Wisdom has built her house; she has set up its seven pillars. She has prepared her meat and mixed her wine; she has also set her table. - Proverbs 9:1-2 (NIV)
Part 1 of 7
Wisdom Builds Her House
If We Want to Live in Wisdom, We Must Make Sure Our Priorities Are in Order
Scripture
Have you ever felt confused while trying to make a decision, as if competing voices were trying to convince you to do two very different things? I believe we all have at some point, because both wisdom and folly cry out to us on a regular basis, and it’s up to us to choose which one we’ll follow, and which priorities we’ll put first.
In Proverbs 9, we learn that wisdom builds her house (Proverbs 9:1); she values the home as part of the foundation needed for the rest of life. If things are not right at home, they won’t be right anywhere else. Far too many people ignore their families in the quest to build a business, excel in a sport, or achieve a worldly type of success. But God and the home should always come first.
What good would it do if I were ministering to others while my family was falling apart at home? Many homes are filled with strife, and the family members who live there are passive about dealing with problems while going out into the world every day and putting on a happy face for others. If we want to live in wisdom, we must make sure our priorities are in order, which requires regular examination of our lives and relationships and making changes where necessary.
People frequently ask me how I keep my priorities straight with all the things I am doing, and my answer is, “I am always straightening them out.” I don’t think any of us can maintain right priorities without occasionally making adjustments. For example, something may have been be a high priority at one time in our lives but is no longer necessary. If we continue doing things that God is finished with, we feel the strain of laboring alone because God only helps us with things that are within His will for us.
I encourage you to take some time before the Lord and ask Him to show you any areas in your private life that need attention. Remember, wisdom builds her house before turning her focus to other matters.
Ask yourself: Is there anything in my life that God is finished with, but I’m still trying to keep alive?
Prayer Starter
God, please show me any priorities in my life that are out of place, and help me to straighten them out in a way that honors You. Thank You for helping me follow the example of wisdom today. In Jesus’ name, amen.
