19th - 25th January 2026
The book of Proverbs is one of my favourites - and has been a regular go-to for me over the years. I’ve lost count of the number of times I have read it; either consistently through various reading plans or in a flustered panic looking for some Divine insight into an immediate problem.
The main theme, of course, of Proverbs is wisdom - personified as a woman; building, guiding, leading, inviting - in stark contrast with the adulterous Folly.
Wisdom is something we find attractive - and rightly so - but sometimes I’ve found myself in danger of idolising it; certainly of confusing it with intellect and knowledge - pursuing it to be “seen to be wise”; to be in the know; to be on the cutting edge.
On one of my many journeys through Proverbs I highlighted and took a note of the first verse in chapter 9:
Wisdom has built her house,
She has carved out her seven pillars;
My intellect was intrigued; what are these seven pillars? There must be great insight here - what an opportunity!
Maybe there is a leadership book on this: “The Seven Pillars of Wisdom: Grow your church, your business, your anything with these secret keys to wisdom”…
However, my bubble got burst sometime later, when my perspective encountered a stark contrast in James - the New Testament wisdom book, chapter 3:13-17:
Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behaviour his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth. This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing.
But the wisdom from above is first pure (1), then peaceable (2), gentle (3), reasonable (4), full of mercy and good fruits (5), unwavering (6), without hypocrisy (7).
My heart was deeply challenged that day (and still is) by the realisation that the wisdom I had often been pursuing wasn’t godly wisdom at all.
Godly wisdom is not manifested in cleverness, insight or expertise; it is manifested in Godly character.
Over the next seven days, I invite you to reflect with me on these seven attributes of true ‘wisdom from heaven.’ Together, let us pray that God would manifest these qualities in our hearts, in our relationships, in our churches, and in our witness.
Written by Jason Kennedy
MONDAY
1. Pure
Scripture to reflect on:
“Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in His holy place? The one who has clean hands and a pure heart” Psalm 24:3-4
Prayer Primer:
Heavenly Father, I long for Your wisdom to cleanse my heart. Purify my thoughts, desires and intentions, that I may walk in Your holiness and truth. Remove any impurity that would hinder Your work in me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
TUESDAY
2. Peaceable
Scripture to reflect on:
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” Matthew 5:9
Prayer Prompt:
Lord, I ask for wisdom that promotes peace. Fill my heart with a spirit of reconciliation and unity, not just in my words but in my actions. Help me to be a peacemaker in every relationship and situation I face today. In Jesus' name, Amen.
WEDNESDAY
3. Gentle
Scripture to reflect on:
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Proverbs 15:1
Prayer Prompt:
Father, help me to reflect Your gentleness. In moments of stress or frustration, may my words and actions be marked by calmness and grace. Teach me to respond in a way that diffuses tension and brings healing, not harm. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
THURSDAY
4. Reasonable
Scripture to reflect on:
“Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand.” Philippians 4:5
Prayer Prompt:
Lord, I pray for wisdom that is grounded in reason. Help me to be thoughtful, open to counsel, and discerning in my decisions. May I not rush to judgment or act impulsively but seek Your clarity and understanding in every situation. In Jesus' name, Amen.
FRIDAY
5. Full of Mercy and Good Fruits
Scripture to reflect on:
“Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” Luke 6:36
Prayer Prompt:
Father, fill my heart with mercy. Help me to see others as You see them and extend grace and kindness where it is needed most. May the fruit of Your Spirit - goodness, compassion and patience - overflow in my life today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
SATURDAY
6. Unwavering
Scripture to reflect on:
“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.” Hebrews 10:23
Prayer Prompt:
Lord, grant me wisdom that is unwavering. In the face of doubt or opposition, help me to stand firm in Your truth. I trust in Your faithfulness and ask that You strengthen my faith, so I may remain steadfast in Your wisdom and promises. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
SUNDAY
7. Without Hypocrisy
Scripture to reflect on:
“Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good.” Romans 12:9
Prayer Prompt:
Father, I desire a wisdom that is sincere, free from pretence or hypocrisy. Help me to live authentically, aligning my thoughts, words and actions with Your truth. May my life reflect the purity of Your wisdom, and may I walk in integrity in all things. In Jesus’ name, Amen.