Who is Wise?

For a command is a lamp, teaching is a light,
and corrective discipline is the way to life.

Proverbs 6:23 (CSB)

In our devotion for today, Solomon uses a great example of the wise, little ant to grab our attention. Do you recall this passage from Sunday School?

Go to the ant, you slacker!
Observe its ways and become wise.
Without leader, administrator, or ruler,
it prepares its provisions in summer.
it gathers its food during harvest.

Proverbs 6:6-8 (CSB)

In Proverbs 6, Solomon lists-

• abuse of money
• laziness
• malicious actions
• adultery
• arrogance
• lying
• murder
• wicked plans
• evil intentions
• false testimony
• troublemaking.

Although Solomon stepped away from God for a time, He returned before the end of his life, as evidenced in the book of Ecclesiastes. Be sure to read what he found out about living as a believer who embraces sinful living.

Remember, Solomon asked God for wisdom at the start of his reign as king of Israel, developing a reputation for sound judgment recognized throughout the known world.

The words of a person’s mouth are deep waters,
a flowing river, a fountain of wisdom.

Proverbs 18:4 (CSB)

Before we make judgements about Solomon, or others, let’s take a look at our own lives.

Here are a few selected passages from this chapter of Proverbs. How does your life and mine measure up?

The Description of a Malicious Man

• A worthless person
• a wicked man
• speaks dishonestly
• winks his eyes
• plots evil 
• perversity in his heart
• stirs up trouble.
• calamity will strike him suddenly.
• He will be shattered instantly, beyond recovery

Proverbs 6:12-15 (CSB)

What the Lord Hates

The Lord hates six things.
in fact, seven are detestable to him:
arrogant eyes, a lying tongue,
hands that shed innocent blood,
a heart that plots wicked schemes,
feet eager to run to evil,
a lying witness who gives false testimony,
and one who stirs up trouble among brothers.

Proverbs 6:16-19 (CSB)

For believers today, one commonly overlooked sin is talking about others. It’s not just saying mean things; we often discuss people’s private lives, believing it’s okay since we’re not actively harming anyone. This can include judgment we’re not entitled to make or meanspirited comments we’d never say to their face.

Why not pay attention this week, to how many times you catch yourself about to discuss another person. Are you convicted by the Spirit living in your heart?

Instead of going through with what you were going to say, why not pray for that person. Just say something simple. We don’t know what people are dealing with on a daily basis. You don’t know, really, what they need at the moment. So just say something like,

“Lord Jesus, I lift up _________ (fill in the blank). Let them hear the voice of Your Spirit for their need of salvation, peace, repentance or encouragement today. Father, only You can truly see and know them. You know what they need. In Jesus name.”

Go and share the Gospel in your world this week!

Chapter six is linked below or grab your Bible.

Proverbs 6

Christian Standard Bible (CSB)

The Christian Standard Bible. Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible®, and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers, all rights reserved.