ChoicesSample

Will you choose wisdom? (Part 1)

The book of Proverbs came from the heart of a father to his son about choices—two opposite paths. One path would lead to goodness and life; the other, to corruption and death. 

The father’s hope was to help his son understand the need “for gaining wisdom and instruction; for understanding words of insight; for receiving instruction in prudent behavior, doing what is right and just and  fair”  and to ”let the discerning get guidance”.  (Proverbs 1:2-5 NIV) 

Today, we read these words and many of them seem old-fashioned and obscure.

Prudence means caution. Cautious? Many of us want to live life on the edge and experience all there is. We sure don’t want to miss out. Yet, the Father’s instructions tell the son that without choosing prudence, he will tumble directly into a trap.  

Discernment means the ability to judge well; to know how to make a right choice. Yet many of us live our lives as it comes, without discernment or even considering the results of our choices. 

We often consciously make wrong choices, naively hoping negative consequences won’t follow, like planting corn and hoping beans will grow. It sounds crazy, but we do it over and over again. 

God is very clear about this: we get what we plant. We reap what we sow.  

Wisdom calls out to us in Proverbs as a protection, a shield, a treasure. Wisdom is there to help us make the hard, right choices that go against our own desires. We are instructed to search for wisdom, allowing it to be our daily guide and direction. 

Following the path of wisdom holds the promise of eternal life, but following the easy choices of a fool ends in death.

When mentoring men, my husband always suggests they read a chapter each day in Proverbs. Will you accept that challenge?

Choose wisdom, or you will be a fool.