Wisdom is not something that just ‘happens’.
We need to search for it, work for it and earn it. It is acquired. It does not readily come with age. Many ‘mature’ people do not display half the wisdom someone half their years might display.
Pro 9:10 The fear of Jehovah is the beginning of wisdom; and the knowledge of the holy is understanding. 11 For by Me your days shall be multiplied, and the years of your life shall be increased.
A reverential fear of God, acknowledging Him in all our ways, doing life according to His will, is the beginning of acquiring wisdom. Understanding those things that God has set before us as holy, brings with it knowledge.
The message translation puts it this way: Pro 9:10 Skilled living gets its start in the Fear-of-GOD, insight into life from knowing a Holy God. 11 It's through me, Lady Wisdom, that your life deepens, and the years of your life ripen.
Skilful living is the key then.
Not just living haphazardly, hoping that things would work out. We have to plan, we have to do research, we have to find and listen to Godly counsel.
Hoping that things would turn out well is not faith. Faith requires knowledge, understanding, wisdom, and effort.
Sitting on the couch, watching TV hoping to find work and that God would deliver an envelope filled with cash at the door is foolishness.
Preparing my CV, sending it out to the employment agencies, knocking on doors of business, accepting the tasks offered, proves my willingness and obedience, it shows that I am ready to be appointed.
Pro 9:12 If you are wise, you shall be wise for yourself; but if you scorn, you alone shall bear it.
Faith and Works
An old boatman painted the word "faith" on one oar of his boat and "works" on the other. He was asked his reason for this. In answer, he slipped the oar with "faith" into the water and rowed. The boat, of course, made a very tight circle. Returning to the dock, the boatman then said, "Now, let's try 'works’ without 'faith’ and see what happens." The oar marked "works" was put in place and the boatman began rowing with just the "works" oar. Again the boat went into a tight circle but in the opposite direction.
When the boatman again returned to the wharf, he interpreted his experiment in these strong and convincing words, "You see, to make a passage across the lake, one needs both oars working simultaneously in order to keep the boat in a straight and narrow way. If one does not have the use of both oars, he makes no progress either across the lake nor as a Christian.
How to Avoid Frustration:
Keep your shoulder to the wheel
Your hand to the helm
Your eye on the ball!
Your nose to the grindstone
Your ear to the ground
And you will not have time to
Put your foot in your mouth.
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