Knowledge... the missing key
Proverbs 20:15
“There is gold, and a multitude of rubies: but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.”
Wondering why
Ever wonder why some Christians seem to move effortlessly through their walk with God….
How do they do it, while so many of us are struggling to get from day to day? If you have ever read the story about King Soloman in the bible, you will find that during his lifetime, he was the wealthiest man in existence.
Hard to imagine that just one man would have so much wealth and influence. The question is why God blessed him in so many ways, and how did he become such an astute businessman owning more property and possessions than anyone during his 40 year reign.
We know that his father was King David and that he inherited much wealth from him, but he continued to increase many times over during his lifetime. His wealth was staggering compared to the modern world of today, he would certainly be considered a Billionaire, if not a Trillionaire.
His riches were often described as unmatched, contributing to a reign marked by peace and prosperity. Solomon’s wealth was not just in gold and silver, but also in luxury goods, trade alliances, and a vast empire.
His reign saw a flourishing economy, with extensive trade networks bringing in valuable goods from across the ancient world. Even Elon Musk’s wealth can’t compare to what King Soloman had acquired.
Big question
So, the big question is why and how did he do it…
The answer is so simple and yet so difficult…knowledge! When God appeared to him in a dream shortly after he became King and asked what he would like most, he did not ask for gold or silver, a big mansion or a beautiful wife, no, he asked for one thing and that was Knowledge (understanding and discernment).
He knew that it was the most important gift to acquire and with it would come everything he needed. The opportunities, the creative ideas in business dealings, the right people to help him, prosperity, etc., etc.
Honor and respect
Soloman’s love and respect for God was his WHY…
In honor and respect for God granting him this wonderful gift, Solomon built an enormous Temple made of gold and the finest materials, as a fulfillment of God's command. It took him seven years to complete and was a huge undertaking.
His father, King David, had desired to build a house for God but was instructed that his son would carry out this task. Solomon took on this responsibility to create a permanent dwelling for the Lord.
Our world today
Are we working too hard and missing the mark…
Today’s modern world, we see so often how others strive for worldly possessions, better opportunities in employment, the house, the cars, the two kids, so on and so on. There is nothing wrong with wanting to have a great life, as long as we don’t put those things and/or possessions ahead of God.
God wants us to prosper and be happy, but not at the risk of losing our salvation and having too much can do just that. It can start to pull us away from God, therefore forgetting that it was God who blessed us to begin with.
If we get into worldly pride, therefore putting “ourselves” into a higher authority, thinking we are “self-made”, before you know it, the sins of this world will blind our thinking and decision making. God clearly states that once he prospers us, we should never forget about Him.
“Beware that thou forget not the Lord thy God.”
(Deuteronomy 8:11)
Learning early
The key that unlocks your entire world…
I learned at a very early age that Knowledge was the missing key to everything. If I knew more and understood the meanings of life, then I could conquer many obstacles that would be thrown my way.
I’ve questioned many things over the years and I’m what you call an avid researcher. When I need to know about a particular situation, I go to God in prayer first and inquire about it. I’m not perfect by any stretch and have made many mistakes, just as we all have, but God knows when we inquire, He speaks and leads us to the correct places and/or people that will help us to find the answers.
He never disappoints in that area because He knows that knowledge is everything. It can save your life, your health, your finances and even save you from disappointments and disaster. The more you know, the more skillful you become.
“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.”
(Hosea 4:6)
That’s a pretty powerful statement and a very clear message. Knowledge is life or lack of it, can be death or destruction.
Being a Christian
Following God is no easy task…
As Christians, we should desire to follow after God and knowledge, so that our lives can mirror Soloman’s to a certain extent, wanting to understand life and be blessed because of it. It will open your eyes to a better way of thinking and living.
We may have to survive in a corrupt world, but the bible always encourages us.
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.”
(1 Peter 5:8)
This verse emphasizes the need to be alert and vigilant against spiritual dangers. Don’t expect everything to come to you overnight either. God is not a Magician. If it does, that’s great, but most times we have to “walk out” our journey with God.
It can take some time to finally get the answer, depending on what we are seeking, and God will even cause delays to happen because He is working everything out for our good and His timing is always the best. We can’t see the future, but God can and I would rather wait for something than fall into a trap and regret it for years to come.
Always pray
When in doubt, pray…
Be patient and continue to pray for knowledge when you don’t know what to do and understand that He will answer your prayers and give you what you need and also what you want, as a plus.
Wants and needs are two different things; God already knows what you need. Seek knowledge constantly, don’t always rely on others, be vigilant and seek the answers for yourself, there is always a lesson to be learned in seeking.
“Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.”
(Matthew 7:7)
As you do, you will feel more confident and assured that you are making the right decision when it comes from God. At times you will fail, thinking God said this or that, when it was really your own thoughts trying to figure it out.
When you get confused, take a step back and breathe, the answer will eventually show up. That is where faith comes in and trusting Him to do what He says He will do. He never fails us; it is usually us that fail Him.
“ Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”