Who has not experienced the irrational behavior of another and wondered what happened?
How long does one have to reflect before recalling the folly observed in another?
What about one’s own irrational or unreasonable behavior?
Each one of us can look backwards and see foolish choices in the past.
But how does one walk forward into wisdom?
Oftentimes, our blindness to our incorrect attitudes or ideas are brought to light by another.
Proverbs 27:17 NKJV — As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.
It is vital that we remain humble and teachable.
Proverbs 14:16 NKJV — A wise man fears and departs from evil, But a fool rages and is self-confident.
What does a wise man fear?
Proverbs 1:5-7NKJV — A wise man will hear and increase learning, And a man of understanding will attain wise counsel, To understand a proverb and an enigma, The words of the wise and their riddles. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction.
God gives us His Word,
2 Timothy 3:16 KJV — All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
the Holy Spirit,
Ephesians 4:30 KJV — And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
and godly people to help us learn wisdom.
Proverbs 27:6 NKJV — Faithful are the wounds of a friend, But the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.
If we are only willing to hear accolades and affirmation we are missing out on the vital correction of God.
Proverbs 3:11 KJV — My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction:
God can correct and instruct each one through both large and small circumstances.
Thus all of life is a glorious opportunity to be polished and honed by God, growing more like Him each day.
After the Resurrection and Ascension of Jesus the disciples were notably changed.
Acts 4:13 NKJV — Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus.
Their past folly was forgotten as these men walked forward into the path of following Christ with clear understanding of Who He is.
They were so different that even those who didn’t like the change noticed.
That’s inspiring!
“A Christian should have a striking resemblance to Jesus Christ. The best biography of Jesus is His life written out in the words and actions of His people. If we were what we profess to be and should be, we would be pictures of Jesus. We would be such striking likenesses of Him, that the world wouldn’t have to examine us for hours just to say, ‘Well you were somewhat of a likeness.’ Instead when seeing us they would exclaim, ‘They’re what Jesus of Nazareth must have been like– truly good and holy people.'” Charles Spurgeon taken from Morning by Morning
Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank You for Your Word and Your guidance. Thank You that I can look to the Bible and find how to be wise and not foolish. Lord, thank You that You have given so much and are ready and waiting to continue to polish my heart and make me more like You. Lord Jesus, that’s what I want. I want to look like You, to see the world through Your perspective and to love as You do. Lord Jesus, I’m a frail, sinful being an often choose folly instead of wisdom. Please help me to make wise choices, to listen, and to be teachable. Lord You alone are the all that I need. Thank You. Amen.
patientlyhopeful 