Jan 2012 – A Month With “The Books of Wisdom”

We all know that much wisdom is found in the books of Psalms, Proverbs and Ecclesiastes.  But how many of us read it regularly?

And how many of us memorise these words and put it into our heart?

This year, we will be spending four months going through these words of wisdom.  And hopefully in so doing, we will gain a little more each day.. and grow in the knowledge and favour of both God and man.

We will alternate the readings of Psalms and Proverbs this month … so get a pen ready and underline the verses that you want to start memorising this year!

Book of Psalms

Jesus tells us that the greatest of the commandments is to love the Lord with all our heart, soul and mind (Matt 22:37-38).

When we read the Psalms, it helps us express the love in our hearts for Him by giving voice to the deepest thoughts and emotions of our inner hearts.  There are 150 of these “songs of praise” that virtually expresses every sort of feeling and attitude that people can have towards life – from depression to exuberant joy!

And if we seriously read these words with understanding and feeling – it can help open our hearts toward God.

It is no wonder that the Psalms have been the source of inspiration for many a hymn and song.

So as you enter into the Psalms – try reading them out aloud.  Let them give voice to your spirit as you lift up your heart to the Lord!

Book of Proverbs

One quirky practice in Chinese restaurants in western countries is that the meal is often concluded by opening up fortune cookies.  And inside these cookies are slips of paper spouting brief maxims about people and life.  Their point is not to explain everything byt to get at the essence in a memorable way.

Of course we do not believe in these fortune cookies…

For we have something infinitely better – that is the Word of God!

The book of Proverbs is a collection of biblical nuggets of wisdom and brief sayings based on God’s perspective of life.  The truth contained in these proverbs is not meant to be exhaustive, but potent.  They are meant to make us stop and think, and hopefully make adjustments in our life.

So for the first month of the year… let the words of Wisdom from God give direction and guide you in your spiritual life.