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Day Seven

No Pain, No Wisdom (Read Proverbs 4:1-13)

Solomon, the author of today's reading, honors his parents for their love and discipline. By learning to be obedient to their spiritually principled design for living, wisdom became a byproduct of the trials and tribulations of practicing obedience.

As you go through life, you will encounter many teachers who, if you honor them like your parents, will provide correction and discipline, which equates to wisdom. Wisdom requires humility; if you're truly humble, you're teachable. Throughout history and society's demographics, wise and godly people have agreed that true wisdom is born through obedience and leads to happiness.

To discover wisdom requires pain. No pain, no wisdom. Spiritual disciplines require obedience, and because of our "my will be done" vs. "Thy will be done" natural state, obedience is extremely painful in the circle of life. If you are truly going to live a life of love and service centered on spiritual principles, much wisdom is required.

A soul absent of God's grace and wisdom is a lost soul. A separated soul, despite your wealth and status in life, is a lonely, miserable state in which to live. To die without understanding and God at the center of your life is to experience hell. Don't let that be you.

4 My father taught me,
"Take my words to heart.
    Follow my commands, and you will live.
5 Get wisdom; develop good judgment.
    Don't forget my words or turn away from them.
6 Don't turn your back on wisdom, for she will protect you.
    Love her, and she will guard you.
7 Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do!
    And whatever else you do, develop good judgment.
8 If you prize wisdom, she will make you great.
    Embrace her, and she will honor you.
9 She will place a lovely wreath on your head;
    she will present you with a beautiful crown."

 Mother's Theresa said, "You must remain green because green things are growing." Today, be humble, remain teachable, grow in understanding and effectiveness, and you will become capable of living a life of love and service—a life beyond your wildest dreams.

Obedience = Pain = Wisdom