Morning & Evening Devotional Reading–

May 5– Evening

by C. H. Spurgeon, revised and edited by W. C. Neff

“He that handles a matter wisely will find good, and whoever trusts in the Lord will be happy.” 

—Proverbs 16:20

Wisdom is man’s true strength, and under its guidance he best accomplishes the purpose for which he was made. Wisely handling the matters of life gives to man the richest enjoyment and is the noblest engagement of his abilities. It is how he finds good in the fullest sense. Without wisdom, man is as the wild donkey’s colt, running here and there, wasting strength which might be profitably harnessed.

Wisdom is the compass by which man is to navigate across the trackless sea of life. Without it he is an abandoned vessel, something for the winds and waves to play around with. A man must be prudent in such a world as this or he will not find much good among the countless hazards. The traveler will badly wound his feet among the briers in the forest of life if he does not choose his steps with the utmost caution.

If we follow where the Great Teacher leads, we will find good, even while in this dark abode. There are heavenly fruits to be gathered this side of the Garden of Eden and songs of paradise to be sung amid the groves of earth. Many have dreamed of finding this wisdom, but where can we find it?

Let us listen to the voice of the Lord, for he has told us the secret of where true wisdom lies. And we see it here in our text this evening: “Whoever trusts in the Lord will be happy.” The true way to handle a matter wisely is to trust in the Lord. This is the key to finding your way through the intricate maze 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 will be even happier above.

Lord, in the sweetness of these evening hours, walk with me in the garden, and teach me the wisdom of faith. [M&E]