How Wise Am I?

While reading through Proverbs I find I can see others in many of the verses. Someone else fits the description of fool, evildoer, gossiper, rebel and unwise. Do I see myself? Our approach to the Word should not be to condemn others in their actions but to examine our own hearts. I know I tire of looking at my heart and seeing all that lurks within. But this is where the rubber meets the road. This is where we learn who we are by the light of the Word that shines into our dark hidden places. As we seek to judge ourselves rather than others we need to know what the standard of a wise person looks like. Warren Wiersbe gives these descriptions of the wise:

Wise people listen to wise instruction, especially the Word of God.
Wise people fear the Lord.
Wise people associate with wise people.
Wise people preserve what they've gained and they use it.
Wise people flee from sin.
Wise people don't take unnecessary chances and experiment to see how close they can get to the precipice without falling off.
Wise people discipline their speech.
Wise people are diligent in their work.
Wise people seek to influence others to trust the Lord.

Recently, my husband shared how he had judged someone for a particular action and how, just a few short days later he did the exact same thing! I know I have been judge and jury for others, too. I have lapses in living wisely. Mr. Wiersbe's observations of a wise person should cause us to pause and examine our own hearts. It is in the light of God's Word that we see how we ALL fall short.

Today may we be doers of the Word and not just hearers so that we may practice wise living.

Blessings,
Kathy

Kathy's on staff at America's KESWICK in the Development Department. Kathy has been married to her husband Dave for 26 years. They have two adult children. Kathy is active in her local church and has previously served as a Teaching Director for Community Bible Study. Her passion is to encourage women to deepen their walk with Jesus Christ by finding and living out the truths of God's Word.

DIGGING DEEPER
James 5:16
Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.