Devotion, Nov. 27, A wise Man

A wise man will hear and increase learning, And a man of understanding will attain wise counsel (Proverbs 1:5 NKJV).

Sometimes we think of wisdom as being so wise that we don’t need anyone else. Solomon says otherwise, and he was a very wise man. A truly wise man knows he can benefit from the wisdom of others. He is not ashamed to seek wisdom from others. Godly Christians can be wise counselors. We need to admit that we don’t know it all. There is no shame in saying to another, “I need to see what you think about this matter.” Proverbs 11:4 says, “In a multitude of counselors, there is safety.” This is why Christians gather in the church because we need one another.

With all my college training, you would think that I don’t need counsel from anyone. When I watch “Jeopardy” on TV, I realize how much I don’t know. I especially lack in practical wisdom. I need to learn to seek wisdom from others.

Of course, we also have the Bible as a wise counselor in the spiritual realm. God Himself speaks to us in and through His Word, and from that book, we receive nothing but wisdom. As we practice what we find in Scripture, our wisdom grows. As a seminary-trained pastor, I don’t need help in this area, right?  Wrong! I am continually gaining understanding from other pastors and laity who see things in the Bible that I have missed. We need each other. Those who are truly wise admit their limitations and seek counsel from others.

Gracious Father, I thank you for the many persons over the years from whom I have gained wisdom. Help me to realize that I cannot be a “stand-alone” Christian. I need wisdom and counsel from others. May I never be too ashamed to admit that need. In Jesus name, Amen.