The Scriptures were written through God’s appointed Spirit-filled men. (2 Timothy 3:16) So, when there appears to be a mistake or contradiction in God’s Word we should not stand in judgment over God’s Word but rather ask the Holy Spirit of God’s Word to guide us into His wisdom for the understanding we need. We don’t change God’s Word. God’s Word changes us.
Jesus is quoted by Matthew: “Wisdom is proved right by her actions.” Matthew 11:19
Jesus is quoted by Luke: “Wisdom is proved right by all her children.” Luke 7:35
Jesus refers to ‘wisdom’ in the feminine form both times. But all throughout the Bible ‘leadership’ or ‘headship’ is masculine based. I believe it is important for us to understand why. God created man first and told him what to do. Men are to lead their wives and family. Men are to lead in the work of the Gospel. Men are to lead in their nation and world. And, they need a woman of faith and godly wisdom by their side.
Satan hasn’t stopped talking and deceiving people since he succeeded in the Garden of Eden. He has used the same kind of lies and deceptions on men, women and children in every generation since to turn people away from the truth and wisdom of God.
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. For through me your days will be many, and years will be added to your life. If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you; if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer.” Proverbs 9:10-13
I don’t know about you but I see lots of suffering these days. I don’t mean the kind of suffering that godly men and women experience when they are persecuted for being God-fearing Bible believing servants of the Lord. I mean the kind of suffering all over the world that comes because God’s love and laws are not honored and upheld.
“Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.” James 3:13-16
The Holy Spirit had Matthew write “actions” and Luke write “children” to show a connection with the two. Our children learn from our actions more than from our words. Our children (and people in the world) need to see the results of true wisdom from God because we’ve seen far too many bad and worthless results from worldly wisdom.
Godly wisdom knows the good to do and how to do it, and when it is to be done. Godly wisdom knows how to rightly use knowledge, skills, wealth and power. The goal of pure wisdom is for the will of God to be done, starting with God’s will for me and my family.
Women of God, daughters of Eve – before we can speak with true wisdom and give faithful instruction to others we need to make any and all necessary adjustments in our own belief system and lifestyle. Your work and ministries will not matter at all if you have listened to the wrong voices and acted out in that way.
The Proverbs 31 Woman proves that her wisdom is pure by her right actions. The results prove that her wisdom is true for all.
If we look at the world today we’d have to admit that we have not been very successful in “turning the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous.” (Luke 1:17) The church of Jesus Christ needs to turn from our own wicked ways – so the Lord can heal our marriages and families.
“Watch out that you do not lose what you have worked for, but that you may be rewarded fully.” 2 John verse 8
What happens to us when we learn to do what we don’t want to do that we should do? We learn the wisdom of God and receive His joy and praise. Too often, we act like little children when we neglect doing what we need to do for our physical and spiritual health, when we fight (rebel) against doing what we need to do for our good future, and when we resist the Holy Spirit in doing what we should do for the Lord. Why – when we should be mature teachers and leaders – are we still thinking and acting like children or even babies before our heavenly Father?
“For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastises everyone He receives as a son. Endure suffering therefore; God is treating you as His beloved children. For what son is not discipline by his father?” Hebrews 12:6-7
God’s wisdom is proved right by God’s people; by their righteous behavior, actions, lifestyle, family unity and work.
Revelation 19:7-8 “Let us rejoice and celebrate and give HIM the GLORY. For the marriage of the LAMB has come, and His bride has made herself ready. She was given clothing of fine linen bright and pure. For the fine linen she wears is the righteous acts of the saints.”