Over the last month, I’ve heard the topics of wisdom brought up in two different areas: in church, as our pastor started a series about Proverbs, and in a book I’ve been using in one of my classes. Authors Ken Wytsma and AJ Swoboda dedicate an entire chapter of their book, Redeeming How We Talk, to being wise in how we use words.

The Bible gave us a fantastic resource for wisdom – the book of Proverbs. These statements of truth help us in our daily decision making. Wisdom helps us balance acting on just our feelings. We know that our feelings can sometimes lie, so we should welcome wisdom and instruction.

So how can we become wise? Here are some tips our pastor shared recently from Proverbs:

  • fear God – Proverbs 1:7

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,
    but fools[a] despise wisdom and instruction.

  • follow the Lord – Proverbs 3:5-7

Trust in the Lord with all your heart
    and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways submit to him,
    and he will make your paths straight.[a]

7 Do not be wise in your own eyes;
    fear the Lord and shun evil.

  • make wisdom a priority – this is included in all of Proverbs 2

Thanks for listening!
– Joe