Through desire a man having separated himself,

seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom. Proverbs 18:1

This morning, in my reading, this passage caught my attention. Though I was familiar with it, I guess I just needed its message today, as I begin the week.

Motivation is a necessary thing in all of our lives. Here we learn some things about desire.

1. There is the emphasis on the right desire
2. There is the effect of desire
3. Then we must ask how do I kindle this desire?

First, let’s consider the right desire. “all wisdom”. That is a wholesome desire. The fact is, Proverbs 4:6 says, wisdom is the principle thing therefore get wisdom … The physical, financial, spiritual, emotional, and relational benefits of wisdom are all mentioned in Proverbs.

Everyone has a degree of desire, but not everyone desires wisdom. Many people desire things that are of no eternal value at all, nor do they help in your relationships.

Second, let’s consider the effect of desire. “separateth himself” It separates us from the trivial, from the unnecessary and even from harmful things that capture our time and attention. We cannot pursue both, so if we desire wisdom, then we will leave off the other.

You know you have no desire for wisdom if you are not willing to separate yourself from the foolish things in life. We could illustrate it in many areas. You have no desire for good health if you are not willing to separate yourself from junk food and laziness. You have no desire for a good marriage if you will not separate yourself from those who want to destroy your marriage. You have no desire for accomplishment if you are not willing to separate yourself from the unnecessary things in life.

Desire prompts us to separate either from the good or the evil! This is why the right desire is most important. This leads to the next point.

How do we kindle a fire for the right desire? If we do not know how, the knowledge of t

his truth means nothing.

Start with the end in mind. Ask yourself some questions. Where do you want to be ten years from now? How do you want to be remembered when your life comes to an end? What do you want to leave behind? Will you look forward to meeting God?

Read good books. Listen to good music. Fill your heart and mind with thoughts that inspire you to pursue wisdom. Fellowship with people who have the right desires. Be a servant to the needy and most of all trust the leadership of Jesus Christ and follow him.