An Idea Borrowed

Years ago on a radio program someone shared that they read a chapter in Proverbs every day. Since there are 31 chapters and the longest month has 31 days it allows you to read through Proverbs on a regular basis. I use it as the launch pad for my personal worship time and branch out from there. On this blog I will try to share some of the insights I have in the Word. I will try to organize them in the archive by reference.

Thursday, December 15, 2016

Seeking Wise Men

(Proverbs 15:12 KJV)  A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him: neither will he go unto the wise.

How do you know if someone is qualified to give you advice?  The recommendation here is that they be “wise” (2450).  That is easier said than done because we have lost an understanding of what is wise.  There are certain categories that you can rule out. 

Children are not repositories of wisdom in spite of what educators tell you.  They may occasionally say something cute and naive that has truth but they also say things that are cute and total nonsense.  Knowing the difference is where the wisdom comes in. 

Celebrities can be ruled out if you think their fame gives them any claim to speak in public.  Being able to act, sing or perform a popular task only means that you are skilled.  It does not mean that you know what you are reading or singing about. 

Three times in Proverbs we are given the clue.  Each one starts with “The Fear of the Lord is the beginning....”  The best known is,
(Pro 9:10)  The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.
So?  When seeking advice first ask yourself if the person you are asking understands what it is to fear the Lord.  That might not be the end of wisdom but it is the beginning. 

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