Proverbs 16:20 He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy is he.
21 The wise in heart shall be called prudent: and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning.
22 Understanding is a wellspring of life unto him that hath it: but the instruction of fools is folly.
Many people suggest there is no manual for life. They claim it is just guessing and you try your best. They say it is like gambling. You never know for sure if you will win.
Yet God says there is a way to handle a matter wisely. God is wisdom. He knows the beginning from the end. He knows what works and what does not. He knows the heart of every human being. He knows how every person will respond to every situation they face.
In the midst of that foreknowledge, God gives man the opportunity to choose his path. Unlike the heresy of Calvinism, God does not force anyone to live in sin. He does not force anyone to get saved. He works in the heart of every individual to show them the right way and the consequences of the wrong way.
The key to handling a matter wisely is to be a true child of God and then walking humbly with him. We can easily clutter up our hearts and minds so we do not hear God’s way.
King Solomon knew how to handle the two harlots with one live baby. He did not know how to handle his lust for women. David knew how to handle Goliath’s challenge against him. He did not know how to deal with his lust for women. In the New Testament, the rich man knew how to farm. He could bring in a good crop. He did not know how to plan for the future.
To handle a matter wisely means to know the Lord and walk with Him. Amos was directed to ask the question:
Amos 3:3 Can two walk together, except they be agreed?
The second part of verse 20 gives us the answer. The need is to trust in the LORD. What does the LORD tell us? He tells us that He is God and there is none other. He tells us that He created the heaven and the earth. He tells us to trust Him with the whole heart. He guarantees He will direct our paths if we will do that.
Happiness is not the absence of challenges. It is facing each challenge with the humility needed to succeed in it and through it. The apostle Paul declared:
II Timothy 4:7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
Paul faced many challenges he would never have chosen for himself. He did not enjoy getting whipped and beaten and stoned and left for dead. He did not allow those challenges to break him. He drew nigh to the Lord and could finish his course with a good testimony before young Timothy.
Verse 21 tells us further how we perceive the wise heart. Certainly not like our politicians. Not like most religious leaders either.
The wise heart is called “prudent”. It means understanding, and observant. It sees what is coming and makes appropriate choices. David was facing the Philistines. He asked God if he should attack them. God said yes. David followed and was successful. Again the Philistines came against him. He asked God if he should attack the same way. God said no. God told him to use a different approach. David listened and he was successful. He knew God knew far better than he did. He did not second guess God. He did not doubt Him. He submitted to Him. He taught the nation of Israel some important lessons. We also can learn from His humility.
Jesus dealt with hypocrites. He dealt with doubters. He dealt with feeble people. He used sweetness in every situation. The response was not always the same, but the design was always the same.
Those facing rebuke do not see sweetness. Those who get unjust praise assume it is sweetness. Jesus never flattered anyone. He never deceived anyone. He gave straight answers that He knew would help them to be able to stop and consider their course.
Understanding will always help the person: to grasp what is said, what is done and why it is important.
Luke 8:10 And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand.
Understanding is a gift from God. We need Him to open our eyes to see things as they truly are. Only those who are saved have that understanding. There are lost people who can see that we are on a collision course. They do not have a viable solution. They can only offer more of the same with a little different slant.
The prophets and the apostles had understanding. They gave wise counsel which is still available for us today. The fool’s instruction is folly. That suits the politicians who say the Bible has hate speech in it. The sodomite has nothing to offer anyone. The Muslim has nothing to offer anyone. Ungodly people have nothing to offer anyone.
We need to know the Lord and then we will be able to discern truth and we will be able to help others to know the truth as well.
Pastor Bartel