Context is everything.

Words matter.

Brevity is highly overrated.

There is a wonderful verse from Scripture in the thoughts below from James. And while I often include a singular verse I as frequently include more in adding Scripture to anything published in this place.

The verse from James you’ll find below;

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him

James 1:5 — English Standard Version

But, if you come across a but, or a, therefore, or a verily do not halt at the end of the previous verse. Context is everything in order to receive the instruction God wants us to receive. Otherwise, it’s like sitting down to a meal, the food comes to the table but is never set before you to be ingested providing the desired fulfillment and nourishment.

Here, try this. It only takes a moment longer and can carry one on a great daily journey each day the Lord blesses a person with;

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

James 1:5-8 — English Standard Version

There are more than enough ill-equipped, misinformed, misguided folks around going along on bits and pieces of things not ever weaving the fibers together to the degree of producing a fabric that can be made into a protective garment from the life-destroying elements of this world.

Context is vital.

Words matter. And God put those words there for a great and mighty reason. Don’t be hasty, abbreviate, or reduce the daily spiritual walk down to a verse, one thought that isn’t complete.

If we’re to know God as best we possibly can while in this sinful flesh that wars constantly with the spirit we then must sit and consume, digest more nourishing for the spirit and soul meats, fruits, drink, and food.

Brevity is highly overrated. Everyone does really have more time than they claim to spend working out their salvation, in the Word of God. It’s where our hearts are, our priorities as we use the excuse of work, daily life, traffic, shopping, children, or binging on TV programs, or earthly food rather than heavenly food and spending time in front of a Bible rather than a TV, a tablet, a Smartphone, so on.

Context my friends, dear ones. Context is everything. Don’t sell yourself short by selling God or His Word short.

“It shall greatly help ye to understand the Scriptures if thou mark not only what is spoken or written, but of whom and to whom, with what words, at what time, where, to what intent, with what circumstances, considering what goeth before and what followeth after.”

~Myles Cloverdale

And in modern English…

“It will greatly help you to understand scripture if you note – not only what is spoken and written, but of whom and to whom, with what words, at what time, where, to what intent, with what circumstances, considering what goes before and what follows.”

~Myles Cloverdale

And SPIRITUAL WISDOM FROM GOD is everything. Worldly wisdom gains nothing. Certainly not in the walk towards eternal life.

One wisdom leads to life, eternal life.

The other to death, eternal death though imagining itself so enlightened, wise, and life-enhancing. It may benefit the flesh? But it will do nothing for the eternal spirit, soul of a person.

Only spiritual wisdom can provide that…

Therefore…

…what do we each do with the talents, the gold given us by God, by the sacrifice of Jesus for our sin? The gift of salvation, the spiritual wisdom, and understanding we’re given by our Master?

Ken Pullen

Monday, January 31st, 2022

ACP — A Crooked Path

Wisdom Multiplied

Proverbs 9:1–12

Reprinted from Today in the Word

Jesus told a parable about a man going on a journey. He gave his servant five bags of gold and the man set to work, gaining five more for a total of ten. Another servant was given two bags of gold and increased his total to four. But the third did nothing but hide his bag. When the man returned, it was taken away and given to the first servant (Matt. 25:14–30).

Jesus used this story to teach a kingdom principle: Wisdom, righteousness, and faithfulness multiply their “return on investment,” while foolishness and wickedness leave one spiritually bankrupt (Matt. 25:29). This means wisdom can grow! A wise person is not “starting from square one” in every new life situation. Rather, learning becomes a habit that accumulates more and more wisdom (Prov. 9:9).

In today’s reading, wisdom is pictured as a welcoming host (vv. 1–2). She prepares her house, fixes the meal, and sets the table. The house’s “seven pillars” are a traditional symbol of perfection. Wisdom invites “all who are simple,” in the sense of “simpleton,” a naive or foolish person, “those who have no sense” (vv. 3–6). It should encourage us that wisdom invites not only “gifted” or “deserving” learners, but us ordinary fools. We need not stay that way. Growth and transformation are possible. Just say “yes” and come to the table!

How and why should we respond to this invitation? Most will respond in line with their previous choices (vv. 7–8). If we fear the Lord and seek righteousness, we will answer wisdom’s call (v. 9–10). The lesson in today’s reading stands in stark contrast with yesterday’s Scripture: Neglect or reject wisdom, and it becomes unavailable. When we pursue learning and godly wisdom, the benefits multiply (vv. 11–12).

The New Testament version of wisdom’s invitation is straightforward and guides us on how to increase our share: “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God…and it will be given to you” (James 1:5).

God in Heaven, give us the wisdom You promise to those who ask. We are easily swayed by others who are as limited as ourselves. Raise us in Your way of wisdom so we can stand firm.