*WISDOM FOR TODAY.*
*DEVELOP YOURSELF. (1)*
*Scripture Treasure.*
Judges 12:5-6, (NIV)
*The Gileadites captured the fords of the Jordan leading to Ephraim, and whenever a survivor of Ephraim said, 'Let me cross over,' the men of Gilead asked him, 'Are you an Ephraimite?' If he replied, 'No,' they said, '"All right, say 'Shibboleth."' If he said, 'Sibboleth,' because he could not pronounce the word correctly, they seized him and killed him at the fords of the Jordan. Forty-two thousand Ephraimites were killed at that time."*
*Insight and Highlight.*
2 Tim 2:15 *Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.*
*Scripture Treasure.*
Paul admonishes Timothy of the importance of the knowledge of the word of God primarily to develop himself.
So also Peter says in 1 Peter 3:15
*But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,*
They both teach knowledge when adequate time is spent in studying in order to acquire it.
Many people joke with knowledge. They are preoccupied with position, but they spend little or no time to acquire the knowledge of what is required to occupy such positions.
To learn from Jephthah's encounter with the Ephraimites that knowledge or pronunciation would be required as evidence of nativity or not deserves close attention.
The lack of any native of Ephraim (or not) to pronounce "Shibboleth."' correctly, deserved death.
In other words, if an Ephraimite could not correctly pronounce "Shibboleth," he could be killed. If a non-native of Ephraim could pronounce "Shibboleth" correctly, he could escape death.
It is clear from the scriptures that *....Forty-two thousand Ephraimites were killed at that time."*
This saga teaches us to educate ourselves. Know about yourself, your country, and as much information as you can gather, especially of a country or region you are traveling to or residing in.
It teaches us that to rightly pronounce a word in a region matters to people in the region and that rightful pronunciation which commands great and effective understanding, when undermined, could spell doom.
Eccl 10:12 says *The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself.*
Do not travel to a country you know little or nothing about.
Pronunciation and spellings differ with nations.
It is profitable to learn how they pronounce their words and even know the spellings.
Social media on languages and spellings are vital resources and tools we can make use of.
Do not apply for a job or position or company you know little or nothing about. A quick search is key.
Information is power and is a powerful advantage.
Learn what is acceptable in the region you are.
This tragic but true story tells us how some people were deprived of life and the most urgent attention because they pronounced a correct and standard word in a wrong way.
You are mostly respected for what you
know.
Make use of knowledge and seek God for wisdom of expression. It may be better to ask someone how he/she pronounces their names rather than pronounce it incorrectly or annoyingly with a wrong syllable!
Do not live without knowledge.
*Remorse corner.*
You could be deprived of the most urgent need in life by saying something that is right but in the wrong way.
*Call to Word action.*
There is power in the way you speak.
Matthew 26:73: *And after a while came unto him they that stood by, and said to Peter, Surely thou also art one of them; for thy speech bewrayeth thee.*
*The Christian clarion duty.*
Develop yourself. If in doubt of the word, search for correctness. If in doubt of pronunciation, search for correctness or ask. Seek knowledge and ask for wisdom of expression.
*Prayer.*
Lord, help me to seek knowledge with understanding. Give me wisdom of expression in Jesus name.
Good morning all and have a blessed day.
Gid bless you.