Day 12 - 40 Days of WISDOM
Dr Jim Brown's TruNorth Devotional
40 Days of WISDOM
Day 12 | LISTENING TO WISE PEOPLE
40 Days of WISDOM
Day 12 | LISTENING TO WISE PEOPLE
LISTENING TO WISE PEOPLE
Proverbs 13:10
“Arrogant know-it-alls stir up discord,
but wise men and women listen to each other's counsel.” (MSG)
Don't you find other people upsetting at times? It's like the guy knowingly strolling across the street against the DON'T WALK sign, forcing you to miss the green light. (Happened to me today).
God's people had similar (but much more serious) challenges back in Solomon's day. Solomon observed that people who are prideful, arrogant, self-centered, and, seemed to think they were the "smartest person in the room" often cause dissent and strife by not valuing anyone else's opinion or perspective.
The Amplified Bible says this: “Through pride and presumption comes nothing but strife.” Another translation says “pride and insolence” … overbearing behavior resulting in scornful behavior towards others.
So, what do the WISE do? They listen to each other's advice for skillful, Godly, wise counsel.
It's essential to balance listening to others with the wisdom of Psalm 1:1, where David said that the Godly person is “blessed” if he does NOT walk with the ungodly nor hang out with the sinful or the mockers. Thus, we should listen to wise and mature brothers and sisters in Christ. The LORD may use them to deliver the message we need to hear.
I remember that old saying, "A man who is his own lawyer has a fool for a client." This verse seems to say the same regarding the person who takes only his own advice.
So, WHY do so many not seek out wise counsel from others? Solomon answers that here, too… PRIDE. Some characteristics of a prideful person are fault-finding, a harsh spirit, superficiality, defensiveness, lack of humility, and a desperate need for attention.
Show your wisdom, listen to – and at least consider – the advice of wise Believers.
Prayer: LORD, ultimately only YOU are all wise, yet you offer Your wisdom to each of us. Help me to receive wisdom from others as You lead. Amen.
Proverbs 13:10
“Arrogant know-it-alls stir up discord,
but wise men and women listen to each other's counsel.” (MSG)
Don't you find other people upsetting at times? It's like the guy knowingly strolling across the street against the DON'T WALK sign, forcing you to miss the green light. (Happened to me today).
God's people had similar (but much more serious) challenges back in Solomon's day. Solomon observed that people who are prideful, arrogant, self-centered, and, seemed to think they were the "smartest person in the room" often cause dissent and strife by not valuing anyone else's opinion or perspective.
The Amplified Bible says this: “Through pride and presumption comes nothing but strife.” Another translation says “pride and insolence” … overbearing behavior resulting in scornful behavior towards others.
So, what do the WISE do? They listen to each other's advice for skillful, Godly, wise counsel.
It's essential to balance listening to others with the wisdom of Psalm 1:1, where David said that the Godly person is “blessed” if he does NOT walk with the ungodly nor hang out with the sinful or the mockers. Thus, we should listen to wise and mature brothers and sisters in Christ. The LORD may use them to deliver the message we need to hear.
I remember that old saying, "A man who is his own lawyer has a fool for a client." This verse seems to say the same regarding the person who takes only his own advice.
So, WHY do so many not seek out wise counsel from others? Solomon answers that here, too… PRIDE. Some characteristics of a prideful person are fault-finding, a harsh spirit, superficiality, defensiveness, lack of humility, and a desperate need for attention.
Show your wisdom, listen to – and at least consider – the advice of wise Believers.
Prayer: LORD, ultimately only YOU are all wise, yet you offer Your wisdom to each of us. Help me to receive wisdom from others as You lead. Amen.