The Overwhelming Importance of Godly Wisdom in a Believer’s Life!

28 May 2025 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Proverbs 1:7.        ‘The fear (reverential awe) of the Lord is the beginning (the principal beginning) of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom.’

So, once again it’s Wednesday friends, our second wind day, and we on the late, late bus, because I had some stuff to take care of here at home. I couldn’t put them off any longer. I tried, but the Duchess would not allow it. And yuh know who’s the boss. (smile) Anyway, it’s a fairly warm, cloudy day with the promise of rain in the forecast, but that won’t bother me because I’ve already done my outside running around. 

And today we’ll touch on the subject of wisdom, that’s godly wisdom, not the nonsense the world showcases as such, for if that was so right, our world would not be in the awful mess that its currently in. And who better to learn wisdom from, than the wisest man ever, Cousin Sol. And he touches, no, he examines it very deeply in the Book of Proverbs. He doesn’t beat about the bush either, but gets right to the point, opening with the purpose of the Book. 

It’s been written for mankind ‘To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive (discern) the words of understanding; To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgement, and equity; To give subtilty (prudence) to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion. A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; a man of understanding shall attain unto (acquire) wise counsels:’ (Prov. 1:2-5) And having stated his avowed purpose, he then sets down the basis of his theory with these wise words. ‘The fear (reverential awe) of the Lord is the beginning (the principal beginning) of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom.’ (Prov. 1:7) 

And both of those statements are indisputable true! The beginning of wisdom starts with acknowledging Almighty God, His sovereignty and omnipotence! And it’s obvious that fools despise wisdom, as so many of today’s population refuse to acknowledge Almighty God and serve Him. Then he pleads with his son, or those who follow after him: ‘My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother: For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck.’ (Prov. 1:8-9) Yes friends, that’s how important wisdom is to us. 

And what you ask, is this great thing called Wisdom? It’s the key word in the Book, and basically, as the scholars tell us, it means “skill in living.” So it can mean either having a physical skill like metalwork, engraving, carving or such, but metaphorically, as used in Proverbs, it refers to the skill to live life successfully. Meanwhile, Instruction (vs.2) refers to moral discipline of one’s life, not to classroom instruction. Understanding (vs.2) means the capability to distinguish between true and false, good and bad, what matters most and what does not matter at all. 

The simple in verse 4 are naïve young people open to any influence, and they are among the ones to whom Cousin Sol chiefly addresses the book. Knowledge (vs.4) means the apprehension of reality, including experiential knowledge of God. Discretion (vs.4)  refers to the power of formulating and carrying out right measures. And the wise (vs.5) as well as the untaught can learn from this book. The fear of the Lord (vs.7) means submission to the Lord and His revelation. When one is afraid of something, he either runs from it or submits to it. The latter idea is in view hear. It is a healthy fear, like the fear of electricity or the fear of one’s parents, which causes one to act in an appropriate manner. 

The beginning (vs.7) does not mean that “the fear of the Lord “is left behind in the course of acquiring wisdom, but that it is the controlling principle of wisdom. Then My son (vs.8) begins the first of ten similar discourses in which the father appeals to his son to listen to his counsel and choose wisdom over folly. The mention of the mother shows that the original setting of the book was home, not the court or school. End of explanations. 

And is that ever where wisdom and understanding ought to be begin…in the home, by the parents, unlike what’s happening today. We’re so busy and otherwise occupied that we claim not to have time to teach our children the right way, and leave that for places like school and the church to do. But neither do those who work in those places always have time to teach the children the right stuff, or most probably what they’re teaching them is not in accord with the Word of God and our Christian lifestyle. So they can be teaching them any of the many fanciful theories and falsehoods that exist today, and that’s basically why so many young people are currently on the wrong track of life. 

They should have had the proper groundwork taught to them at home. Remember what Cousin Sol says later on in Proverbs? ‘Train up a child in the way he should go: and (even) when he is old, he will not depart from it.’ (Prov. 22:6) And that’s the gospel truth my friends! And I can vouch for that from personal experience, for my mother trained me properly, and though for a while I deviated from it, I never lost sight of what she taught me. And that’s the best gift we can ever give to our children; teach them the right way early on, for then they at least have the basic knowledge of life, and as we all know, if you don’t know have a solid foundation to build on, you’re liable to fall for anything. 

And I’m chuckling here friends, because I never intended to get into all those explanations, but I’m glad we did, because it now gives us a good foundation to understand some of Cousin Sol’s very profound statements on wisdom, which we’ll get into tomorrow, if God spares life. Now let’s go home declaring (chuh!!!) our Wednesday Wail letting all and sundry know of our wonderful position in Christ Jesus. 

As one strong and sincere voice: ‘Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: I’m so glad to be alive on this Wednesday! Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: Thank God the breath of life is still flowing through me on this Wednesday! I am halfway home. My hands are fixed securely on the plough, and I’m not turning back. I’m not looking back at the past, not focusing on what has gone before. But my eyes are fixed straight ahead; straight ahead to a glorious future with Jesus. Glory Hallelujah!’ 

And if we’ve learned true wisdom, then we’ll continue right to the very end with Jesus, because that future will be even more glorious than we can ever ask or imagine! So, hoping and praying to meet you there! Much LOVE!

…oh…for our world to know, understand and practice…the wisdom of God…and not that of man…as we’re currently doing…

Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien

There’s ONLY ONE WAY To Redemption…Through Sincere Belief In Jesus Christ!

09 Apr 2025 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

John 14:6.       Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father but by me.

And Wednesday continues like Tuesday; sunny but windy and chilly. That’s more than welcome though, since we did not get any of that dreadful 8 cm. of snow that was forecasted. Can you imagine the confusion that so much snow would have caused, especially with much, if not all of the snow clearing budget already being depleted. (smile) It seems we might have budgeted for the snow clearing by the amount of snow we received the previous year, and that certainly did not prepare us for the greater quantity we actually received. However, let’s believe that snow is a thing of the recent past, and we won’t have to remember it for another six months. 

In the meantime, let’s remember Jesus, all that He’s done for, is doing, and has promised to do for us. That will keep us safe and secure in both mind, body and spirit. And some upcoming memorable and oh so true words of His to the disciples highlight it all. Jesus in talking to the disciples about His going away, that’s His ascension, to prepare a place for them, concludes thus: ‘And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.’ (John 14:4) But that didn’t sit as well with them as Jesus had figured. For ‘Thomas saith unto him, Lord we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father by me.’ (John 14:5-6) 

Yes friends, that’s one of the biggest truths and foundational principles of our Christian faith! The ONLY way one can get to heaven, or to the Father is through the Son, Jesus Christ! Yes, it’s a one-way street! There’s absolutely no other way to get to heaven and eternal life unless you believe in Jesus Christ the Son of God! So, let’s see if we can come up with some scriptures to prove Jesus’ point.  

And, as per ‘the way,’ there can be no better scripture to prove that fact than these marvellous words of Jesus, where He informs the Jewish Leader Nicodemus: ‘For God so LOVED the world, that he sent his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.’ (John 3:16) That’s the long and the short of the story: either believe in Jesus and have eternal life, or don’t and be condemned to eternal separation and death! No two ways about it. 

And Bruh Paul, in writing to the Ephesians about Christ being our peace, reiterates that fact when he says: ‘For he (Jesus himself) is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition (division) between us… And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain (put to death) the enmity thereby: And came and preached peace to you which were afar off (Gentiles), and to them that were nigh (Jews). For through him we both have access by one spirit unto the Father.’ (Eph. 2:14, 16-18) Yes my people, Jesus came and broke down all the barriers through His death and preaching of peace and reconciliation, so that we all could get to the Father through Him. 

And as per ‘the truth,’ we can begin right at the beginning of John’s gospel where he unequivocally states: ‘And the Word (Jesus) was made flesh (became flesh), and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.’ (John 1:14) Then three verses later he writes: ‘For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.’ (John 1:17) Then later on, Jesus Himself in speaking to those Jews who believed in Him, said to them: ‘If ye continue (abide) in my word, then ye are my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth , and the truth shall make you free. (John 8:31-32) 

Then to Pilate’s question about Him being a king, Jesus answered: ‘Thou sayest (rightly) that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.’ (John18:37) 

And, as per ‘the life,’ this magnificent scripture highlighting the conversation between Martha and Jesus re the death of her brother Lazarus, says it all. Jesus tells Martha that her brother would rise again, but she mistakenly thinks it’s in the resurrection at the last day. However, Jesus then says to her: ‘I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead (may die), yet shall he live. And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believeth thou this?’ (John 11:25-26) Now my brethren, that’s a question all of us should take a moment and ponder and see if we believe it, because it hinges directly on where we will spend eternity. 

And as per ‘no man cometh unto the Father, but by me,’ check out these scriptures. Bruh Paul writes to Timothy: ‘For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus. Who gave his life a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.’’ (1Tim. 2:3-6) 

Then after Peter and John had healed a lame man and the Jewish Leaders took them to task for it, Peter stood up and boldly proclaimed: ‘Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. This is the stone which was set at nought of you (rejected by you) builders, which is become the head of the corner (the chief corner stone). Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.’ (Acts 4:10-12) 

And that’s the gospel truth friends! There’s no other name than JESUS by which salvation can be achieved! So, please, let’s remember that and act in the appropriate manner that we can be saved. (smile) Now let’s go home declaring (chuh man!!!) our Wednesday Wail letting the whole world know of our wonderful position in Jesus Christ. 

As one strong and sincere voice: ‘Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: I’m so glad to be alive on this Wednesday! Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: Thank God the breath of life is still flowing through me on this Wednesday! I am halfway home. My hands are fixed securely on the plough, and I’m not turning back. I’m not looking back at the past, not focusing on what has gone before. But my eyes are fixed straight ahead; straight ahead to a glorious future with Jesus. Glory Hallelujah!’ 

And in case you didn’t know, there’s a promise for those who endure to the very end with Jesus; that future is going to be even more glorious than we can ever ask or imagine. So, I recommend that we all stay with Him right to the very end, so that we can enjoy that marvellous future together! Much LOVE!.

..Jesus is indeed…the ONLY WAY…to eternal life…

Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien

Today’s Scrip-Bit 22 April 2014 Proverbs 16:16

22 Apr 2014 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Proverbs 16:16.    How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!

Oh Friends and neighbours, it’s Easter Tuesday, time to get ready for the races! 
 
What races, you say? Steups! How yuh mean what races eh? The goat and crab races down Buccoo in Tobago of course! Down by the famous Buccoo Reef and Nylon Pool! 
 
That’s a celebration that’s been going on for as long as I can remember. Can’t remember much of the last one I went to long ago though, for I was so inebriated, so black up with fire-water it wasn’t funny. Hn, hn! All I can vaguely remember is a friend’s sister and I partying down the place in one of the many house parties they use to have back then. Ah Lord eh! 
 
But the celebration seems to have grown so much now, that when I was in Tobago earlier this year, I discovered that they had built a stadium just for those races. Only in T&T you say! (smile) 
 
Anyway my people, it’s oh so necessary that we keep the peace, LOVE, joy and fellowship of this Easter Season going on for as long as possible – at least till Jesus returns – for as we’ve been saying, it’s the most important aspect of Christianity – the foundation on which our faith is built! 
 
It is where we derive all our benefits from – benefits like resurrection, salvation and eternal life. It is only the spilled blood of Jesus, which paid for our abominable transgressions that made it all possible. So please let’s remember that, keep it at the forefront of our minds, and consequently walk with a spring in our steps, and a joy in our hearts that declares: ‘Saved – through the blood of Jesus Christ!’ 
 
And that’s why our Bit is so important in the overall scheme of things my brethren. It points out to us the most meaningful things in this life – wisdom and understanding! ‘How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!’ 
 
And that’s an everlasting truth my fellow believers, because those are the things which keep us wisely, sincerely and securely joined to the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the Creator and Controller of this great universe and all therein! Now just think how foolish it would be if we didn’t have good communication with our great God and Maker eh! 
 
That’s why Cousin Sol informs us right at the very beginning of Proverbs: ‘A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto (acquire) wise counsels.’ (Prov.1:5) 
 
And as the scholars so rightly explain: ‘1:5. The wise as well as the untaught can learn from this book.’ 
 
And that’s gospel truth Friends! Whatever the state of your learning, your academic standing, you can always learn even more from the Book of Proverbs and the Good Book as a whole! 
 
Then a few lines later, Cousin Sol solemnly warns us: ‘The fear (reverential awe) of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.’ (Prov.1:7) 
 
And how very true that is my brethren! The fools of this world utterly despise wisdom and instruction! That’s why they reject Jesus Christ and Jehovah God and will eventually perish for their lack of wisdom and foolish disobedience. 
 
And the scholars explain that verse thus: ‘1:7. The fear of the Lord means submission to the Lord and His revelation. When one is afraid of something, he either runs from it or submits to it. The latter idea is in view here. It is a healthy fear, like the fear of electricity or the fear of one’s parents, which causes one to act in an appropriate manner. 
 
The beginning does not mean that “the fear of the Lord” is left behind in the course of acquiring wisdom, but that it is the controlling principle of wisdom.’ 
 
Yes Friends, we’ll certainly be wise to look upon the greatness, the majesty of Jehovah God with reverential awe, for He is ever so much mightier and wiser than us, but His LOVE and magnanimity towards His faithful children know no bounds! 
 
Wow! What an awesome God we serve and worship my people! It always boggles my imagination when I sit and contemplate His might and power, His mercy, grace, forgiveness, LOVING-kindness and the beauty of this universe He created! 
 
Therefore, how can I not LOVE, adore and magnify Him eh? It’s just impossible my brethren, especially after having experienced so much of His undeserving favour throughout my earthly life. 
 
And we’ll conclude today’s message with these wonderful, wise and uplifting verses from Proverbs Chapter 4. Cousin Sol declares in living colour, the importance of wisdom and understanding. 
 
‘Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her. She shall give to (place on) thine head an ornament of grace: a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee.’ (Prov.4:7-9) 
 
Oh my fellow believers, all I can say to that is a loud, positive and glorious ‘AMEN!’ 
 
Now let’s go out and put it all into practice and action today my brethren, because that is what will keep us on the straight and narrow path, in close communication with Almighty God! And doing that, is certainly heavenly wisdom! Much LOVE!
 
…oh how good and pleasant it is…to learn about the living God…then reverence and venerate Him with all our life-blood…    
 
P.S. Please excuse the tardiness of the Bit. I guess I celebrated too much last night, thus got up late this morning. Then there were a couple of things I had to do, which took up more time than I bargained for. But as a friend of mine likes to say: ‘It’s all good!’ And it’s also better late than never. Brother, it really short today too! (smile) Much LOVE!