Proverbs 8:14

 The book of Proverbs gives us a lot of instruction on a lot of different subjects. One subject that can keep us in God’s wisdom is Godly Follower-ship. Who we follow; where we follow; how we follow are all spoken about in Proverbs. Here is one of them about power and strength:

Proverbs 8:14 (ESV)

I have counsel and sound wisdom;

I have insight; I have strength.

Our society is in love with "power." We wield it like a sword at our enemies and use it as incense for our friends and social status. We booast that we have it and abuse it for selfish gain. We think power comes from money, presitge, position and/or social status. We think if we "belong" to a group we have more power than if we don't. We falsely believe the clothes we wear or stuff we own somehow produces power over others. The most powerful exert their make believe status over those who are weaker and those who are weaker over the weaker still. But, in this Proverb we learn that power doesn't come from status, stuff or societial perceptions. Power is a product of wisdom. Power is produced by wisdom and wisdom comes from the fear of the Lord. Those in real power are those who fear the Lord and have wisdom. In Ecclesiates 7:19, a parallel passage to this proverb, we read that one wise man is more powerful than ten rulers in a city. Instead of seeking power, as defined by the world, we would do wise to seek power that is found in our relationship with God through His Son. God gives out power and He does that in the form of wisdom. Solomon had all leaders flocking to him in his day. He was the one they sought; not for his money, his status or army - but for his wisdom. Wise people are sought out and have, therefore, power. You want power? Fear the Lord and get wisdom. That will produce power!