As Proverbs 12:8 NKJ says, "A man will be commended according to his wisdom," many biblical figures received praise and answers through their wisdom. We will look into their wisdom that brought down answers from above.
In Wisdom of Obedience, Naaman Was Healed of His Leprosy
Naaman, commander of the army of the king of Aram, was a leper as written in 2 Kings Chapter 5. He heard about Elisha, the man of God, from his wife's maidservant who was from Israel. Naaman went to him to be cured of his leprosy. Naaman had goodness in which he listened attentively to even a little girl when she brought good news.
When he arrived Elisha did not show up and just sent him a word for him to, "Go and wash in the Jordan seven times." Naaman was furious and turned and went away in a rage. Then his servants came near and persuaded him. He listened to them and obeyed Elisha's word. He was a humble man such that he did not ignore a little maidservant's word and did not let his servants' words go unheeded.
Naaman gave up his pride, broke his arrogance, and believed the Word of God. Then, he could receive wisdom of obedience from above and his obedience led to complete healing of his disease. If we obey the Word of God, every one of us can receive blessings of everything going well and good health as our souls prosper (3 John 1:2).
In Wisdom of Faith, the Centurion Received the Answer Transcending Space and Time
A Roman centurion heard about Jesus, and he went to Him and earnestly implored Him to heal his servant as recorded in Matthew Chapter 8. He loved his servant as himself. Jesus immediately replied, saying, "I will come and heal him." But the centurion said, "Just say the word, and my servant will be healed."
He could profess such strong faith with boldness because he was ready to completely obey the word of Jesus (Matthew 8:9). He believed Jesus would be able to heal his servant even with just His word. And he humbled himself and wanted to obey perfectly although he was a centurion of the Roman Empire. That is why he received his answer right away.
When Jesus gave out the original voice, saying to the centurion, "Go; it shall be done for you as you have believed," the servant was healed that very moment.
In Wisdom of Humbleness, a Syrophoenician Woman Received the Answer
A Gentile woman of the Syrophoenician race had a little daughter who was possessed with an unclean spirit as written in Mark Chapter 7. She asked Jesus to cast the demon out of her daughter. But He gave an unexpected response to her, saying, "Let the children be satisfied first, for it is not good to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs." But the woman still professed her faith in humbleness, saying, "Yes, Lord, but even the dogs under the table feed on the children's crumbs." In the end, she received the answer and her daughter was set free from the unclean spirit.
If we have the wisdom which is like that of the Syrophoenician woman, we will humbly long for spiritual things. We will not feel proud of things perishable and not ignore spiritual things. We will long to gain spiritual things that are imperishable although it means we have to humble ourselves again and again.
In order to bring down the answer from God, we need to humbly ask for grace and show unchanging faith no matter what others say. Then, it will move the heart of God and He will heal us of any kinds of diseases and solve all kinds of our problems.
In Wisdom of Goodness, Ruth Was Listed in Jesus' Genealogy
In the Book of Ruth, Ruth chose to follow her duty as a daughter-in-law although it was not good for her at all and it required only her sacrifice. She unchangingly served her mother-in-law with sincerity and heart. Her good deeds happened to be recognized by people in Bethlehem. Boaz redeemed her and made her his wife. As a result, she was included in the genealogy of Jesus although she was a Gentile woman.
People of goodness don't stop doing good works after just a few tries. They unchangingly keep doing good by sacrificing for others' benefit and following the duty of man because God is pleased. We can also receive blessings from God if we do only good following good conscience and obey the will of God in wisdom of goodness like Ruth.
In Wisdom Concerning Neighbors, Cornelius Received Salvation Together with His Family
One can be said to have wisdom concerning neighbors when he or she gives first and acts in truth and love. In Acts Chapter 10, Cornelius was a centurion of what was called the Italian cohort of Roman Empire. He was a devout man and one who feared God with all his household. Those who fear God show more goodness in words and deeds as much as they throw away evil in heart and goodness comes into their hearts.
They do not use words that hurt others' feelings and break their hearts. They use only warm words to give comfort and courage and truthful words that lead to life. They also act in goodness, virtuous generosity, and love.
We can do charitable works only when we have love and mercy for souls. Though he was a Gentile, Cornelius gave many alms to the Jewish people who were subjugated by the Roman Empire. So he was praised by all Jewish people. His good deeds reached God so he could be blessed in that all his family members received salvation.
Many patriarchs of faith in the Bible have something in common; they obeyed the Word of God, walked the path of honesty, followed the duty of man, and acted perfectly in righteousness. People who have this wisdom of honesty are respected by others because they have done no iniquity and no wrongdoings.
Some people say they act in faith, but they do not act in honesty and diligence due to their selfish motives. However, people of goodness act in honesty and diligence because they believe God will give them blessing. By doing so, they will be guided to the way of blessing that God prepares as Proverbs 11:3 reads, "The integrity of the upright will guide them..."
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