LEARN WISDOM FROM GOD

Proverbs 26:1-28

Saturday, 26 April 2025

Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him. -Proverbs 26:12

One of the great needs in Christians today is to have the kind of godly wisdom and character, which the Book of Proverbs commends and helps us develop. Proverbs brings out several contrasts— the wise and fools, the righteous and wicked, the industrious and lazy, etc. The wise in their own eyes is headed for trouble as the key verse reveals. 

It is people who are proud and self-conceited that are wise in their own eyes. The writer of Proverbs says a fool is better off than such people. The problem with “Mr. Know-it-all” is that he can’t see beyond himself and his viewpoint! Such people are unteachable and unwilling to correct themselves as they think they are always right! How terrible!

It is good for man to recognize that God is the true source of sound wisdom; with Him lies counsel and understanding of a far different kind than what the world provides. Job 12:12-13 says: “With God are wisdom and might; he has counsel and understanding.”  It is always best to seek Him and the wisdom He gives, as He is All-Knowing and infinite- beyond the comprehension of man’s senses!

Man in his finiteness and limited understanding cannot unravel many of the mysteries surrounding him nor can he make sense of life in all its complexity. This is why he needs His Creator and commit his life to be directed in His wisdom to be connected with Christ who is the Wisdom of God (1Cor.1:24).  Proverbs emphasizes over and again “the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom…” But if one refuses to acknowledge God and chooses his own way, he is treading a dangerous path. Prov.29:1 warns of the obstinate who constantly refuse to listen to reproof and correction- their life will be beyond recovery.

There are also those who take pride in their status in life, education, prosperity and feel they can run their lives with their wisdom. The Bible warns us about worldly wisdom and its effects but points us to godly wisdom in James 3:15-17 “This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, and demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.”  

We face multiple situations in life that lead us to many crossroads of choice. This is the point where we are to stop and search for His voice. Jeremiah 6:16: ‘This is what the Lord says: “Stop at the crossroads and look around.  Ask for the ancient paths, and walk in it. Travel its path, and you will find rest for your souls.”’  The outcome of our choices made within the boundaries of godly wisdom produces peace.

Now look at the clear warning about heeding one’s own counsel. Proverbs 3:7: “Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.”  Prov. 12:15 “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice. We need to be open to receive counsel from the Lord and consider advice from godly men and women which is a mark of humility as it admits that we are unsure and also need help when in the wrong.

Finally, what is the goal of our lives?- To live and finish well. Looking back on our lives, we should be able to say we have had many good years in the Lord. Looking ahead let us pray “So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.”(Psalm 90:12). God is always willing to give wisdom to those who ask Him for it (James 1:5). But for one to be a recipient of His guidance is to have a right heart attitude—humility. 

Think on it: By humility and the fear of the LORD

Are riches and honor and life.  (Proverbs 22:4)