Wise Men
Today's Verse:
He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed. ~Proverbs 13:20
A favorite saying that we often say when giving strong advice is, “Here is a word for the wise.” A wise person learns from the experience of another person. Being wise is making prudent and sound decisions. It is the ability to solve problems. It is not letting a bad situation get the best of you, but rather you getting the best of the situation. Wisdom comes from good advice, from experience, from hard losses, and from wise people. Proverbs 13 has four important facts about getting wisdom that all of us need. This morning, we are looking at a word for the wise.
There is the compliance in wisdom.
“A wise son heareth his father's instruction: but a scorner heareth not rebuke.” The first step in developing wisdom is to obey the instruction of wise people whom God has placed as your spiritual authority. This would include godly parents and your pastor. Spiritual authority is vested with instructing us on how to make the right decisions and avoid the heartaches and losses from bad decisions. A wise son realizes that listening to his father’s instruction can be humbling. However, it is instruction that we will one day be thankful for. A good father loves his children enough that he does not want them making bad choices and getting their lives messed up. He will give instruction that might be firm, rigid, and tough. Many times, it comes in the way of reproof or strong correction for bad behavior. However, learning to obey is a necessary part of getting wisdom.
There is the companionship in wisdom.
“He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.” Sometimes, it is difficult to be a judge of good character in others. However, a wise person establishes borders and guidelines in his life as to who will influence his decision-making. Paul said, "Evil communications corrupt good manners," or character. If you are a companion of fools – an angry person, a scornful individual, a proud and narcissistic boaster, a covetous or lustful person – you do so to your own demise. You destroy your judgment, your reputation, your marriage, and your children. You will see yourself losing your joy, attending church less, and reading your Bible infrequently. On the other hand, a wise man surrounds himself with wise men: men who walk with God, know the mind of God, and seek to glorify the Lord through his decisions.
There is the consolation in wisdom.
“Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded. The law of the wise is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.” Wise men fear and respect the Word of God. David said in reference to the Scriptures, “Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.” God blesses His Word in the lives of those who fear and obey it. The wise man finds the Word of God to be a source of refreshment, revitalization, and restoration. The wise man escapes the improvised explosive devices that Satan has on every roadside. Wise men heed God’s Word and walk on the safe path.
There is the counsel in wisdom.
“Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.” A proud and arrogant man is contentious. He starts controversy and trouble by being argumentative, being disagreeable, and trying to superimpose himself as the authority on every matter. He speaks with ignorance and in foolishness because he sees himself as the object of attention. A wise man is humble and fortified because he is well advised. Being well advised is having confidence in knowing that God’s Word will not fail you.
A word for the wise is that we need to be careful, cautious, selective, and separated when it comes to the intelligence and influence that we base our decisions upon. Heed the instruction from Proverbs 13.
Have a rewarded God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Genesis 48-50