“A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.”

This is kind of the “after and then before” of the prodigal son story. As you recall, in that story the son squandered his father’s wealth on prostitutes and wild living. Then, after he hit the very bottom, he tucked his tail and scurried home, hoping for a reprieve and a chance to survive. That was, without a doubt, the wisest thing he could have done—and he encountered the incredible joy that comes from our Father’s love. It is almost impossible to imagine that we could actually bring joy to God, our Father, in any way. What we more readily understand is that He brings joy to us in ways we so do not deserve. But Jesus made it clear that the Godhead does experience emotions, and joy is a wonderful gift that we have the opportunity to give our heavenly Father by living wisely according to His plan and design. Even as I type those words, I can hardly fathom that they’re true. Knowing it and living it out are not always the same. Living faithfully in God’s wisdom is the challenge, isn’t it? The world offers so many distractions, and they certainly appear appealing. As we grow in Christ and make wisdom our goal, we learn to discern, and hopefully, as we mature, we become better at walking in wisdom and staying away from evil. Today, live wisely and bring your heavenly Father joy. #BeTheEdge

“Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10a NIV