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

I have a friend who will call me at random times and ask, “What does the Bible say about…?” He runs across situations in life and in business and instantly thinks, What does God tell us in this situation? I love that about him. He is not satisfied to simply do what has always been done or to go off his first impulse. He wants to know what God says, and that is what he then chooses to do. Solomon recognizes the joy that this brings to those invested in that person’s life—relationally, emotionally, and at times even genetically. There is a confidence and assurance that comes from knowing you are dealing with people like that. They are not risky people; they inspire confidence, and from that confidence comes joy. It is a joy to work with them, a joy to work for them, and a joy to celebrate success with them. This friend has inspired me, as does the person in Solomon’s writings, to pursue wisdom and bring joy to others as well. As followers of Jesus, with the indwelling Holy Spirit, we will naturally default toward God’s will. That does not mean we will always pursue it with gusto, because we still have a fallen nature that battles us every step of the way. But at our very core, we will long for God, and out of that longing will come joy. Not always happiness, because the reality is that life does not always make us happy—but joy, which is a far greater gift and a fruit of the Holy Spirit, is what we ought to be longing for anyway. Today, pursue wisdom and give joy. #BeTheEdge

“But the fruit of the Spirit is … joy…” Galatians 5:22 NIV