Words of Wisdom

II Chronicles 20:31–32

“So Jehoshaphat reigned over Judah. He was thirty-five years old when he became king of Judah, and he reigned in Jerusalem twenty-five years. His mother’s name was Azubah daughter of Shilhi. He followed the ways of his father Asa and did not stray from them; he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD. The high places, however, were not removed, and the people still had not set their hearts on the God of their ancestors. The other events of Jehoshaphat’s reign, from beginning to end, are written in the annals of Jehu son of Hanani, which are recorded in the book of the kings of Israel. Later, Jehoshaphat king of Judah made an alliance with Ahaziah king of Israel, whose ways were wicked. He agreed with him to construct a fleet of trading ships. After these were built at Ezion Geber, Eliezer son of Dodavahu of Mareshah prophesied against Jehoshaphat, saying, “Because you have made an alliance with Ahaziah, the LORD will destroy what you have made.” The ships were wrecked and were not able to set sail to trade.”

God shines His face on the righteous leader and He has favoured King Jehoshaphat because foremost, God is loving, merciful, and kind and secondly, the king “followed the ways of his father Asa and did not stray from them; he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD (v. 32).” We hear God telling us just as King Solomon to his son captured in the book of Proverbs: “My child, do not forget My teaching, but keep My commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity. Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favour and a good name in the sight of God and people. Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight (Prov 3:1–6).” Jehoshaphat did receive discipline from God as in today’s verses, but that as he, we are given the wisdom to “not despise the LORD's discipline and do not resent His rebuke, because the LORD disciplines those He loves, as a father the child he delights in (Prov 3:11-12)”. He had an alliance with a wicked king of Israel, Ahaziah son of Ahab, and God did not approve and so their project failed (v. 37).” The Bible reminds us similarly, to not be in close association with those who are against God especially those who despise Him, “for what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness (II Cor 6:14)?” “Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil”, the words of wisdom continues perhaps also pronounced by King Asa to his son, “this will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones. Honour the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine (Prov 3:7–10).” May we heed wisdom in God’s Word and cherish it (Prov 3:13–26), and may the Word transform us, let us always humbly seek Him and do right and good in His eyes that we may gain Him (Phil 3:8), the eternal life that He so graciously offers (John 17:3), the wisdom He generously grants (Jam 1:5), and all good things that sustain us in this life too, will be added unto us as well (Matt 6:33).