“By wisdom a house is built, And by understanding it is established; And by knowledge the rooms are filled With all precious and pleasant riches.” –Proverbs 24:3-4
So we see that wisdom is key in establishing a house and filling it with good things.
And yet we also are commanded,
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth,
where moth and rust destroy,
and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven,
where neither moth nor rust destroys,
and where thieves do not break in or steal; For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” –Matthew 6:19-21
So while wisdom is key in establishing a house and filling it with precious riches, the truly wise who fear the Lord above all else will also recognize that this earth’s riches will not last — true riches are the eternal, heavenly riches.
Likewise, Paul admonishes us that if we have been risen with Christ, we ought to seek those things which are above (the eternal, heavenly things), not things on the earth (Colossians 3:1-3).
Therefore, God, I pray that you would grant me Your true, eternal wisdom; –That You would establish my house with your precious riches — not the riches that this world offers, but those which will last to eternity — –That You indeed would help me to be a soul-winner, bringing in the harvest which You told us is plentiful and ripe; –That You would make me a Body-edifier, strengthening the Church which is Your Body for greater acts of service and love; –That You would help me to raise a family in Your good and perfect ways, eventually “training up children in the way they should go,” so that they might not depart from You, but follow You wholeheartedly and shine Your light to a dark and dying world.
For, after all, Lord, if it is by wisdom that a house is built and established, I ought also to recognize this very first precept:
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” — Proverbs 9:10
So, knowing the equivalence of Your fear and Your wisdom, may I fear You, God, giving You the reverence, respect, awe, and even dread that You deserve, as the One and Only Holy and Perfect God, who alone deserves the preeminence — the first place above all other things. May I humbly bow and submit to Your authority, and may Your wisdom guide my life in this New Year, according to Your continual kindness in Christ Jesus.
Thank You, Lord.
Amen.