Proverbs 8:12–14: I, wisdom, dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge and discretion. The fear of the Lord is to hate evil; Pride and arrogance and the evil way and the perverse mouth I hate. Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom; I am understanding, I have strength.
Insight
If a person has wisdom he also has prudence, knowledge, and discretion. Verse 13 is a reminder that sensible, discreet living (v. 12) is not associated in any way with the vices mentioned in verse 13. Verse 13 shows that wisdom is moral as well as mental. One who fears the Lord and therefore is wise will hate (reject) evil, pride … arrogance, evil behavior, and perverse talk. Wisdom enables people to give wise counsel and sound judgment, and to have understanding (insight) and power (i.e., valor). Wisdom makes a person courageous like a soldier of valor. 1
Application
The fruit of fearing the Lord is to hate evil and to hold tightly to the promises in His Word. Daniel became courageous because he feared God, and purposed in his heart not to defile himself with worldly stuff. What stuff is defiling you? Perhaps you should purpose His sound wisdom in your heart right now? Hate evil. Be courageous.
Motivation
For there is nothing hidden which will not be revealed, nor has anything been kept secret but that it should come to light. Mark 4:22
Wisdom recognizes that the all knowing God knows your situation, and want to help you today. – TWEET IT
Prayer
Father, teach me to run from evil, and to dwell in Your presences with contentment.
1. Buzzell, S. S. (1985). Proverbs. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 1, pp. 921–922). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
