11.08.04

To know wisdom and instruction, to perceive the words of understanding, to receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, judgment, and equity; to give prudence to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion - a wise man will hear and increase learning, and a man of understanding will attain wise counsel, to understand a proverb and an enigma, the words of the wise and their riddles. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. - Proverbs 1:2-7.

Ian Fleming (33 years old) thought he had the perfect scheme for making money. He had successfully deposited computer-generated bogus checks into his account at a Bank in Forest Hills, New York. In the trial run, Fleming had been successful in depositing two checks, one for $350 and another for $1,300. Fleming encountered problems when he moved up to higher amounts trying to deposit checks for five billion and six billion dollars. The large deposits drew the attention of bank officials resulting in the arrest of Ian Fleming.

It would appear that Mr. Fleming overdid things a little in his illegal scheme. Not only is he a thief, he is also a fool as seen in his great lack of wisdom. Fleming does have some knowledge and ability as seen in his ability to generate the bogus checks and send them through his account. However, he used his knowledge and ability without wisdom, without discretion, and without prudence.

Have you ever encountered someone who was completely unwilling to take advice or instruction from anyone? I have and it may be that Ian Fleming is that kind of person. “Fools”, Solomon tells us, “despise wisdom and instruction”.

Wisdom begins where? It begins with a respect and reverence for God. Out of that respect and reverence for God, “fear”, as the Old Testament puts it, flows wisdom and so much more. With reverence and respect for God comes wisdom, understanding, prudence, discretion, and ultimately increased learning.

If only Ian Fleming would commit his heart and life to the Lord Jesus, he would be a changed person. With Jesus, Ian would not only have knowledge and ability he would have all the other qualities that would enable him to have a successful life.

What about you? Do you have a “fear” of God, a respect and reverence for Him? If not you should have and can have - it all begins with a relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. Once you have that relationship it must be maintained as you allow the Lord to instruct you in all wisdom and gain those great qualities with which all great people are endowed. Those qualities only come from the hand of God. Allow Him to give you wisdom.