Read: Psalm 1
Wisdom is better than jewels, and all that you may desire cannot compare with her. (Prov. 8:11)
The book of Proverbs is the treasury of the Old Testament’s wisdom literature. To be wise in the biblical sense means thinking, acting, and speaking in ways that lead to human flourishing. There’s a big difference between knowledge and wisdom. Knowledge is knowing that tomatoes are a fruit, not a vegetable; wisdom is knowing not to put them on an ice cream sundae. Knowledge is being able to recite the Ten Commandments; wisdom is devoting yourself to keeping them.
Psalm 1 is all about wisdom, though the word doesn’t occur there. The psalmist describes the “blessed” or “happy” person (Ps. 1:1), which is what living wisely makes us. Wisdom begins with the negative—rejecting the ideas and actions and attitudes of those who have turned away from God. Positively, wisdom is delighting in God’s Word and making it the daily focus of our life. Those who live this way are like trees “planted by streams of water.” Though everything around them may be dry and barren, they will always be flourishing and fruitful.
People somehow have the idea that sin is fun and godliness is boring. The truth is exactly the opposite. It’s the wicked whose lives end up being as dry and empty and unsubstantial as chaff. But the way of the righteous leads straight to God, and meanwhile there is abundant life all along it. —David Bast
As you pray, take delight in Jesus (who is the Way) and the abundant life he promises (John 10:10).
About the Author
Rev. Dave Bast retired as the President and Broadcast Minister of Words of Hope in January 2017, after 23 years with the ministry. Prior to his ministry and work at Words of Hope, Dave served as a pastor for 18 years in congregations in the Reformed Church in America. He is the author of several devotional books. A graduate of Hope College and Western Theological Seminary, he has also studied at both the Fuller and Calvin seminaries. Dave and his wife, Betty Jo, have four children and four grandchildren. Dave enjoys reading, growing tomatoes, and avidly follows the Detroit Tigers.
