The Bible depicts wisdom as something to be valued, cherished, and sought after. People are to search for it and collect it. Learning is life-long. But this is not some abstract knowledge. Wisdom is practical.

The Greek word translated as “wisdom” basically means “skill.” It describes the skill of the craftsman in the tabernacle (Exodus 31.6) or the judicial abilities of kings (1 Kings 3.28). It is knowledge and learning and craft—the stuff that helps people live to their full potential—“life skills” as we might say today.

Wisdom is also moral. It gives you the ability to make wise choices, to discern what is right. It helps you understand the meaning, spot the patterns in the swirl of events around you.

All these things show why human beings need to learn. It’s not just learning for learning’s sake; it’s helping people to live, giving them choices (and helping them to choose). To deny people an education is to starve them of wisdom. They cannot grow the skills they need; they cannot learn a trade or craft; they do not have the wisdom they need to find the way out. They really do have to learn the hard way.

Read Proverbs 1:1-7.

Reflect

Why is wisdom valuable? What are the lessons you’ve learned that aided your growth in wisdom? How do you show that youvalue wisdom?

How will you aid someone in his or her search for wisdom and knowledge? Pray for opportunities to share your wisdom and resources with others. For example, you might take a short-term missions trip and teach a class in a school.

Pray:

Lord, help me learn from past mistakes so I can be a teacher of the future.

Next: Day 26 of 40.

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Read: Psalm 12o:6-10
Often it seems as if violence is the only solution the world trusts. We are quick to resort to violence, always looking for the opportunity to lash out, launch missiles, or blow up innocent bystanders. Of course, sometimes there is no other option; sometimes evil must be resisted and the vulnerable protected by force. But that has to be a last resort, not an immediate response.

Instead, we should look for peaceful solutions. This is not weakness; arguing for peace is hard work. Take the writer of this psalm; he’s tired, he’s disillusioned, and he has lived too long among these people. He just can’t take it anymore. “Love your enemies,” says Jesus (Matthew 5.44). “Do your best to live at peace with everyone,” says Paul (Romans 12.18).

So we keep on going. Where there is conflict—in our world, in our communities, in our homes—the Christian way is to talk, to bring people together, to understand and, if possible, address grievances. We must speak out for peace among people who often speak only of war.

It’s not going to be easy. It’s a tough struggle, as this psalm shows. Peace, ironically enough, is worth fighting for, but not only with guns.

Reflect

Where in your community is peace needed most? Where in the larger world? What qualities are needed to be a successful peacemaker?

How will you be an advocate of peace in your community? Pray for God’s peace to reign where there is chaos.

Pray:

Lord, I want to be your child and live at peace with people, encouraging others to do the same. Help me to be full of kindness and truth.

Next: Day 25 of 40.

www.EasterRestart.com