Wisdom From the ProverbsSample

Proverbs 18

"Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions.'"

(Proverbs 18:2 NIV)

I don't know about you, but I have never seen this verse written on a bathroom mirror or on a fridge. From my experience, it's easy to have and express our opinions on almost anything. With social media being so readily available and accessible, it's easy to hide behind a post or a comment. Yet, within this verse, the writer calls fools those who delight in airing or expressing their own opinions.

Merriam-Webster Dictionary describes a fool as "a person lacking judgment or prudence."

I'm sure that from time to time, we all have experienced someone, and perhaps even ourselves, who wants to show how smart they are and has aired their opinions directly and forcibly. By doing so, they reveal their feelings, which is an expression of their heart. I would suggest that if you don't know about the situation, you don't have a right to have an opinion.

Romans 12:16 NKJV says, "Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion."

What a powerful verse this is! There is something so tangible between walking in humility that speaks louder than expressing our own opinion. Within this verse, there is also a warning: "Do not be wise in your own opinion." When we express our opinions to find our identity, we are on a crash course to destruction.

Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths."

What a difference there is when we choose to do things God's way and learn to trust Him completely and not rely upon our own opinions and understanding. He has promised that when we acknowledge Him, He will direct our paths and bring clarity to every decision that we need to make.

So before expressing an opinion, ask yourself:

1. Are my opinions based on the truth?

2. Are these my own opinions, or are the facts true?

3. Does expressing my opinion help bring clarification?

4. Who is being helped or edified by expressing my opinion?

5. What is the motivation for expressing my opinion?

6. When should I express my opinion?

So often, we are hasty in expressing our thoughts, our views and opinions before stopping and weighing up and applying Godly wisdom to any given situation. As James 1:5 says, '"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.'"

Today, can I encourage you to ask God for His wisdom and then take the time to listen to what He has to say before expressing your opinions.