Are You Wise?

August 16, 2011
Tthe word wise is mentioned in the book of Proverbs a lot. That is when you say how many times? I counted, 67 times give or take a few. That is a lot, that is on average more than 2 times per chapter that the word wise is mentioned in proverbs. Can you see the main theme? Out of those 60 some odd mentions of wise people I want to focus on 10 things that some of these verses show us. Each of these verses will paint a picture for us about what a wise person looks like and what a wise person will look like if they walk in wisdom.

1. Make good decisions - Proverbs 1:1-5

   • A person who is wise obtains wise counsel, what they hear they will apply.

2. Live a long life - Proverbs 9:11

   • A person, who makes wise decisions, will have a longer life.

3. Be attractive to others - Proverbs 11:30

   • Not physically attractive, but others will want to be around a wise person
4. Will prosper - Proverbs 14:24

   • A person who makes wise decisions will do so with money as well

5. Will be persuasive - Proverbs 16:23

   • With wisdom comes the ability to lead others in the right direction, to persuade them to follow the right path

6. Will be prepared for the future - Proverbs 19:20, 21:20

   • If you listen to wise people and make wise decisions, then you will know how to understand and use what God gives today and in the future

7. Will be sought after by those of power and influence - Proverbs 14:35

   • The best way to make a change in this world is to be wise

8. Will ultimately rise to a position of power - Proverbs 17:2

   • A wise person will be placed in a position to change things because their decisions will be made with wisdom

9. Will be kept safe from harm - Proverbs 28:26

   • If you make wise choices you will be kept out of trouble

10. Will be a good counselor for others - Proverbs 27:9

   • If you make wise choices your friends will ask for your help and you will be able to give good advice.

Making wise choices in your life today will reap you benefits now and in the future. We need to understand that walking wisely is important. If we choose not to make wise choices we are by default choosing to make unwise choices. We need to see that as Christians this isn’t just about our life or others lives here on earth. As Christians, our choices will affect others eternal destinations. If we do not make wise choices we will hurt our witness, and that can possibly push some away from Christ all together.