“Wisdom will guide you down delightful paths.” (Proverbs 3:17)

Wisdom leads to joy, the Bible teaches. “Joyful is the perosn who finds wisdom, the one who gains understanding.” (Proverbs 3:13). We find that this path, from wisdom to joy, is a biblical virtue, indeed. “For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will fill you with joy.” (Proverbs 2:10). “God gives wisdom, knowledge, and joy to those who please him” (Ecclesiastes 2:26). Wisdom “will guide you down delightful paths,” adds Proverbs 3:17.

Reflecting on the matters of life, author C.S. Lewis declared that “joy is the serious business of heaven.” The path there, however, is paved with wisdom.

Daily Questions

1. What paths have you taken in trying to find joy?
2. How can wisdom lead you to joy?

Daily Thoughts

When we might take a rocky road, loving God, please point us back to Your path of wisdom and joy.

Proverbs 3: 13-18

Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her; those who hold her fast will be blessed.

Bonus Information

The book of Proverbs begins, “The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel”. Solomon is noted throughout the Scriptures as a man of great wisdom. Jesus Himself noted Solomon’s wisdom. Two things, however, need to be understood about this wisdom. First, the wisdom of Solomon wasn’t Solomon’s it was given to him by God in response to the king’s prayer. James reminds us that this same wisdom is available to all of us and that God will grant our requests (James 1:5). Second, this wisdom can be abandoned, as Solomon clearly did. His life of wisdom became the ultimate example of foolishness as he turned from God to follow idols (1Kings 11:4). As James 3:13-18 reminds us, the wisdom we choose to live by is foundational to our walk of faith.