Proverbs 1:4 "Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance."
Read Proverbs 1:1-7
What it Says: This proverb covers the need for wisdom and discipline and the warnings against not seeking it. In order to have a good life you need to do what is right and what is fair- discretion is gained through wisdom. Wisdom gives the simple-minded people a purpose and the youth will benefit from wisdom by learning to be more discerning. No matter who you are, there is more to learn, and all knowledge begins by having reverence for the Lord.
What I Think: The moment that we think we have nothing to learn is the moment that we learn tough lessons. We get to the point to where we are complacent in our day to day routines and even in our belief structure with God. Every now and then we need to shake things up. This is done by learning new things and keeping our minds and hearts open to God. We need to have the self-discipline to gain the insight to guide us into doing what is right.
Proverbs 1:31 "They will eat the fruit of their ways and be filled with the fruit of their schemes."
Proverbs 1:20-33
What it Says: Those that are wise try to speak out to all the mockers who are not. ‘Why are you unwise people happy in your ignorance?’ If people seek wisdom it is there to be found. Since there was not a desire to gain wisdom, it will not allow you in and it will now mock you! Even when you face disaster and the world is crumbling around you. The fools will call in these times but God will not answer. You chose to not fear the Lord and not accept advice. Now your complacency will destroy you. However, if you hear these words and listen to them you can be at ease.
What I Think: There are lessons to be learned everyday. When another person makes a mistake, a lesson is learned. It is up to us to learn from their mistakes or to make them on our own. Henry Ford said, “Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently.” We don’t always have to be the one that fails to gain wisdom. We often see others fail and yet still make the exact same mistakes! Why do we do this? Why don’t we listen to the advice of others? Most of us become complacent and close-minded. If it is not what we think it is or what we originally learned it to be then it is not true. We need to trust in the Lord to guide us and learn from those that God places in our paths. Listen to their advice and learn from their follies and then go to God for guidance.
Joe Lawrence is the founder of InspireTomorrow.com, a Christian website dedicated to self-improvement. He is also a published author and professional speaker. Visit: www.inspiretomorrow.com
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