December 19 - The Absence Of Wisdom.

Proverbs 17:23
“A wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosom to pervert the ways of judgment.” 
 
It is one thing to receive a gift, and quite another to take one. Bribery is just as wrong for the taker as it is for the one doing the bribing. No Wisdom, no integrity.
 
Proverbs 17:24
“Wisdom is before him that hath understanding; but the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth.”
 
A wise person sees what is before them in light of the Word of God hidden within their heart; yet a fool’s eyes are anywhere and everywhere except on what lies in front of them. No Wisdom, no direction.
 
Proverbs 17:25-26
“A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to her that bare him. Also to punish the just is not good, nor to strike princes for equity.”
 
With foolishness comes sorrow. Where there is disappointment, there is no joy.  No Wisdom, no satisfaction.
 
The Holy Spirit enables us to discern between right and wrong. Without Him, we cannot navigate through the toils of life. Sadly, we can possess Him without yielding to His guidance.
 
Romans 8:5-6
“For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.”
 
The absence of Wisdom is evident in our actions when we neglect to seek and yield to Him.
 
 
Bible Reading:
Obadiah  |  1 Peter 1  |  Proverbs 19