In the world that God has created, you reap the consequences of your actions and attitudes. Being wise means thinking through those consequences before you act.
Will you listen?
Read Proverbs 1:20
Wisdom is personified here as a woman.
• What is she doing, and where (v 20-21)?
• Who is she speaking to (v 22)?
She is calling both the ignorant and those who should know better but have chosen to do what is wrong.
• What is their reaction to her call (v 24-25)?
Each of us has this choice to make. Wisdom calls to us through the book of Proverbs, the rest of God’s word, and the counsel of wise parents and friends. And we all ultimately must decide whether we will listen to wisdom or listen to
ourselves.
Actions have consequences
Read Proverbs 1:25
• Where does rejecting Wisdom lead:
• in v 26-27?
• in v 32-33?
While not every foolish person is literally killed by their folly, there is a connection between foolish behaviour and pain in life. There’s a repetition of “since” in these verses. A fool’s actions have negative consequences.
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APPLY
• What would be the consequences in your life of the following foolish attitudes or behaviours:
• laziness?
• lust?
• uncontrolled anger?
• gluttony?
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And it didn't need to be like this. If only these people had decided to listen to Wisdom as she spoke, she would have blessed them (v 23).
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TIME OUT… Read Psalms 73:3.
Sometimes the wicked don't meet with pain, but instead they prosper!
Read Psalm 73 v 16-28.
• What is it that the wise person remembers when tempted to envy the wicked?
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APPLY
• What are the ways in which you hear godly wisdom?
• When are you tempted to reject that wisdom and decide you know better?
• Is there an area of your life where you need to listen to a rebuke and choose to fear the LORD?
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This devotional is taken from Explore—a daily Bible-reading devotional from the good book company which enables you to engage with Scripture and which will encourage, equip and inspire you to live for Christ. Explore features contributions from pastors such as Dr Timothy Keller, Mike McKinley and Tim Chester.
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