My last post was to mention my sermon for this past Sunday was on the Wise vs the Otherwise (Foolish). I thought I would pass along to you the contrast I showed between the two.
The Wise
- Wise people listen to wise instruction. Pr.1:3
- Wise people fear the Lord. Pr.1:7; 3:7
- Wise people choose good company. 13:20; 12:26
- Wise people are not “edgy.” (They don’t see how close to sin they can get without giving in).
- Wise people watch their words. 16:23; 10:19
- Wise people seek to influence others to trust God. 11:30 “The seeds of good deeds become a tree of life; a wise person wins friends.” (NLT)
The Otherwise (Foolish)
- Fools won’t learn from God’s Word.
- Fools can’t control their speech. 15:2
- Fools can’t control their temper. 12:16; 29:11
- Fools are proud and self-confident. 28:26; Jer.17:9
- Fools create problems not solve them.
The choice is easy is theory. In theory. But in reality? A bit harder. But worth it.
When I read through the two lists, my first thought was how some days I am better at living in wisdom than others. Many days, I’m mixed between the two. On bad days, well, I look rather foolish. Overall, my approach to living and learning wisdom is “progress over perfection.”
This is a great check list by which to judge how we are doing in our Christian walk. Thanks, Bill!
That nails it down quite well, but as you point out, it’s easy in theory. A constant struggle against this fallen flesh.