Week 28: July 6-12, 2025 -The Treasures of Wisdom
This week’s daily readings:
July 6-12, 2025
This week’s devotional:
The Treasures of Wisdom
by Kim Loehr
Scripture:
A person’s wisdom yields patience;
it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.— Proverbs 19:11 (NIV)
Reflection:
Proverbs 19 highlights the value of wisdom and the ability to see situations with greater understanding, rather than reacting impulsively. Patience, gentleness, and self-control are three fruits of the Spirit that Christ modeled for us. To have wisdom, Christians must aspire to manifest these behaviors. Instead of getting angry and holding a grudge, a wise person might choose to overlook an offense or misunderstanding in order to preserve a relationship and move forward. Wisdom helps us to be slow to anger and to wait on the Lord to show us whether we should confront an offense and, if so, to use kind words and a gentle spirit.
Using wisdom and exhibiting patience when dealing with others is often difficult, at least for me! One commentary on Proverbs 19:11 states that a wise person is not easily angered; they understand that quick reactions can lead to further problems. A wise person finds a more dignified way of handling conflict. It is typically seen as honorable and shows a higher level of character.
In Proverbs 10:19, the writer (most likely King Soloman) states, “The words of the wise are a gentle song; the words of the fool are a loud roar.” Let us pray for the grace to speak with wisdom and gentleness, and to be discerning when listening to the words of others, especially those who are foolish. I believe that the reference to “the words of a fool” includes those who are not Christians. Nonbelievers may be clever in the ways of the world, but they are often ignorant of the ways of Jesus. When a Christian exhibits self-control in a conflictual situation and responds with patience, gentleness, or kindness, it shows the heart of Christ to that unbeliever.
For me, it is often difficult to apply wisdom – or the fruit of the Spirit – in a conflictual situation. I have come to realize that when I am under pressure, my personality often mimics the unlovely behaviors of the Apostle Peter. Peter was very impulsive. He could be very headstrong and, at times, self-righteous. He was a man of great passion and potential, but also one prone to error and weakness. Through his interactions with Jesus, he learned to temper his impulsiveness and to develop greater humility. I find comfort in Peter’s story which serves as a reminder that even those of us with significant flaws can be transformed and used by God. (Can I get a witness???!!!)
Psalm 38 suggests that remaining silent during conflict could be a sign of humility, a choice to leave vindication to God. Choosing not to respond in anger or to insist on one’s own position is to trust in God’s justice. In the book of James, the Bible indicates that no human can fully tame their tongue, but that Christians are called to strive for self-control.
Finally, a great mark of wisdom is the readiness to receive more wisdom. A teachable person, one who will listen to counsel and receive instruction, has already made much progress on the path of wisdom. I leave you with two more thoughts from God’s word: “Jesus… has become for us wisdom from God” (from 1 Corinthians 1:30), and “in [Jesus] are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” (from Colossians 2:3). If we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, he will show us the path to wisdom and patience.
Prayer:
Dear Father, help me not to harbor resentment but to weigh an offense justly. When I want to insist on my own way, I pray I will pass over any perceived transgression, forgive in my heart, and move on. I know from Proverbs 19:21 that, “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” I pray for the grace to surrender my plans and my will to you, Lord, to trust in your timing and purpose, and to seek guidance in aligning my nature and my desires with yours. I pray all this in the strength and love of Jesus Christ. Amen