Proverbs 1:1-6 – “The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel: ² To know wisdom and discipline, To understand the sayings of understanding, ³ To receive discipline that leads to insight, Righteousness, justice, and equity, ⁴ To give prudence to the simple to the youth knowledge and discretion; ⁵ Let the wise man hear and increase in learning, and a man of understanding will acquire guidance,⁶ To understand a proverb and an enigma, the words of the wise and their riddles.”

Those five words are – Wisdom, understanding, discretion, discernment, and discipline.   In a short devotional, we can only skim the surface of the revelation contained in those words and verses.  Therefore, we will offer some simple reflections for you to ponder.

Proverbs 1 – Solomon highlighted the value and source of all five.

Proverbs 2 – “Pay attention to wisdom.”  It is wise to listen to the wise!  “Incline your heart to discernment.”  Discernment is produced in the heart, the seat of the Spirit, not the intellect. “Call out to understanding, give your voice (what you say and how you talk) for discernment.”

Discernment must become valued as much as silver or great treasures.   The result is we will understand the fear of God and find the knowledge of God.  We will become intimately united with Him.  That will result in the reality that discretion keeps us, and discernment guards us.

Proverbs 1 – Solomon challenged us to receive discipline.  Discipline leads to insight, righteousness, justice, and equity.  Remember Paul’s teaching on discipline?

Hebrews 12:5-6 – “My son do not lightly regard the discipline of the LORD, nor faint when you are reproved by Him; FOR those whom the LORD loves He disciplines, AND He flogs every son whom He receives.”  Wow!  

Hebrews 12:11 reveals that discipline trains us, and the fruit is the peaceable fruit of righteousness.  It guides us in the right paths.

God wants us to enter into His fullness and exercise the power of the kingdom, but that Power will destroy us Unless we have been trained through discipline, ridding ourselves of self and becoming one with His wisdom, understanding, discernment, and discretion.  Without God’s shaping discipline, we think carnally. 

I encourage you to pray this prayer: “Father, we ask that You help us submit rather than resist Your school of discipline.  Train us so that we become walking manifestations of The Lord’s Prayer and persistence in pursuing God’s purposes.  People of power and purity.  Empty of self and full of the Spirit. Give us wisdom, understanding, discretion, and discernment that is learned through Your discipline.   Help us BE, not simply Wanna Be. Amen!”

May the Lord bless you richly as you enjoy this wonderful day in Him!