At the Intersection of Knowledge and Discretion

 

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.