From: "Beverly French" <frenchb@vcss.k12.ca.us>
To: "Heritage" <gheritage.ga@verizon.net>
Subject: Blessings to All
Date: Sunday, July 14, 2002 6:50 AM

"Who is wise?  Let him understand these things.
 Who is prudent?  Let him know them.
 For the ways of the Lord are right;
 The righteous walk in them..."  Hosea 14:9

In the past we have looked at the walk of the Christian and the
characteristics of that walk.  In Ephesians 5:15-16 the Apostle
Paul says, "Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise
men, but as wise, making the most of your time, because the
days are evil."

Our opening Scripture is telling us that the wise and prudent person is to
know the ways of the Lord and the righteous will walk in them.
The last part of the verse says,  "But transgressors will stumble in them."

The ways of the Lord are stepping stones for our walking wisely, but for
transgressors they are stumbling blocks.  Therefore, let us then walk as
wise men.  Receiving from God:
Understanding:
"For the Lord gives wisdom;
 From His mouth come knowledge and understanding."  Proverbs 2:6

Wisdom (Christ) speaking says,
"Counsel is mine and sound wisdom;
 I am understanding, power is mine."  Proverbs 8:14

The Apostle Paul to Timothy (and to us) says,
"Consider what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in
everything."  2 Timothy 2:7

The prudent one (prudent: wise or judicious in practical affairs; discreet
or circumspect; sober; sensible.):
Is Reserved:
"A prudent man is reluctant to display his knowledge, but the heart of
[self-confident] fools proclaims their folly."  Proverbs 12:23

Is Cautious:
"The simpleton believes every word he hears, but the prudent man looks
and considers well where he is going."  Proverbs 14:15

Is Teachable:
"A fool despises his father's instruction and correction, but he who regards
reproof acquires prudence.  Proverbs 15:5

Has foresight:
"A prudent man sees the evil and hides himself, but the simple pass on and
are punished [with suffering].  Proverbs 22:3

The wise know and are coming to know the ways of the Lord.  Spiritual
knowledge is for the wise and is a cause for great rejoicing.  More!  It is
a cause for exultation!
"'But let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me,
that I am the Lord who exercises lovingkindness, justice, and righteousness
on earth; for I delight in these things,' declares the Lord."  Jeremiah 9:24

Spiritual knowledge is obtained by acquaintance with God.
"Yes, let us know (recognize, be acquainted with, and understand Him; let us
be zealous to know the Lord [to appreciate, give heed to, and cherish
Him]..."  Hosea 6:3

Obedience, is the condition of receiving Spiritual knowledge.
"Jesus therefore answered them, and said, 'My teaching is not Mine, but His
who sent Me.  If any man is willing to do His will, he shall know of the
teaching, whether it is of God, or whether I speak from Myself.'"
John 7:16-17

Therefore, let us continuously seek Spiritual knowledge and understanding
with all diligence and prudence for it is our loving Lord  who is actively
working in the lives of His own.
"For I am confident of this very things, that He who began a good work in
you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus."  Philippians l:6

Hallelujah and Amen!