From Hopscotch to Holiness

24 From Hopscotch To HolinessGod’s wisdom and a discerning heart that is able to distinguish betweenright and wrong. This truth is further exemplified in 1 Kings 4:29 whereit is acknowledged that insight and understanding are aspects of God’swisdom. “God gave Solomon wisdom and very great insight, and abreadth of understanding as measureless as the sand on the seashore.”When you need wisdom, where do you turn? Is turning to the Lord yourfirst response? That is a growth step for each of us. Growing in wisdomrequires a daily dependence on the Lord. When we freely acknowledgeour need for more of God’s wisdom, the Lord will freely give us all that weneed. He delights in answering that prayer.Beloved, do the challenges of your life require a fresh outpouring ofGod’s wisdom? Pause for a moment and pray. Gracious Lord, give me adiscerning heart to fulfill the tasks you have called me to and the ability todistinguish between right and wrong. Fill me with wisdom, discernment,and understanding. I need you, Lord. AmenTHE FEAR OF THE LORD AND WISDOMThe fear of the Lord is often misunderstood. However, the scriptures areclear that there is a definite correlation between the fear of the Lord andwisdom. Consider these scriptures. Psalm 111:10: “The fear of the Lord is thebeginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding.To him belongs eternal praise.” Proverbs 1:7: “The fear of the Lord is thebeginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”Let’s take a short side trip to investigate the fear of the Lord with theunderstanding that this study will enhance our growth in wisdom. JohnWesley said, “Fear only God and hate only sin.” There are 131 referencesin the scriptures to fear God or the fear of the Lord. Here are just a fewtidbits to whet your appetite for further study.