Evening, May 5
Charles Spurgeon · Morning and Evening: Daily Readings
Proverbs 16:20
"He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth
in the Lord, happy is he."
Proverbs 16:20
Wisdom is man's true strength; and, under its guidance, he best
accomplishes the ends of his being. Wisely handling the matter of life
gives to man the richest enjoyment, and presents the noblest occupation
for his powers; hence by it he finds good in the fullest sense. Without
wisdom, man is as the wild ass's colt, running hither and thither,
wasting strength which might be profitably employed. Wisdom is the
compass by which man is to steer across the trackless waste of life;
without it he is a derelict vessel, the sport of winds and waves. A man
must be prudent in such a world as this, or he will find no good, but
be betrayed into unnumbered ills. The pilgrim will sorely wound his
feet among the briers of the wood of life if he does not pick his steps
with the utmost caution. He who is in a wilderness infested with robber
bands must handle matters wisely if he would journey safely. If,
trained by the Great Teacher, we follow where he leads, we shall find
good, even while in this dark abode; there are celestial fruits to be
gathered this side of Eden's bowers, and songs of paradise to be sung
amid the groves of earth. But where shall this wisdom be found? Many
have dreamed of it, but have not possessed it. Where shall we learn it?
Let us listen to the voice of the Lord, for he hath declared the
secret; he hath revealed to the sons of men wherein true wisdom lieth,
and we have it in the text, "Whoso trusteth in the Lord, happy is he."
The true way to handle a matter wisely is to trust in the Lord. This is
the sure clue to the most intricate labyrinths of life; follow it and
find eternal bliss. He who trusts in the Lord has a diploma for wisdom
granted by inspiration: happy is he now, and happier shall he be above.
Lord, in this sweet eventide walk with me in the garden, and teach me
the wisdom of faith.