Proverbs: A Strong Man Is WiseНамуна

Wise Men Can See the Future

In today’s passage, Solomon gives his son wisdom about sexual sin. But these words can apply to many areas of life.

Solomon suggests that wise men can actually see the future. They can see what is forbidden before it traps them. They can see seduction before they are seduced. They can see inconsistencies before integrity is lost. And they can learn from the bad decisions of others before they make their own bad decisions.

While this is encouraging, Solomon is assuming a few things about his son. First, he assumes that his son knows right from wrong. Second, he assumes that his son is willing to take time to discern right from wrong. Third, he assumes that his son is ready to choose right over wrong.

Because we are all imperfect, however, Solomon presents his son with an intriguing discipleship process in four simple steps:

1. Do you see the consequences of this decision?

2. Do you see the seduction of this decision?

3. Do you see the inconsistencies in this decision?

4. Do you see what happened to others who made this decision?

This is precisely why we need wise men in our lives: they see things we don’t. They have questions—and answers to questions—we haven’t even thought about.

So today, if you need good advice on the next big decision in your life or if you are about to make a decision that you really want to make—stop. Take these four questions to a godly man and talk it out.

Don’t be seduced by what you want or what others want for you. Do what God wants you to do. Act right and be righteous by doing the hard work to get wisdom.

ASK THIS: What decisions are in front of you right now? Or what decision do you want to make that you’re not sure you should make?

DO THIS: Talk it out with a wise and godly man. Together, process the four questions Solomon suggests to his son in this passage.

PRAY THIS: God, stop me from making decisions that honor my will. Let me make decisions that honor your will.