Daily Devotional for Monday, October 20

The Wise Man’s Strength

“A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength. For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellors there is safety,” Proverbs 24:5, 6.

“Knowledge is power.” This phrase is often attributed to Sir Francis Bacon, an English philosopher of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. It seems Thomas Jefferson used the quote frequently in his writings, mainly as he attempted to promote the establishment of a state university in Virginia. Both men seemed to agree that knowledge is the basis of power, influence and reputation. Sharing knowledge helps others and builds relationships. Knowledge not known by others can give one person extra power and influence. For the most part, this saying seems to be quite accurate. Knowledge is power.

God, as He inspired the writer of Proverbs to teach us, agrees with the above sentiment. The writer states outright that a wise man is strong, and knowledge increases strength. Knowledge is power! This proverb seems to be addressed to a leader due to the references to conducting warfare and the presence of counselors to provide advice. We could conclude that a leader holding great power but no wisdom is nothing but a brutish dictator, but a leader with power and knowledge is both a warrior and a statesman.

The real question is, “Where do you get your wisdom?” The knowledge we bring from ourselves is tainted. In James 3, we learn all about it. On the other hand, God’s wisdom is perfect, and all we have to do is ask Him for it! He will not rebuke us for asking but will bless us with the knowledge to do the right thing. So, today, when you run into a roadblock or a situation you feel powerless in, who are you going to for advice? The world or God?

JUST A THOUGHT

Do you need wisdom? Ask God, and He will freely give it. His wisdom is always the best counsel you can receive.

Wally Fry