Letter to the Congregations: 25th April 2026

Our Dear Brethren,

“To know wisdom and instruction, to perceive the words of understanding, to receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, judgment, and equity; to give prudence to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion—a wise man will hear and increase learning, and a man of understanding will attain wise counsel, to understand a proverb and an enigma, the words of the wise and their riddles” (Proverbs 1:2-6).

This is the introduction to the book of Proverbs. This book is filled with practical wisdom for people who want to live a life pleasing to God. In it are wise sayings from a king who didn’t always put his own words into practice in his own life, but was used by God to pass wisdom onto others. This wisdom, ultimately from God, has been preserved for us who are alive and still have the opportunity to make wise choices. Are we taking these words in and putting them into practice? After all, wisdom is only beneficial if it’s put to use.

Solomon, through his words, reminds us that gaining wisdom begins with “the fear of the Lord.” He also warns us that when we refuse to listen to God’s wisdom that we are fools (see Proverbs 1:7). Throughout the remaining chapters Solomon contrasts the difference between the righteous, who demonstrate godly wisdom in their lives, and the fools who despise things that are actually good for them. “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he who heeds counsel is wise” (Proverbs 12:15). There are may people in this world who are becoming increasingly foolish because they despise true wisdom. Are we among the fools or among the wise? We have these words of wisdom right in front of us, but are we putting them into practice? After all, wisdom is only beneficial if it’s put to use.

Along with the wisdom from God, we hopefully each gain certain levels of wisdom as we experience life. Some of our wisdom comes from our mistakes. Some of it comes from our successes. Some of it we gather from other people who have gone through what we haven’t. What sort of wisdom have you gathered in your life? Is it wisdom worth putting into practice?

Our love is with you,

Lewis VanAusdle

Pastor, United Church of God

NYC, NJ, CT, Malawi, Zimbabwe