Word for the day by Christian Education Forum
Wisdom From Above
Christopher Babu
St. John's MTC, NY
9 It is not the old that are wise, nor the aged that
understand what is right.
The story of Job is one that we are very familiar with. During his time, Job was the most righteous man in all of the land. He upheld the ways of the Lord and was greatly rewarded with land and affluent possessions. Even after his possessions, land, and family were taken from him, Job continued to praise God and thank Him for every blessing. However, within the story of Job, there is an example of wisdom that is often overlooked while reading the passage. Job’s friends came to console him during his loss and the youngest of these men was Elihu, son of Barakel. Although Elihu was young in age, his wisdom would prove to surpass that of his elder comrades.
Job’s friends initially came to him in silence and mourned with him for seven days. After this mourning was completed, Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar each began to speak about what Job had done to deserve this plight. Job’s friends either blamed Job or God for his troubles and misinterpreted what it meant to be a humble servant of the Lord. Ultimately, Elihu, the youngest of them all, spoke up out of anger and disgust at his peers. Elihu realized that God had not abandoned Job and it would be unrighteous of him not to speak out against his friends’ injustice.
The Bible offers several examples of young individuals with heavenly wisdom from above. Elihu was young, but was still able to stand as a witness before his aged companions and testify to the living God. In the same way, the Prophet Jeremiah was called at a young age to lead his people during the Babylonian exile period and was given wisdom to guide the Israelites. David was anointed as King of Israel while he was still a young man, but by faith, there was no other man with greater wisdom than he in terms of military conquests. Finally, the Bible offers the example of the boy Jesus who at only 12 years of age was able to possess wisdom far beyond his years and discuss the Scriptures with the Pharisees and teachers of the law in the Jerusalem temple. The recurring theme of wisdom taking root at a young age is essential to Christian life and necessary for spiritual growth and development.
1 Timothy 4: 12 says, “Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity”. Wisdom does not come from our own judgment, but rather from spiritual insights we draw from the Word of God. By studying the Word intimately from an early age, wisdom can be fostered among the young and the old. We may be called to defend our faith at any time, and it will ultimately be through wisdom that we prevail. Therefore, God’s gift of wisdom is not only a blessing, but also a call to stand firm, remain righteous, and stand as a light to those in the dark.
The story of Job is one that we are very familiar with. During his time, Job was the most righteous man in all of the land. He upheld the ways of the Lord and was greatly rewarded with land and affluent possessions. Even after his possessions, land, and family were taken from him, Job continued to praise God and thank Him for every blessing. However, within the story of Job, there is an example of wisdom that is often overlooked while reading the passage. Job’s friends came to console him during his loss and the youngest of these men was Elihu, son of Barakel. Although Elihu was young in age, his wisdom would prove to surpass that of his elder comrades.
Job’s friends initially came to him in silence and mourned with him for seven days. After this mourning was completed, Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar each began to speak about what Job had done to deserve this plight. Job’s friends either blamed Job or God for his troubles and misinterpreted what it meant to be a humble servant of the Lord. Ultimately, Elihu, the youngest of them all, spoke up out of anger and disgust at his peers. Elihu realized that God had not abandoned Job and it would be unrighteous of him not to speak out against his friends’ injustice.
The Bible offers several examples of young individuals with heavenly wisdom from above. Elihu was young, but was still able to stand as a witness before his aged companions and testify to the living God. In the same way, the Prophet Jeremiah was called at a young age to lead his people during the Babylonian exile period and was given wisdom to guide the Israelites. David was anointed as King of Israel while he was still a young man, but by faith, there was no other man with greater wisdom than he in terms of military conquests. Finally, the Bible offers the example of the boy Jesus who at only 12 years of age was able to possess wisdom far beyond his years and discuss the Scriptures with the Pharisees and teachers of the law in the Jerusalem temple. The recurring theme of wisdom taking root at a young age is essential to Christian life and necessary for spiritual growth and development.
1 Timothy 4: 12 says, “Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity”. Wisdom does not come from our own judgment, but rather from spiritual insights we draw from the Word of God. By studying the Word intimately from an early age, wisdom can be fostered among the young and the old. We may be called to defend our faith at any time, and it will ultimately be through wisdom that we prevail. Therefore, God’s gift of wisdom is not only a blessing, but also a call to stand firm, remain righteous, and stand as a light to those in the dark.
PRAYER
Father, help us to grow
in grace, knowledge, and wisdom of you. Give us the strength to stand firm in
your ways and the courage to seek you when we are lost. Help us to live by your
example and receive your divine wisdom. In Jesus’ Name we pray, Amen.
THOUGHT
FOR THE DAY:
How can you grow in wisdom even when you are still at a young age? What must you do to receive the gift of heavenly wisdom from above?
How can you grow in wisdom even when you are still at a young age? What must you do to receive the gift of heavenly wisdom from above?