Become Wise and Discerning

Scripture:
—let a wise person listen and increase learning,
and let a discerning person obtain guidance—
Proverbs 1:5

Observation: Proverbs opens with six verses that explain its origins and purpose. These are thoughts from Solomon, and they exist "for" ... learning and understanding, teaching and receiving instruction, and understanding all kinds of mysteries. However, in the midst of these "for" items that define the purpose, verse 5 interrupts with a "who". It is a wise person who will actually learn; It is a discerning person who will allow themselves to be guided.

Application: I can read God's word every day, but until I submit to him I can learn nothing, and my ways cannot change. Sure, I may become smarter, but I truly cannot take God's instruction into my heart and have it become active in a manner that drives my behaviors.

So ... am I wise and discerning? No, or at least, not enough so. I know that the beginning of wisdom is fear of the Lord, and I do fear him. I have full understanding that the Lord is everything in the world, with all power and authority and knowledge and wisdom. However, I fail to trust him in everything. Even though I know he can do everything, I try to act on my own, applying my own thoughts and decisions.

Again I say that my goal this year is to further trust in the Lord in my everyday walk, and this clearly begins by discerning his will. With that discernment, I must then be wise and trust it. Both wisdom and discernment will come from the word of the Lord, when I submit to it.

Prayer: Lord, beyond asking you to guide me this day, may I also submit to you. I wish to not just walk with you, but to do so with my eyes closed, never caring about the path, for I know you are guiding me. Amen.