A Firm Stance
A firm stance in martial arts is essential for your success. The same is true in life. Work on your stance today by studying the book of Proverbs. This week we are taking on all of Chapter 4.
Proverbs 8
I have been in martial arts for over 40 years. That may or may not seem like a long time depending on your perspective, but my point is that I’ve been in the sport long enough to coach a few 100 students or so, fight in several states, compete in everything from full contact to flag and seen schools and instructors come and go. Usually when you’ve been a part of something for a long period of time you have insight about it that others do not. That’s what wisdom is saying in this chapter, “I’ve been here a long time and I know what I’m talking about.”
The Voice of Wisdom
Think of the times you have warned your children or your parents have warned you. What was the tone of voice of the person doing the warning? They might have been screaming, alarmed, stern, confident – all depending on the situation. I have yelled at my own children many times for the sake of protection. My voice was probably loud, panic-stricken and maybe even harsh. But my objective was to get my child’s attention and to save them from trouble.
I’ve yelled at my students too. Sometimes at tournaments when students are fighting they get so engrossed in the match that I have to yell to get their attention. I am trying to warn them against a technique or instruct them on how to score on their opponent. The objective of both situation, parent or instructor, is to get someone’s attention and get them to listen.
Wisdom is doing the same to us in verses 1-9. In the Living Bible the writer uses the word “listen” three times in these verses because what wisdom has to say to us is too important to miss. Wisdom gives us understanding, common sense and truth. Wisdom gives advice that is wholesome and good and void of lies and hatred. And what is so great about the voice of wisdom is that it is “plain and clear to anyone with half a mind – if it is only open!” (verse 9, Living Bible)
Wisdom does not speak with words we cannot understand, but instead speaks at our level. It speaks clearly and directly – just like our parents would talk to us or we talk to our students when we know what we are saying preserves life.
Better Than Rubies
“If only I had money, life would be great!” Don’t many of us think that way? Yes, money does give us higher levels of material comfort and provides us with worldly luxurious that we might not otherwise have. Many people today are prosperous financially even though their fruit does not show that they possess the wisdom of God.
When money is the only motive for your actions, you will fall short of the many other blessings of God. Money itself is a blessing from God and God does not want us to lack for anything. In fact, God wants to bless us. In Deuteronomy 28:11-13 the Lord says He will give you an abundance of good things. But God’s blessings are not centered on money. He wants to bless the whole you with health, mental soundness and a peace that passes all understanding. So, if you’re living for God because you want more money, you may be sorely disappointed.
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you. Matthew 6:33
Our purpose should be to seek the kingdom of God because we love Him and His wisdom is “better than rubies.” (verse 11) All the wealth in the world will not bring you what the wisdom of God will. God’s wisdom is better than choice gold and anything you could desire pales in comparison. These gifts He gives us are even better than fine gold and choice silver. (verse 19)
When we seek Him and find Him, He will provide substance to our life and fill our treasuries. (verse 21)
Can’t Hardly Wait
As I walked out of class one night I overhead one of my students talking to his father. The boy was so excited after class. He said, “Dad, Mr. Rangel said I could come to class again tomorrow! Can I go?” He spoke with such enthusiasm and excitement in his voice and I was encouraged to hear him talk about how much he loved class and couldn’t wait to come again.
The anticipation of a student waiting for class is how we should seek wisdom. The Living Bible describes it best in verse 34.
Happy is the man who is so anxious to be with me that he watches for me daily at my gates or waits for me outside my home.
Don’t you know how much God is pleased when we want to spend time with Him? He desires to meet with us, talk and be part of our lives. It’s a win-win situation –
God has great things in store for you. Be anxious to be in His presence, to gain wisdom and to see what plans He has made for you.
Points to Remember
Listen to the voice of wisdom and receive all the benefits is provides.
God’s wisdom is better than any material possession you could possess.