Proverbs 24:5-6
A wise man has great power, and a man of knowledge increases strength; for waging war you need guidance, and for victory many advisors.
In this proverb Solomon talks about strength and power, but he does not equate it to brawn. What does he say gives a man great power and increased strength?
Wisdom gives a man great power. Knowledge increases strength. Once again, we a find a teaching of Scripture that is exactly opposite of what the world teaches.
The world teaches that "might is right"; what makes someone strong is their ability to bully and intimidate people; strength is found in muscles and weapons. Obviously, once again the world is completely wrong.
The wise man has so much more power because he understands that as soon as someone resorts to violence (in any form) to solve a problem, they have already lost. In fact, everyone loses when violence becomes the solution to the problem. The wise man seeks to control and influence the situation so that it doesn't get out of hand. He understands that this is the only way that everyone can win. Wisdom is the only way to resolve conflict without destroying relationships and risking physical altercations. This is why knowledge increases strength. When one increases knowledge and skill level he becomes more effective at controlling situations before they get out of hand. This is what builds strong relationships, which then builds strong teams, which in turn builds a larger and larger community. This gives the wise man great power and increased strength because of the amount of influence he has with an ever growing community of people.
How does the wise man accomplish all of this? He does it through love and relationships. By loving and caring about individuals the wise leader earns the respect and love of more and more people. Eventually, his influence grows to the point where people he has never even met are willing to die for him. You can't force people into this level of love and loyalty. It is only earned through a lifetime of loving service. The great thing is that each one of us has the ability to choose what type of leader we are going to be.
Solomon points out another attribute the wise leader has: he humbly seeks out guidance. A wise leader can only become wise through mentorship. As this Proverb points out, you need guidance for waging war. Now you may not ever be involved in a military battle, but you are in a battle every day. Satan has declared war on mankind, and Solomon has made it perfectly clear that victory requires many advisors. I would suggest a list of advisors that looks something like this:
- Daily studying the Holy Scriptures.
- Find a mentor.
- An experienced and wise pastor.
- A wise leader that you have access to.
- Wives, your primary mentor should be your husband.
- Find an accountability partner.
- A spiritually mature friend you can talk to weekly.
- A spiritually mature family member (parent, sibling, etc.).
- Surround yourself with spiritually mature friends.
Ultimately it is God who gives wisdom and knowledge- strength and power, but this list is a means by which He gives those blessings. So do the work faithfully. Don't sit around waiting for the Lord to grant all of your wishes.
Ephesians 6:10-20 Evangelical Heritage Version (EHV)
The Armor of God
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can stand against the schemes of the Devil. 12 For our[a] struggle is not against flesh and blood,[b] but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 For this reason, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to take a stand on the evil day and, after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand, then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness fastened in place, 15 and with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace tied to your feet like sandals. 16 At all times hold up the shield of faith, with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the Evil One. 17 Also take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Prayer Requests
18 At every opportunity, pray in the Spirit with every kind of prayer and petition. Stay alert for the same reason, always persevering in your intercession for all the saints. 19 Pray for me also, that when I open my mouth a message will be given to me that boldly reveals the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may speak about it boldly, as it is necessary for me to speak.
God bless
Jason Fredrick
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