Thy Word is a Lamp Unto My Feet Outreach

Daily Wisdom

Scripture provides alot of wisdom for our daily lives.

“…WISE UNTO SALVATION”
And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. [2 Timothy 3:15]

The Bible deals with themes of universal importance such as the controversy between Good versus Evil, the fall of Lucifer and the death of Yahushua as a sacrifice for the sins of the world; but the Bible is also a book of practical wisdom. In it, we’re given guidance for daily life. The Lord through His word has given principles that — if obeyed — will make a great difference in how we live, because it’ll impact the choices we make.

How important it is that when confronted with choices — whether about relationships, money, work, or leadership responsibilities — there is divine guidance. The Lord knows when a sparrow falls (Matthew 10:29) — why wouldn’t He care about His greatest creation, Mankind? We can be sure if we’re open to His leading, if we’re willing to read His word with reverence, submission and faith, He’ll guide us.

Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way. [Psalm 119:104]

THE SOURCE OF WISDOM
Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. [Psalm 119:105]

Everyday, everyone is confronted with decisions that must be made; wrong choices are made everyday, too. Often, selfishness is at the core of these choices. How often our wrong choices bring pain and suffering upon ourselves and others. The good news is that YHWH has given us His word as a light and guide for sinful, selfish beings. In Scripture, we can find principles that give the wisdom needed to make right decisions, particularly on moral issues.

It’s one thing to read about biblical principles; it’s another thing to follow them. As the psalmist said: Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward [Psalm 19:11]. Wisdom found in the Bible is useless unless applied. There are alot of people in the world who, though knowing the biblical principles, act contrary to them anyway. Christians not only need to know what Scripture says; they should obey what it says. Only then can the wisdom of YHWH be available. A wise person isn’t someone who simply has “head knowledge” or who can recite text after text; a wise person is someone who acts upon the truths given through Scripture.

SOCIAL WISDOM
Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. [1 Peter 2: 13, 14]

Did you know we can find wisdom in Scripture on how we can best live in our various communities?
It’s been estimated that throughout the centuries, Humanity has enacted more than 32 million laws, all in an effort to regulate human conduct. Often, these laws are changed or abrogated in order to be kept up-to-date. Not so with the Ten Commandments; the principles behind them are unchanging and eternal, principles that can guide us in our private and public lives.

The Bible gives wisdom regarding how we can best live as citizens within the larger community. If these principles are followed, we can become better individuals and better witnesses for the Lord in the public arena.

Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. [Romans 12: 17, 18].

WISDOM IN THE WORKPLACE
Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom in the grave, where thou goest. [Ecclesiastes 9:10]

Scripture acknowledges the reality and need of human work. Adam and Eve, as soon as they were created, were asked to dress and keep the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:15). Even after the devastation of sin (Genesis 3:17-19), work was designed to be a blessing for Humanity (Ecclesiastes 3:22). Inasmuch as the Bible speaks about the need for people to work — and that working is a major activity — it’s no surprise the Bible gives wisdom regarding work.

The Bible shows some specific attitudes and characteristics of a good worker: good use of time (Matthew 25:14-28); diligence (Proverbs 12:24); integrity and respect for authority (Ephesians 6: 5, 6). Most important, we should be honest in all our dealings, either as an employee or as an employer (Proverbs 11:1).

And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily as to the Lord, and not unto men; knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. [Colossians 3: 23, 24]

THE BIBLE AND WEALTH
Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food of my allowance, lest I be full, and deny thee and say “Who is YHWH?” or lest I be poor and steal, and take the name of my God in vain. [Proverbs 30: 8, 9]

The Bible talks about how dangerous wealth can be to the spiritual well-being of the followers of YHWH. In His divine foresight, the Lord saw the coming apostasy of Israel, saying, and they shall have eaten and filled themselves, and waxen fat [Deuteronomy 31:30], and in that state they’ll turn away from Him to serve other gods. At the same time, the Bible talks about slothfulness and laziness that can lead to poverty, which can in its own way lead to sin and ruin. Both pitfalls need to be avoided.

Money can do strange things to people. Unlike food, water or rest, no matter how much money people make, it never seems to be enough. Scripture gives principles to help us better understand how we should relate to money and the gathering of wealth. Wealth — in and of itself — is not a sin; it’s our attitude towards that blessing which is sinful (1 Timothy 6:10). In our desire for money, it’s crucial we remember that in the end, the only treasure that lasts is the treasure in heaven [Mark 10:21].

WISE LEADERSHIP
But Jesus called them unto him and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; and whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister and to give his life a ransom for many. [Matthew 20:25-28]

In the present world, there’ll always be a place and a role for leaders of one kind or another. Unfortunately and oftentimes, people who rise to the level of leadership will seize the opportunity to serve themselves without thinking of the people they’re leading. The Bible gives examples of unselfish and successful leaders like Moses and King David, as well as dangerous and immoral ones such as Kings Herod and Jeroboam.
If all leaders in the past 2,000 years had followed the leadership style of Yahushua, how different human history would’ve been! Admittedly, leaders who are willing to serve are few and far between. But as Christians, people should be in the forefront of showing just how it can be done.

Food for thought: How should leaders make decisions?
And he set judges in the land throughout all the fenced cities of Judah, city by city, and said to the judges, “Take heed what ye do: for ye judge not for man but for YHWH, who is with you in the matter of judgment. Wherefore now let the fear of YHWH be upon you; take heed and do it: for there is no iniquity in YHWH our God, nor respect of persons nor taking of gifts”. [2 Chronicles 19:5-7]