Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 18:15

by David Chadwick

“An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.”

Proverbs 18:15

Knowledge is “the awareness gained by experience of a fact or situation.” Wisdom is defined as “the quality of having knowledge and good judgment.”

Biblically, both wisdom and knowledge are frequently discussed. They are very important qualities to have in living life well. It is impossible to lead well without knowledge and wisdom.

But what is the difference between the two?

Knowledge gathers information and forms understanding, especially about God. It is inadequate to simply know a lot of facts. True, biblical knowledge understands who God is and forms an awareness that is centered around his heart.

Whereas knowledge is the gathering of information, wisdom comes as you learn how to apply the knowledge practically. Wisdom is developed by asking “Why?” and “How?” and seeking direction. It comes as you ask why something exists, why someone is acting the way they are, why something happened the way it did. And it asks, “How do I move forward with what I know?” It is important to pursue a life of wisdom and seek to understand both the facts and the nuances of life and human behavior.

When God offered Solomon one gift, Solomon did not choose riches, power, or success. Do you know what he asked God to give him? Wisdom! Solomon’s request pleased the heart of God. The biblical books of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes contain much of the wisdom that the Lord gave Solomon. Historically, these books are called “wisdom literature.”

Additionally, did you know wisdom in Scripture is often personified as a woman? Proverbs 1:20-21 is an example of this personification. It says that wisdom calls aloud and raises her voice in the street. Proverbs 8:1-3 is another example, which says that wisdom calls out.

In the same way that a man seeks after a woman, we must seek after wisdom. We should desire it, pursue it, and receive its imprint on our lives. With all our hearts. Without it, we are in danger and vulnerable to deception and folly.

Seek both wisdom and knowledge. Together. A fruitful and faithful life comes from rightly pursuing and rightly using both of these tools God has given us.

Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 18:17

by David Chadwick

“The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him.”

Proverbs 18:17

Our world is full of so many perspectives, sides, and stories. And in this social media generation, opinions are running wild. Everyone is a self-acclaimed expert, and there are many different stances everywhere you turn.

So, what do you do when you hear something about someone? Or when you catch someone’s opinion about something occurring in the world? Or when you read a story in the news? How do you intercept so much information and so many opinions with wisdom and discernment?

Proverbs 18:17 tells us exactly what to do, and it is so practical. Let’s look at it today.

This verse essentially encourages all of us to pause. It teaches us that someone’s opinion sounds right until you hear the other side.

What a powerful insight this is, especially when trying to mediate two different opinions. You hear one side, and you think you have the necessary insight to draw a right conclusion. Then you hear the other side, and you realize it's a completely different story. Most often, the truth lies somewhere in between the two sides. But it's important to always hear both sides of a story.

The Bible also encourages us to have two or three witnesses whenever an accusation is brought against someone. Why? Because we all see things differently. That's why this proverb provides important wisdom before reaching a conclusion.

This verse is a great truth for parents, bosses, pastors, coaches, and leaders. Anyone who finds themselves in a position of leadership must practice this principle when presented with any difficult situation.

Go slow. Listen. Take in all sides. Most often, the truth lies somewhere in between, something my dad used to say all the time.

Above all, pray for discernment. Sometimes you must examine to find the truth. It must be searched out.

Remain shrewd as a serpent, innocent as a dove. Search out the truth with all vigilance, but as you do, keep your heart pure. Don’t let your heart become hardened as you see the complexities you will inevitably witness in this broken world.

One day, Jesus will make all things right. We will know his truth in all things.

Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 29:18, The Power of a Dream

by Marilynn Chadwick

“Where there is no vision the people perish”

Proverbs 29:18 KJV

Our God-given dreams can impact the entire direction of our lives. The Bible reminds us of the importance of dreams: "Where there is no vision, the people perish" (Proverbs 29:18 KJV). Some of the most courageous parents I know have raised their children in fragile neighborhoods. For them, dreams can divert their children from drugs, gangs, and prison. Dreams mean survival.

My young friend Dominique was just ten when some gang members befriended him. “I was kind of a mascot,” as he puts it. But gang mascots eventually become gang members, and he was headed for trouble. One day, Dominique discovered an online chess game. He got the hang of it and became good—really good. Before too long, he was “busy” when gang members called. Dominique was way too busy finding his purpose to run with gangs.

By the time he was in high school, Dominique had become the top scholastic chess player in the state of North Carolina. In his college application, Dominique wrote, “By getting closer to the One who allowed me this chance, and continuing with the plan that we dreamed up together when I was a young child, I feel that I will be able to help someone else and make a lasting impact.”

Dominique didn’t attend church growing up. But as a small child he had a sense of God’s destiny and a mysterious awareness of his calling through his childhood dreams of playing chess. And when he heard a clear presentation of the Gospel his first semester in college, the vibrant young man accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

Dominique won a prestigious Seeds of Hope Scholarship. He finished college and began to teach kids how to play chess. He met the love of his life, also a chess player. They married, bought a home, and had a little baby girl. He is now on the board of the Seeds of Hope Scholars program, opening doors to college for talented kids who simply need a financial boost and some Christian mentoring.

And Dominique continues to play chess. He’s made his way into the realm of international competition, competing against some of the best in the world. He continues to work in schools, helping kids learn chess.

One thing is clear. Dominique’s earthly dreams had eternal implications that went far beyond the mastery of chess. A good reminder to take seriously the hopes and dreams of those children entrusted to our care. Mother Teresa put it this way: “Tread gently around the dreams of a child. You might be treading on the dreams of God.”

Seeds of Hope is dedicated to building community and providing financial support for talented young adults. The Seeds of Hope scholars are leaders with big dreams and have a heart to serve their communities. Click here for more stories and to learn how Seeds of Hope is helping to make big dreams come true.