The first steps we take in a decision often make sense. But the connection between those steps and their final outcome often seems unrelated. Walking the path of wisdom has a domino effect far greater than we can imagine.
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For us, a disciplined intake of Scripture certainly promises wisdom. But wisdom offers a course of action, not just a course of instruction.
The book of Proverbs reveals the outcome of the pathways we are walking. And it tells us how to stay on the path of wisdom.
Here’s how.
The Purpose of Proverbs
The book of Proverbs wasn’t given for us to have great quotes for wall plaques. Solomon states the purpose in the first chapter:
To receive instruction in wise behavior, Righteousness, justice and equity; To give prudence to the naive, To the youth knowledge and discretion, A wise man will hear and increase in learning, And a man of understanding will acquire wise counsel. —Proverbs 1:3–5
The purpose of wisdom is to live wisely. Why? Because we like the outcome it produces.
A lot.
The Problem with the Path of Wisdom
The problem with wisdom is that its benefits often wait around the bend. We walk the path of wisdom in faith.
For example, how in the world does a lack of wisdom regarding moral purity relate to a Hebrew being cut off from the land? What in the world did the land have to do with morality? Plenty.
- The answer lies in the fact that the immoral person “forgets the covenant of her [or his] God” (Prov. 2:17).
- Impurity at the physical level reveals what has already begun at the spiritual level.
The way you choose to lead your spiritual life always has physical results.
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The application of wisdom (or the lack thereof) always reveals itself in life—for we reap what we sow (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14; Galatians 6:7-8).
How to Stay on the Path of Wisdom
Picture yourself an old man or woman at the end of your life. How do you want your life to end?
- Ask yourself: In what 3 areas of my life must I succeed at all costs? Make an actual list.
- Commit to reading one chapter from book of Proverbs every day for one month. At the end of 31 days, you will have read the entire book.
- From your reading, choose just one nugget of wisdom to apply to an area of your life that MUST succeed. Then live that one nugget all day long.
Proverbs offers us hope as it looks to the desired end of our lives, and it challenges us to think backward along its logical course.
Tell me what you think: What helps you choose wisdom each day? To leave a comment, just click here.
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This post is adapted from Wayne’s book, Going Places with God: A Devotional Journey Through the Lands of the Bible.
• These 90 devotional readings, each based on a specific place in the lands of the Bible, will help you apply the truths of God’s Word to your daily journey of faith.
• You’ll enjoy pertinent Scripture, inspirational quotes, photographs, maps, and a daily prayer.
After going places with God, you’ll never be the same.