II Timothy 3:10-17 “But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me. Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”

Nearing the end of this life’s journey, Paul took pen in hand to instruct a young man named Timothy. Within this portion of the letter, Paul cautioned Timothy of the certainty of afflictions that come to “all that will live godly” (vs.12). Paul then challenged Timothy to “continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of” (vs.14). When we come to verse 15, there is Paul’s commendation of Timothy. There are two things that readily appear. First, Paul carefully observed the growth of this young man, “that from a child.” Paul had been acquainted with this young man since Timothy was a babe and he is aware of the physical maturity that is evident. Secondly, this observation revealed a significant growth in wisdom. This was a comfort to the heart of the Apostle Paul for he knew that Timothy had sufficient resources in wisdom to combat the adversities of the day. Where did Timothy acquire this wisdom? “Thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise.” The fountainhead of wisdom is “the holy scriptures.” Consistent and continuous interaction with the scriptures left Timothy with a great reservoir of wisdom and truth. You will be faced with the adversities associated with morality and modesty. Difficult days lie ahead and only wisdom can equip you for that day! The things Timothy needed for the present were gleaned in the past! Are you gleaning any wisdom from the vast fields of God’s Word?