” (3:15, 16). Then he said, “But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, easy to be entreated.” In chapter 1 he said, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God” (v. 5). “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Prov. 9:10)! (Rodney B. Stearns)

Wisdom ascribe, and might, and praise, To God, who lengthens out our days; O may we all the time redeem, And henceforth live and die to him! — Charles Wesley

To leave God out leaves proclaimed wisdom in doubt.

Read Romans 16:25-27

“Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began” (v. 25).

“I have a secret, but no one will know what it is until Christmas!” Perhaps you’ve been told that or told someone else. It creates a sense of anticipation, looking forward to the revelation of that secret! From the beginning of time, God promised His people a Savior. He didn’t tell them when they would receive this promise, but left them with the anticipation, even the longing, for this revelation. Down through the ages, the prophets spoke of it, dreamed and planned for it, but they passed before He came to earth. We have been privileged to have the Scriptures to verify that Jesus did, in fact, come to earth,and lived and died to purchase our eternal inheritance. We have the conditional promise of eternal life and a place in heaven. If we walk with Him and allow ourselves to become established in the gospel of Christ, we can enjoy that reward! Aren’t you thankful for that? (Sue Colburn)

After pain and anguish, after toil and care, We shall see the King some day; Through the endless ages joy and blessing share, We shall see the King some day. — Lewis Ellis Jones

Our Faith will have eternal rewards!

Read 2 Peter 3:13-15

“Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless” (v. 14).

Parenting teen-agers and now having teen grandsons there have been frequent conversations about living godly lives. In a world filled with impurity, immorality, indecency, violence, vulgar language, and selfishness, what does godly living look and sound like and when should it start? This world scoffs at purity in any form, yet God expects His people to make a determined effort to live blameless lives and to bring every area of our lives (including our recreation or entertainment) under His guidance in this matter of purity. Living a pure life is not just for teen-agers, or even just young men. It is an issue every believer faces daily. Purity of life starts in childhood with the way we dress our children and how we allow them to talk and play. It applies to even the silver-haired saint in the latter years of life. Are our attempts to live godly lives bringing honor to God? Are those efforts enabling us to reach out to others or building walls to keep us from reaching out to those around us who don’t know the Lord? (LeeAnn Davison)

Do no sinful action, Speak no angry word; We belong to Jesus, Children of the Lord. There’s a wicked spirit Watching ’round us still, And he tries to tempt us Into harm and ill. List not to the tempter, Tho’ ’tis hard for you To resist the evil, And the good to do. — C. F. Alexander

“There is no doctrine that holds a stronger incentive to purity of living, than does the doctrine of the Second Coming of Christ” (Robert Neighbour).