The Value (verses 10-15; 20-22)

A change of heart: We will desire what is good and reject what is evil.
A change of mind: We will pursue discernment and discretion.
A change of living: We will do according to that Wisdom which the Lord has given us.

We see these same principles illustrated throughout scripture.

David∼

“Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long”. (Psalm 25:4-5)

Jeremiah∼

Thus says the Lord: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.” (Jeremiah 9:23-24)

Hosea∼

Whoever is wise, let him understand these things; whoever is discerning, let him know them; for the ways of the Lord are right, and the upright walk in them, but transgressors stumble in them. (Hosea 14:9)

James∼

Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. (James 3:13-18)

Jesus∼

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him”! (Matthew 7:7-11)

God loves us. He loved us from the beginning of time with an everlasting love. Nothing we do or do not do can change His love for us. Because He loves us so, He wants for us all that is good for our lives. Jeremiah 29:11 is a familiar and much quoted verse, it says “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” He doesn’t put conditions on His promises to punish or harm us but so that we are able to enjoy all the good things He wants for us.

As proof, I leave you with this: 1 John 5:3-4 “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome. For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith”.