The Fruits of Wisdom
A guest post by Chad Ramsey.
The author of Proverbs stressed man’s need to obtain wisdom. He wrote:
“Get wisdom! Get understanding! Do not forget, nor turn away from the words of my mouth. Do not forsake her, and she will preserve you; love her, and she will keep you. Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom and in all your getting, get understanding” (Proverbs 4:5-7).
According to the passage, those who get wisdom will be preserved. Consequently, the quest for wisdom is certainly more than a trivial pursuit. Wisdom is valuable. Emphasizing this, the wise man wrote:
“For wisdom is better than rubies, and all the things one may desire cannot be compared with her” (Proverbs 8:11).
The Value of Wisdom.
But why is wisdom so valuable?
It is valuable because of the fruit born by those who possess it.
Practicing Self-Control.
For example, those who are wise control their tongues and use their speech in an appropriate way. So Proverbs 10:19 declares:
“In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is wise.”
Elsewhere the text also states:
“The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, but the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness” (Proverbs 15:2).
Additionally, wise individuals restrain their actions. Making this point, Proverbs 11:12 states:
“He who is devoid of wisdom despises his neighbor, but a man of understanding holds his peace.”
Accepting Instruction.
Indeed, those who possess wisdom not only maintain self-control but also possess the ability to accept correction and instruction. Thus, the wise man noted:
“The wise in heart will receive commands, but a pratting fool will fall” (Proverbs 10:8).
Although wisdom is to be sought, one must do more than obtain it. Wisdom is useless if not employed. Nevertheless, when properly applied, wisdom allows those who fear the Lord to live in hope. This is the point of Proverbs 24:14:
“So shall the knowledge of wisdom be to your soul; if you have found it, there is a prospect, and your hope will not be cut off.”
The Fruits of Wisdom.
Proverbs 12:1-16 provides a cross-section of the areas of life affected by wisdom. The passage does not focus on one idea or concept. Rather, it illustrates how wisdom, when properly applied, can benefit man in a variety of ways.
Of special significance is the emphasis found in the text on bearing fruit. Prior to the section, Proverbs 11:30 states:
“The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise.” In our passage, the wise man also declared: “The wicked covet the catch of evil men, but the root of the righteous yields fruit” (Proverbs 12:12).
Those who apply the principles of godly wisdom in their lives will produce the fruits of wisdom. Read and meditate on these verses.
Grow in Wisdom!
Chad Ramsey preaches for the Gloster Street Church of Christ in Tupelo, Mississippi. You can access their Bible classes and Chad’s sermons on Gloster Street’s YouTube page.
Chad was - and still is - “my preacher” from when I spent my high school and early college years at Gloster Street. I’m thankful to be able to share some of his writings with you.
Thank you