"wise for salvation"

Proverbs 2:1-6 (English Standard Version)
The Value of Wisdom
1My son, if you receive my words
and treasure up my commandments with you,
2making your ear attentive to wisdom
and inclining your heart to understanding;
3yes, if you call out for insight
and raise your voice for understanding,
4if you seek it like silver
and search for it as for hidden treasures,
5then you will understand the fear of the LORD
and find the knowledge of God.
6For the LORD gives wisdom;
from his mouth come knowledge and understanding;

With the start of school this week, a lot of attention is focused on learning. Teachers are planning their lesson outlines for the year. There are goals set for what each child should learn during this academic year. My daughter is getting ready to start her last year at Good Shepherd. My son just went to freshman orientation for his first year of college. I’m excited for all the wisdom they will gain this year. But these verses remind me of how wisdom comes from the Lord. While I want my children to be wise and competent, I am even more concerned that they become wise in the fear of the Lord and the knowledge of God. I want them to be “wise for salvation.” as we read in 2 Timothy.

2 Timothy 3:14-15 (English Standard Version)
But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it 15and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

This wisdom doesn’t end with a graduation. This learning continues throughout our lifetime. The start of the school year also starts a lot of other activities and opportunities.
Take advantage of some of those “learning” opportunities at home and at church as you attend Sunday School and Bible Class on Sunday mornings, have family devotions, take advantage of worship opportunities and attend other weekday Bible studies.

Heavenly Father,
Keep us ever focused on Your Word that we might receive true wisdom so that we might become “wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” May we always seek and treasure Your wisdom.
In Jesus’ name we pray.
Amen