Fruitful Living
WHAT IS WISDOM?
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. – Proverbs 1:7
INTRODUCTION
We often think of wisdom as intelligence, but we would be mistaken to bring that definition to this literature. When we look at the vast number of topics covered under the heading of “wisdom,” it is easy to despair of finding common ground, for the heading covers artisan skills, scientific knowledge, etiquette, philosophy, psychology, politics, sociology and jurisprudence, just to name a few. Furthermore, the text insists on more than one occasion that the “fear of the Lord” is the beginning or foundation of wisdom (Proverbs 1:7; 9:10; 15:33). Does this suggest that none of those disciplines could be successfully engaged without fear of the Lord?
BIBLICAL VIEW
As we consider the way that people thought in the ancient world, perhaps we can best capture the Biblical way of understanding all of this by thinking in terms of worldview integration. In the ancient world, including Israel, order was an important value.
- Creation brought order to the cosmos;
- Law brought order to society;
- Etiquette brought order to human relationships;
- Politics brought order to governance and authority.
Ancient wisdom can then be understood as the pursuit of understanding and preserving order in the world. Wisdom is present when order is perceived, pursued and preserved. The people of the day wanted their worldview to fit together like a puzzle — fully integrated, with each piece placed in proper relation to the others. They saw the fear of the Lord as the keystone to this integration process. To “fear the Lord” means to take His person and role seriously.
Order in the cosmos could only be understood through acknowledgment of the One who brought order. Order could only be preserved in society and in life by understanding God’s requirements and expectations. In this way, wisdom can be seen to transcend the basic knowledge or skill related to particular disciplines.
A fool (or any of the other synonyms used to describe such a person): was one who brought disorder into any of the pertinent realms by their behavior or thinking. Furthermore, a fool would be one who did not fear the Lord and therefore tried to find coherence in something or someone else — usually themselves.
THE FEAR OF THE LORD
A reverent awe (holy wonder and respect) of God’s power, majesty, authority and holiness produces in us a godly fear of disobeying or ignoring what He has revealed to us in His Word. This attitude is essential to gaining true wisdom that makes a difference in our thoughts and behaviours. It keeps us from doing things that will destroy us spiritually. The New Testament indicates that a true fear of the Lord in our hearts will be joined by the comfort of the Holy Spirit.
THE FEAR OF THE LORD IS THE BEGINNING OF WISDOM, AND KNOWLEDGE OF THE HOLY ONE IS UNDERSTANDING. – Proverbs 9:10
Are you a mocker or a wise person? You can tell by the way we respond to criticism. If we are truly wise people who want to please God, we will accept correction. Constructive challenges orr correction from a friend, family member or pastor are some of the ways God uses to mold and strengthen our character according to His plans.
Learning from our critics; is certainly the path to wisdom. Wisdom begins with knowing God. He gives insight into living because He created life. To know God we must not just know the facts about Him; we must have a personal relationship with Him. Do you really want to be wise? Get to know God better and better.
THE FEAR OF THE LORD TEACHES A MAN WISDOM,AND HUMILITY COMES BEFORE HONOUR. – PROVERBS 15:33
If we love wisdom and seek the favor of God and men, then here are the rules for our lives: We need to humble yourself before God and men in the fear of God.
What is humility? It is the knowledge that we are very fallible, very foolish, and very weak. It is the willingness to reject our own thoughts and opinions in order to be taught by God or men wiser than ourselves. It is the ability to take correction, confess our faults, and change our methods based on the instruction of others. It is the discipline to keep our mouths shut, to avoid the conflicts of others, and to forgive their offences against us.
The importance of these two prerequisites cannot be overstated. Moses taught the fear of the Lord (Deuteronomy 10:12), and so did Joshua (Joshua 24:14), Samuel (I Samuel 12:14,20,24), David (Psalm 34:9-11), and Solomon (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14). It was the conclusion of Solomon’s experimentation where he states that the whole duty of man is the fear of God: without it we cannot even get started.
When we fear the Lord, we have no fear of man, which corrupts the hearts of most men (Proverbs 29:25). If peer pressure does not bother us, and if threats do not intimidate us, then we will be proportionately wiser by not wasting mental effort or making moral compromise based on what others might think or do. Can we grasp this wisdom?
HOW TO BECOME WISE
Wisdom is, in fact, a divine gift that is granted by God to any believer who asks for it. This is the clear teaching of James:If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. – James 1:5
Yet, how many of us ask? How many of us pray? Solomon asked for wisdom and it is this prayer that unlocked the riches of the world. We read in 1 Kings 3:8 – 13 (ESV):
“And your servant is in the midst of your people whom you have chosen, a great people, too many to be numbered or counted for multitude. Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?” It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this. And God said to him, “Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches or the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, behold, I now do according to your word. Behold, I give you a wise and discerning mind, so that none like you has been before you and none like you shall arise after you. I give you also what you have not asked, both riches and honor.”
The wisdom that we need has three distinct characteristics:
- It is Practical. The wisdom from God relates to life even during the most trying times. It is not wisdom isolated from suffering and trials. This wisdom is the tool by which trials are overcome. An intelligent person may have profound ideas, but a wise person puts profound ideas into action. Intelligence will allow someone to describe several reasons why the car broke down. The wise person chooses the most likely reason and proceeds to take action.
- It is Divine. God’s wisdom goes beyond common sense. Common sense does not lead us to choose joy in the middle of trials. This wisdom begins with respect for God, leads to living by God’s direction, and results in the ability to tell right from wrong.
- It is Christlike. Asking for wisdom is ultimately asking to be like Christ. The Bible identifies Christ as the “wisdom of God” (1 Corinthians 1:24; 2:1-7)
CONCLUSION
Yes, wisdom is a bountiful blessing that is available to all. We have only to go to the Lord God and ask for this wisdom. As Paul prayed that the Colossians be granted wisdom, so I also pray for those who read this:
“And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding” – Colossians 1:9-10 (ESV).
Let us always remember that Jesus is the fullness of God’s wisdom. To receive the anointing of wisdom, then, is, in some way, to know the mind of God and to draw close to the one who is wisdom incarnate, even Jesus Christ our Lord:
“but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.”-1 Corinthians 1:23-24.
Stay Blessed!
For further inquiries please contact us on Tel Nos. 0302-772013 or 0268130615
Email: saltnlightministries@gmail.com
Website: saltandlightgh.org
Fruitful Living
What Will Heaven Be Like?
Heaven is a place of hope
Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them and be their God.”
— Revelation 21:3
Introduction
As we journey through life, the thought of a future home with Jesus fills our hearts with peace and anticipation. Heaven is not just an abstract idea or a distant place, but it is God’s promised home for those who believe in Him. Today, we will explore what heaven will be like according to Scripture, how it intersects with the new earth, and why this promise is central to our faith.
1. Heaven: God’s Dwelling Place
Heaven is described as the central dwelling place of God, where He rules the universe from His throne. Although God is omnipresent, heaven is uniquely where His glory is most fully displayed. The Bible promises that when Christians die, they immediately go to heaven to be with Christ (Luke 23:43). However, this is not the final destination. One day, God will bring heaven down to earth, transforming the current heaven into what the Bible calls the “new heaven and new earth.”
This concept is revolutionary. While many imagine that heaven is a place where believers escape the troubles of the earth, the Bible reveals that God’s ultimate plan is to dwell with His people on a renewed earth. As Revelation 21:1 says, “Then I saw ‘a new heaven and a new earth,’ for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away.”
2. Heaven on Earth: The New Creation
God’s plan has always included not only redeeming humanity but also restoring creation. The fall of Adam and Eve affected not only mankind but the entire universe. However, God’s redemption plan extends to all of creation. Isaiah 65:17 promises, “See, I will create new heavens and a new earth.” This new earth will be free from sin, corruption, and death.
The future heaven, or new earth, will be a place where the glory of God is fully revealed. Jesus’ resurrection secured this future, as His victory over sin and death ensures that all of creation will be renewed. It will be a place of perfect fulfillment, joy, and peace—a world where God Himself will walk with His people once more, just as He did in the Garden of Eden.
3. The Throne of God: Reigning with Christ
In the present heaven, God’s throne is the central feature. Yet, when the new earth is created, His throne will be established there. Revelation 22:3 says, “The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city.” This means that the new earth will literally be “heaven on earth.”
Believers will reign with Christ in this new creation, reflecting the original purpose for humanity. In Genesis 1:28, God gave Adam and Eve dominion over the earth, and in the new earth, this dominion will be fully realised. Believers will serve God, not in tedious labour but in joyful, meaningful work. The Bible promises that we will reign with Him forever, ruling as His children in a perfect, restored world.
4. The Uniting of Heaven and Earth
A remarkable truth about the new heaven and new earth is that they will not be two separate realms. Instead, they will be united under Christ. Ephesians 1:10 describes God’s plan to “bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.” This means that there will no longer be a division between the spiritual and physical realms.
Just as the curtain separating God from humanity was torn when Christ died, the barrier between heaven and earth will be removed in the new creation. The result will be one seamless universe, where God dwells among His people forever.
5. The Wonders of the Holy City: New Jerusalem
The Bible describes the New Jerusalem as a city of unparalleled beauty and glory. Revelation 21:2 reveals that the city will descend from heaven to earth, and it will be the capital of the new earth. This city is described as having gates that are always open and streets of pure gold. Revelation 21:24 says, “The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their splendour into it.”
This implies that the new earth will have cultures, nations, and rulers—all redeemed and purified. The diversity of people and cultures on the new earth will reflect the creativity of God. All the best aspects of history, culture, and art will be restored and redeemed for God’s glory.
6. Life on the New Earth: Joy and Fulfillment
Life on the new earth will be anything but boring. Some people mistakenly believe that heaven will be a place of endless inactivity, but this is far from the truth. Revelation 22:3 tells us that “His servants will serve Him.” Our work in heaven will be fulfilling and without the curse of sin. We will use our talents and gifts to glorify God in everything we do, and our desires will perfectly align with His will.
The new earth will also be a place of feasting, fellowship, and joy. Matthew 8:11 promises that we will dine with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. The Bible often depicts heaven as a banquet, where we will enjoy food, drink, and celebration with Christ as the guest of honour.
We will also have the opportunity to continue learning, growing, and exploring God’s creation. The wonders of the new earth will be endless, as Ephesians 2:7 says, “in the coming ages He will show the immeasurable riches of His grace.” We will spend eternity discovering new aspects of God’s greatness and beauty.
7. The Restoration of Relationships and Creation
One of the most comforting promises of the new earth is the restoration of relationships. In heaven, all brokenness will be healed. There will be no more pain, sorrow, or death. God will wipe every tear from our eyes, and we will be reunited with loved ones who have also placed their faith in Christ. The relationships we experience in heaven will be free from sin and full of love, as we will know each other fully and perfectly in Christ.
Moreover, the new earth will see the restoration of creation itself. The Bible suggests that even animals will be present on the new earth. Isaiah 65:25 describes a world where “the wolf and the lamb will feed together.” This imagery points to a peace that extends to all of creation.
Conclusion
Heaven, as revealed in Scripture, is not a distant or abstract place. It is our true home, where we will dwell with God forever. The new heaven and new earth will be a place of unimaginable beauty, joy, and fulfillment. As we look forward to this future, we are reminded of God’s incredible love and grace. He desires to be with us, and His plan from the beginning has been to dwell among His people. Let us live in light of this hope, sharing the good news of the gospel and anticipating the day when heaven and earth are united under Christ.
Stay blessed!
For further inquiries please contact us on Tel Nos. 0302-772013 or 0268130615
Email: saltnlightministries@gmail.com
Website: saltandlightgh. org
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- By Dr Joyce Aryee, the author
Fruitful Living
National Chief Imam blesses Muslim Youth in Agriculture project
The National Chief Imam with Mr Mensah at his residence at Fadama
The National Chief Imam, Sheikh (Dr) Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, has urged Ghanaian Muslims to venture into agriculture in order to enhanced food security in the country.
The Chief Imam said this when the Managing Director of Sky Dolphin Limited, Wisdom Mensah, paid a courtesy call on him at his residence at Fadama, a suburb of Accra on Monday.
Mr Mensah presented a gift to the National Chief Imam in support of his planned anniversary of the birth of Prophet Muhammad (Maulid) which comes off today October 5 at Fadama.
The National Chief Imam asked for Allah’s blessing for the success of the Muslim Youth in Agriculture project.
Mr Mensah is supervising the Muslim Youth in Agriculture project, a partnership between the Muslim community and the Sky Dolphin Limited, which involves novel aquaponics project, a mixture of fish farming and crop farming, aimed at creating jobs for the teeming unemployed Muslim youth as well as vulnerable rural Muslim women.
The representatives of the Islamic Community on the Muslim Youth in Agriculture, aquaponics projects are Sheikh Mustapha Ibrahim, the founder and chairman of the Islamic Council for Development and Humanitarian Services in Ghana (ICODEHS) and Special Advisor to the National Chief Imam, Imam Mohammed Awal Alhassan, the Metropolitan Chief Imam of Takoradi and Greater Accra Chief Imam of the Dagomba Community, Sheikh Yusuf Farouk Alhassan Umar Yussifiya, the Imam of Yussifiya Mosque in Kumasi and Acting Chairman of the National Hilal Committee of Ghana and Alhaji Khuzaima Mohammed Osman, Eminent Member and Chairman of the Greater Accra Regional Peace Council of the National Peace Council of Ghana and Executive Secretary of the Tijjaniya
By Spectator Reporter