Proverbs 1:5 A wise man will hear and increase learning, and a man of understanding will attain wise counsel.
Where do we look for wise counsel? If our car breaks down, maybe a mechanic? If we are sick, maybe a doctor? If we want to build a house, maybe a home builder? We can continue as to those we may obtain wise counsel because they have studied, trained and obtained experience. There are good ones and not so good ones. In God’s wisdom how do we recognize those who would lead us astray?
James 3:17-18 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy, and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 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 complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
We have the inspired Word of God, and Jesus teachings, and the Holy Spirit. If we truly study to know God, do we leave His teachings between the covers of the Bible?
James 4:17 Therefore to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.
Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self control. Against such there is no law.
Matthew 7:16 You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thorn bushes or figs from thistles?
Matthew 7:20 Therefore by their fruits you will know them.
It takes time to know some one, to know their character, to know their fruit. We look for, ask for references. We ask around maybe from friends that we trust their wisdom or maybe their experience with what we are seeking counsel for. Fools rush in.
Proverbs 22:3 A prudent man foresees evil and hides himself, but the simple pass on and are punished.
Have we ever not heeded a warning? We have red lights and stop signs to warn and protect us from having or causing an accident and harm to another. We have the beautiful Word of God, His given wisdom. Will we heed it? The book of Proverbs is amazing. Not only did God give Solomon great wisdom He instructed Him to write it down to be shared with us all still today. Will we heed God’s given wisdom? If you have trouble with any verse in the Word linger on it. God will let you know what change is needed. He loves us so much He corrects us in His great wisdom.
Lord, let us not be simple but to hear and receive Your instruction that we may lead a life pleasing to You. In Jesus name amen.
