My family is studying through the first nine chapters of Proverbs, and we are basically and simply listing the qualities of the wise, specifically men, as Scripture describes. These nine chapters lay the solid groundwork comparing wisdom and foolishness. Along the way, ask yourself this question. If the Bible says to pursue wisdom, and we regularly partake in activities or behave in ways that are not wise, is that sin? In short, is it sin to not be wise? So often, I think of wisdom as a gradual process of making the best decisions with complex situations, getting it "right" finally. Proverbs seems to make the case that complexity is not the issue, but rather obedience. So with that, here is the first chapter. Is there any of this we simply cannot do, if we'd only try?
A Wise Man...
...will hear and increase in learning
...will acquire wise counsel
...will not hate/despise wisdom and instruction
...will not consent to sinners' enticement
...will not walk in sinners' ways
...will not ambush his own life
...will repent
...will change direction based on reproof
...will pay attention
...will not neglect wise counsel (se above, assumption that wise counsel was sought)
...will love knowledge
...will CHOOSE the fear of the Lord (CAPS mine)
...will not be wayward
...will not be complacent
...will listen
Holding Fast to the Name of Our Creator
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