ChoicesSample

Will you choose wisdom?

(Part 1)

The book of Proverbs is a book of choices. Two paths, one leading to goodness and life; the other to corruption and death. These powerful words were written from the heart of a father to his son. The father’s heart was to help his son understand the need “for gaining wisdom and instruction; for understanding words of insight; for […]prudent behavior, doing what is right and fair” to ”let the discerning get guidance”. Today, we read these words and many of them seem old-fashioned and obscure.

Prudence means caution. Cautious? We want to live life on the edge and experience all there is. We sure don’t want to miss out. Yet, the Father’s instructions tell the son that without choosing prudence, he will tumble directly into a snare.

Discernment means the ability to judge well; to know how to make a right choice. But many of us take life as it comes, without considering the results of our choices.

We often consciously make wrong choices, hoping the negative consequences won’t follow, like planting corn and hoping beans will grow. It sounds crazy, but we do it over and over. God is very clear on this: we get what we plant. We reap what we sow.

Wisdom calls out to us in Proverbs as a protection, a shield, a treasure. We are instructed to search for wisdom, allowing it to be our daily guide and direction. Wisdom helps us make the hard, right choices that go against our own desires. Wisdom holds the promise of eternal life, but following the easy choices of a fool ends in death.

When mentoring men, my husband always suggests they read a chapter each day in Proverbs. Will you accept that challenge?

Choose wisdom, or you will be a fool.