April 13, 2024
Daily Devotion:
"A Gift Opens the Way - Wisdom"
Proverbs 18:15-17
New International Version
15 The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out. 16 A gift opens the way and ushers the giver into the presence of the great. 17 In a
lawsuit the first to speak seems right, until someone comes forward and cross-examines.
God ensured the survival of His chosen family through Joseph’s wisdom. Throughout his life, Joseph continually
chose the things of God, acting in wisdom beyond his years. Even from the earliest recorded action regarding his father’s flocks, Joseph acted wisely. God used all of the circumstances in Joseph’s life to develop wisdom in him,
His chosen leader. While tending his father’s flocks, managing Potiphar’s house, interpreting dreams, and saving a nation and his own family from extinction, Joseph displayed wisdom. Joseph spent his life seeking wisdom from God, and, when it mattered most, the wisdom he gained helped him save many lives.
Joseph would be a model for kings and leaders to come. His leadership was an example to the nation of Israel of how to lead with God’s wisdom. If God’s chosen people were to survive, their leaders needed to serve and lead with great wisdom.
Today, Joseph’s life still serves as an example for both those in positions of leadership and those submitting to their authority. Leaders must continually seek God’s wisdom and allow Him to direct their steps. Similarly, as God’s people, we must submit to the authorities God has appointed, whether national leaders like Pharaoh, or
leaders in our local church. Those who lead with wisdom will indeed find blessing from God, and those who humble themselves before God’s chosen leaders will find life and peace.
