The following is a reprint of an article I recently read. The author is Brent Newton, (Church of Christ, Jefferson City, MO). These are some good words of wisdom for all to know. Enjoy and grow with them!
How do you know if you are foolish or wise? James tells us our behavior shows our wisdom (James 3:13-14). Wisdom grounded in God will be reflected in your reactions and statements. Let’s take the Proverb’s test to examine ourselves to see if we are foolish or wise.
“Fools despise wisdom and instruction.” (Prov. 1:7) How well do you take instruction and correction? “Instruct a wise man and he will become wiser.” (Prov. 9:9) A wise person takes advantage of instruction as it affects their behavior. “The way of a foo is right in his own eyes but a wise man is he who listens to counsel.” (Prov. 12:15) A fool always looks through their own eyes and expects others to change, while they refuse. A wise person recognizes the need to change and listens. “There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” (Prov. 14:12) Things can seem right in your own mind, but a fool doesn’t have enough insight to see where their life is headed because they refuse to listen! “A wise man is cautious and turns away from evil, but a fool is arrogant and careless.” (Prov. 14:16) Foolish people always get themselves into difficulties because they can’t see the evil coming while the wise is cautious before proceeding with decisions, examining the situation. “Keeping away from strife is an honor for a man, but any fool will quarrel.” (Prov. 20:3) Some people will quarrel over anything, the smallest of things sometimes. What does a wise person do? “A fool always loses his temper, but a wise man holds it back.” (Prov. 29:11) Fools are hot headed and respond with anger, whilea wise person won’t allow that to happen. What happens when the wise and foolish engage each other? “When a wise man has a controversy with a foolish man, the foolish man either rages or laughs, and there is no rest.” (Prov. 29:9) There are two extremes with the foolish. A wise person understands you can’t change a fool. “Though you pound a fool in a mortar with a pestle along with crushed grain, yet his foolishness will not depart from him.” (Prov. 27:22) A wise person won’t waste their time trying to correct a fool, as it can’t be done unless there is a change of heart in the one foolish! “Do not speak in the hearing of a fool, for he will despise the wisdom of your words.” (Prov. 23:9)
Are you a fool or wise? It is hard to look at ourselves, but if one will be honest and humble, they will find help and compassion from the Lord.
Think about it!!! Mike
More Proverbs for our consideration
Happy is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding; for her proceeds are better than the profits of silver, and her gain than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies, and all the things you may desire cannot compare with her. (Prov. 3:13-15)
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. (Prov. 9:10)
Wisdom is found on the lips of him who has understanding, but a rod is for the back of him who is devoid of understanding. Wise people store up knowledge, but the mouth of the foolish is near destruction. (Prov. 10:13-14)
To do evil is like sport to a fool, but a man of understanding has wisdom. (Prov. 10:23).
How much better to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver. The highway of the upright is to depart from evil; He who keeps his way preserves his soul. (Prov. 16:16-17)
Remember to pray for the church and our elders. That wisdom and knowledge will be gained utilized as we continue to worship and grow in the Lord.