People demonstrate biblical wisdom by the quality of their advice and lives. We can't trust their advice if God’s purposes don’t drive them, if they aren’t stable, if they aren’t just, and if their tongues do untold damage.
Wisdom in Proverbs--Part Seven describes four characteristics of wise people. They are purpose-driven, they are stable, they are just, and they control their tongues.
They Are Purpose-Driven
Wise people find real life (Proverbs 11:19). By grace through faith, they are connected to Jesus and His plan for their lives (Ephesians 2:8–9, John 10:10). They don’t look for real life anywhere else.
They live a full meaningful life. They love God and others (Matthew 22:37–39). They use their time, gifts, and resources to glorify God, not themselves. They bear fruit (Proverbs 12:12). It lasts (John 15:16). They carry out the good works God has planned for them (Ephesians 2:10). They follow Jesus (Acts 9:23). They influence others to know, follow, and become more like Him (Matthew 28:18–20).
Jesus did everything God planned for Him. “For I have come down from heaven to do the will of God who sent me, not to do my own will” (John 6:38 NLT). When people whose top priority is seeking God’s kingdom and righteousness advise us, we can trust they have our best interests at heart when we weigh their suggestions.
They Are Stable
Wise people live stable lives (Proverbs 12:3). Their up-and-down emotions don’t govern their behavior. They don’t throw childish tantrums when life doesn’t go their way. They stay calm when they are insulted (Proverbs 12:16). They don’t seek revenge. They control their anger rather than the reverse (Proverbs 14:29).
Jesus demonstrated such stability on the cross. He threw no tantrums, stayed calm when He was insulted, controlled His anger, and didn’t seek revenge. “Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.’” (Luke 23:34 NLT).
Wise, knowledgeable leaders bring stability to those they lead whether families, corporations, cities, states, nations, or churches (Proverbs 28:2, 29:4). Foolish, unstable leaders leave chaos in their wake.
They Are Just
Wise people please the LORD by doing what is right and just more than by sacrifices (Proverbs 21:3). Being just means doing good and loving God and others.
How they love in their daily lives is far more important than their compartmentalized religious acts. Religious devotion doesn’t counterbalance or make up for self-centered living.
Even their plans are just. They organize their lives to do good to and love others (Proverbs 12:5).
They imitate God’s justice. God is fair and just (Romans 3:26). So is Jesus Christ. “…This faith was given to you because of the justice and fairness of Jesus Christ, our God and Savior” (2 Peter 1:1 NLT).
Because they follow the LORD, they completely understand what is good and loving, whereas evil people don’t (Proverbs 28:5). They experience joy when justice prevails (Proverbs 21:15).
They care about the rights of the poor (Proverbs 29:7). They speak up for the crushed, poor, and those who can’t speak for themselves (Proverbs 31:8–9). They rescue those who are unjustly sentenced to die (Proverbs 24:11).
They Control Their Tongues
Wise people control their tongues (Proverbs 13:3). They don’t unthinkingly launch words that kindle others’ anger (Proverbs 14:3) or start quarrels (Proverbs 17:14, 19, 27:15, 30:33).
They are uncomplaining (Proverbs 21:19). They calm and deflect anger with a gentle answer (Proverbs 15:1, 29:8). They use few words and are even-tempered (Proverbs 17:27). Through patience and soft speech, they are persuasive and powerful (Proverbs 25:15).
Jesus perfectly controlled His tongue. He said, “I don’t speak on my own authority. The Father who sent me has commanded me what to say and how to say it” (John 12:49 NLT).
So, wise people are purpose-driven, they are stable, they are just, and they control their tongues. #freechristiandiscipleshipresources #freeevangelismresources #freechristianleadershipresources
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