1344. Wisdom's Rewards

Wisdom's Rewards

"Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee" (Pro_2:11).

In this final word, we wish to follow the blessings which accrue to the youth who hears and answers to the call of wisdom.

1. Our first word is found in chapter 3, Pro_3:1-10. The word is this: "My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments."

The reward is given thus: "For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add unto thee."

The second admonition is in Pro_3:3 : "Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart."

The reward is then stated: "So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man."

The third admonition is this: "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; * * In all thy ways acknowledge Him," then the promise is given, "And He shall direct thy paths."

The fourth admonition is this: "Fear the Lord, and depart from evil." The result is spoken, "It shall be health to thy [sinew], and marrow to thy, bones."

The fifth admonition is this: "Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase," and the promise follows: "So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine."

When the voice of wisdom is heard and obeyed; when the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; then the life is blessed and will prove a blessing.

There are abundant proofs that it pays to hear wisdom's call, so far as the daily walk is concerned. What is true of the young man, is true also of the young woman. The Book of Proverbs closes with that wonderful chapter about the virtuous woman, whose "price is above rubies." In this woman, "the heart of her husband doth safely trust." "She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life." "She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms." "She openeth her mouth with wisdom: and in her tongue is the law of kindness." "Her children rise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her." "Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all." "A woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised."

Autor: R.E. NEIGHBOUR