We’ve discussed this before but there seems to be a lack of common sense and wisdom. Common sense isn’t so common anymore.
I used to read a chapter a day in Proverbs but the older I get I find that I need to break it down in smaller segments than that so I can really try to absorb what Solomon is saying. And after all these years, I am still finding new truths that I overlooked or didn’t see in the past.
I guess that’s wisdom!
“Good people think before they answer, but the wicked speak evil without ever thinking. 29 The Lord never even hears the prayers of the wicked, but he answers the prayers of all who obey him. 30 A friendly smile makes you happy, and good news makes you feel strong. 31 Healthy correction is good, and if you accept it, you will be wise. 32 You hurt only yourself by rejecting instruction, but it makes good sense to accept it. 33 Showing respect to the Lord will make you wise, and being humble will bring honor to you.” Proverbs 15:28-33 CEV
1) It’s important that we give thought to the words we speak. Jesus said that life and death are in the power of the tongue. Words can have a mighty impact and so we should choose them well. A wise person will do that.
” Your words show what is in your hearts. 35 Good people bring good things out of their hearts, but evil people bring evil things out of their hearts. ” Matthew 12:34b-35 CEV
2) Take time to smile and bring good news. I make a conscious effort to keep a smile on my face. It improves my own outlook. A smile shared is a smile multiplied. (If you smile at someone they generally smile back and that’s multiplication).
“Be friendly with everyone. Don’t be proud and feel that you know more than others. Make friends with ordinary people.” Romans 12:16 CEV
3) Accept correction and good advice. It’s beneficial! We can learn from others. We don’t have all the answers or know everything about anything so accepting advice and correction is a step toward wisdom.
“My child, you must follow and treasure my teachings and my instructions…4 Search for wisdom as you would search for silver or hidden treasure…6 All wisdom comes from the Lord, and so do common sense and understanding. 7 God gives helpful advice to everyone who obeys him and protects those who live as they should.” Proverbs 2:1-7 CEV
4) Giving the Lord his rightful place, a place of reverence, is wise. When we give the Father and His Word first place we are truly wise.
“ But more than anything else, put God’s work first and do what he wants. Then the other things will be yours as well.” Matthew 6:33 CEV
So, smile today and be willing to accept instruction or correction and keep the Lord first…you’ll have a near perfect day!