READING: Proverbs 13-15
TEXTS AND APPLICATION: Continuing the proverbs of Solomon, these verses cover many topics. Particularly important to me today are texts about seeking guidance and wisdom from others.
1. The people we hang out with influence us for good or bad.
Making right choices in choosing our companions matters. If we hang out with wise people [defined as those who fear God and follow Him], we will gain wisdom. If we hang out with the unwise people, though, we will move in the wrong direction.
Prov. 13:20 The one who walks with the wise will become wise, but a companion of fools will suffer harm.
2. Wise folks who influence our lives bring life.
Wise people can show us how to follow God. They can remind us of the joy of obedience and the anguish of sinfulness. They teach us about the power of words for good or for evil. They show us how to receive God’s discipline as loving. They help us to avoid the wrong paths.
Prov. 13:14 A wise man’s instruction is a fountain of life, turning people away from the snares of death.
Prov. 14:27 The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, turning people away from the snares of death.
3. Arrogant people see no need for the wisdom of others.
To be frank, I tend to be a loner in many areas of my life. I work best by myself, and I enjoy my alone time. The problem is that I often have made decisions with too little input from others — and the results have been negative. Only the grace of God has protected me from myself at times.
Prov. 13:10 Arrogance leads to nothing but strife, but wisdom is gained by those who take advice.
Prov. 15:12 A mocker doesn’t love one who corrects him; he will not consult the wise.
Prov. 15:22 Plans fail when there is no counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.
PRAYER: Please pray with me that we will always seek the counsel of wise people. Let’s also thank God for the wise people He has already placed in our lives. TOMORROW’S READING: Proverbs 16-18