Proverbs 21:22: A wise man scales the city of the mighty, and brings down the trusted stronghold.
Insight
The art of war shows that wisdom is superior to strength. Prudent tactics, or the wise use of courage, triumphs over mere personal prowess. Joshua’s strategy in taking Ai is an example of military wisdom (Joshua 8:3–22). Solomon seems to have known about a wise man who on his own delivered a city from the power of a mighty king. So spiritual wisdom, a direct gift from God, overcomes formidable difficulties. Let us be like soldiers who are strong in the Lord and put on all of God’s armor. The victory is assured. The stronghold will be pulled down. 1
Application
Unfortunately, very few Christians understand the dynamics of spiritual warfare as described in: 2 Corinthians 10:3–6:
For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.
How do you know if you’re fighting a battle in the flesh, or in the Spirit? What is a stronghold, and how do you pull it down? What thoughts should you take captive to Christ? How can a believer wisely battle all these things from a place of victory?
Motivation
My brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Ephesians 6:10
Our strength is from a place of His victory, because He defeated the devil. – TWEET IT
Prayer
Father, please teach me how to put on the armor of God before I get out of bed.
1. Bridges, C. (2001). Proverbs. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.
