Knowing the right thing to do is
one thing, but doing it is something else.
Anyone who has kids already knows this (“How many times have I told you
to…?!) Our versus below struck me in
that it illustrates two contributing factors to wisdom – the right information
and the right action.
Proverbs 8:12 – I, Wisdom, dwell together with
Prudence. I possess Knowledge and
Discretion
Things to think about:
· In the
Information Age we do not struggle for enough data, facts, and
information. What we sorely lack
sometimes is Wisdom – the ability to act upon the truths we know.
· I got to
thinking about four possible combinations:
o
Right Information or Wrong Information
o
Right Action or Wrong Action
o
For example,
§ Wrong
Information with Right Action could be religious works. The person did something “good” but for
faulty reasons (God will accept me)
§ Wrong information
with Wrong Action at best is ignorance (Oh, I didn’t know) and at worst just might
be plain foolishness (I don’t know and I don’t care)
§ Right
Information with Wrong Action could be denial or active sin (I know this isn’t
right but I’m going to do it anyway…OR rationalizing – This isn’t wrong for me
in this circumstance because…)
§ Right
Information with Right Action is Wisdom
· Sometimes we
act without thinking
o Could be a
rash or emotional decision
o This is not
showing discretion or prudence
o Could reflect
a lack of counselors or people to hold us accountable
· In James
1:22-25 we are told, “Do not merely listen to the word, and
so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but
does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and,
after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But
whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and
continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they
will be blessed in what they do.”
o
What do you make of the analogy of looking at a mirror and then
forgetting what you look like?
· What do you
think are the biggest stumbling blocks for not acting on the information we
have?
o
What insights have you gained that helps you to combat this in
your own life?
·
The promises of wisdom are plentiful and wonderful
o Proverbs 3:16 - Wisdom will save you also
from the adulterous woman, from the wayward woman with her seductive words
o Proverbs 1:33
- whoever listens to me will live in safety
and be at ease, without fear of harm
o Proverbs 2:9 - Then you will
understand what is right and just and fair—every good path
o Proverbs 3:2 - will prolong your life
many years and bring you peace and prosperity
·
May
God, through His Holy Spirit, gives us both the Knowledge and the Discretion to
live lives that build His Kingdom and bring Him honor and glory.
Dear Brother. I am loving your devotionals, but I would like to know a little more about who you are. Could you please tell me what church or denomination you are associated with. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for your note! You can email me at bob.goodwin513@gmail.com
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