These things are Not Wise
Prov.13:20 is one of the ways the Bible teaches us to be wise. There are many more passages that tell us how to be wise. Sometimes it is easier to get straight to the point. So these things are not wise. Maybe we should start with what not to do.
Prov. 3:7 “Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil.”
- “wise in thine own eyes” is PRIDE
- “fear the Lord” is wisdom, Prov.9:10
- 51:17, a broken spirit, and contrite (bruised or worn) heart should be our position, he “wilt not despise”
- Parents do this when they don’t raise their children by the Bible. A good parent would not even consider not putting their infant in a car seat, the law of the land, yet God’s laws aren’t good enough.
- Young people date, lust, etc. even though the Bible says different, they are wise in their own eyes.
Prov. 20:1 “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise”
- Drugs and alcohol can deceive you! It only takes one time for some folks to make a fatal mistake, not wise.
- 1 Cor.10:23, Not edifying, bad testimony
- 1 Cor. 6:12, you can be brought under the power of it, it controls you!
Romans 12:16 “Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but
condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.”
- “same mind one toward another”, consistent testimony
- Not high minded, because of education, social or economic status
- 26:12, more hope in a fool, educated are the perfect example
- 28:11 a rich man, Prov.18:11, his wealth
- “condescend” Good – submit or yield to an inferior, Bad – talking down to others
- “wise in your own conceits” what you have conceived or imagined in your mind.
2 Cor. 10:12 “For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some
that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and
comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.”
- For Good, I could never be like…, Placing yourself below others.
- For Bad, placing yourself above others.
- 4:16, we each have our own lane.
- John 21:15-22, Jesus told Peter, “what is that to thee?”
Luke 10:21 Jesus rejoiced because it was revealed to babes and not the wise and prudent. Maybe we ought to try to come to the Lord with less of our wisdom and more of a childlike need.