Look smart, keep quiet

DAILY BIBLE READING:

2 Kings 13:1–14:29 
Acts 18:23–19:12 
Psalm 146:1-10 
Proverbs 18:2-3

BIBLE VERSE(S) FOR TODAY:

Proverbs 18:2 "A fool does not delight in understanding, but only wants to show off his opinions."

REFLECTIONS ON TODAY'S BIBLE VERSE(S):

In our Verse for Today, we find ourselves considering a type of person that is labeled a fool. They get that label because they talk too much.

When we look at Proverbs 18:2, we realize that the fool has a limited well of knowledge. Yet, they want to show off their limited knowledge so they talk ... and talk ... and talk.

Further, Proverbs 18:2 says that they "(do) not delight in understanding." This points to the fact that when they are talking, they aren't learning. 

It's only as we listen that we can learn. But, since the fool is intent on spouting off what he or she knows, they limit their ability to gain more knowledge.

So, today, don't be a fool. 

Listen. 

Truly listen. 

Listen so that you can learn. 

Listen so that you can hear what people are really saying. 

Listen so that you can hear what the author of a book is saying. 

Listen to God's Word so that you can hear what He is saying.

And as you listen, you will learn. 

And as you learn, you will be able to gain more knowledge out of which you can bless others. But, even then, try to listen much more than you speak.

Let me leave you with a verse from God's Word and then a quote from an American author:

James 1:19 (CSB) "My dear brothers and sisters, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak..."

Samuel Clemens (a.k.a Mark Twain): "Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak and to remove all doubt."

Why we MUST deal with personal sin

DAILY BIBLE READING:

Judges 8:18–9:21 
Luke 23:44–24:12 
Psalm 99:1-9 
Proverbs 14:9-10

BIBLE VERSE(S) FOR TODAY:

Proverbs 14:9 (CSB) "Fools mock at making reparation, but there is goodwill among the upright."

REFLECTIONS ON TODAY'S BIBLE VERSE(S):

It is doubtful that any of us can go for any significant amount of time without sinning. I'm not trying to be negative. I'm just acknowledging the fact that we are utterly dependent upon the Cross each moment of our life.

Whether it is a sinful action, or a sinful thought, or even a sinful motivation, all of us struggle to live in constant conformity to God's standard.

So, while we must rely upon prayer, meditating upon God's Word, resting in the power of the Holy Spirit, and a few other things to give us victory over sin, what do we do once we have sinned?

Our Verse for the Day tells us that the person who fails to acknowledge the offense of their sin and refuses to make amends with God is a fool.

Proverbs 14:9 (CSB) "Fools mock at making reparation, but there is goodwill among the upright."

Why is he a fool? Because the one who DOES make amends for his sin by acknowledging it to God and turning from it (repentance) will receive God's favor. They will experience the cleansing power of forgiveness. They will enjoy renewed fellowship with their God. They will avoid the consequences of sin. On and on we could go.

So, when you and I sin today, will we be a fool? The answer to that question is determined by whether or not we remain indifferent to the sin or whether we seek to make it right with God and others. 

People are contagious

DAILY BIBLE READING:

Joshua 24:1-33 
Luke 21:1-28 
Psalm 89:38-52 
Proverbs 13:20-23 

BIBLE VERSE(S) FOR TODAY:

Proverbs 13:20 (CSB) "The one who walks with the wise will become wise, but a companion of fools will suffer harm."

REFLECTIONS ON TODAY'S BIBLE VERSE(S):

People are contagious. We tend to give people what we've got and we get what those around us have.

... and I'm not even talking about sickness. I'm talking about attitude. I'm talking about perspective. I'm talking about discipline, motivation, and so many other things.

If we spend a significant amount of time around someone who has stinkin' thinkin', we risk developing that kind of thinking. However, if we get around people who are full of hope and optimism, that mindset will tend to rub off on us.

This principle applies with just about any attribute someone has. Stay around them long enough and it will start to rub off on you. And your attributes will rub off on them.

It's no surprise that Solomon recognized this principle almost 3,000 years ago. 

If we spend significant amounts of time with people who are saturated with wisdom, we will begin to develop a depth to our own knowledge and it's application. 

On the other hand, if we hang around fools, we'll start becoming like them ... and experience the consequences.

Proverbs 13:20 (CSB) "The one who walks with the wise will become wise, but a companion of fools will suffer harm."

So, who are you hanging around? As you look at the people you spend most of your time with, would you say that they are what you want to become like? If not, pray about being the positive, Christ-like influencer in those relationships but look for other relationships with people that have traits that you want to develop.

The blessings of listening

TODAY'S BIBLE READING:

Leviticus 11:1-12:8 

Mark 5:21-43

Psalm 38:1-22

Proverbs 10:8-9

BIBLE VERSE(S) FOR TODAY:

Proverbs 10:8 "The wise are glad to be instructed, but babbling fools fall flat on their faces."

REFLECTIONS ON TODAY'S BIBLE VERSE(S):

The core sin that each of us struggle with is pride. It would seem that all of our other sins stem from that one - we sit on the throne of our own heart and do as we please.

Well, the writer of Proverbs tells us in today's verse of the day that the wise person is not proud. He doesn't think that he has it all together. He doesn't mind it when someone points out some area of his life that needs attention. In fact, it makes him glad to receive that correction. 

Why?

Because he knows that he is a better person for it. Someone has informed him of an area of his life that needs attention and he takes that information and makes the necessary adjustments.

A proud person doesn't listen, though. They don't like it when someone points out an area of concern in their life. They are too busy talking ("babbling"). They are not humble enough to acknowledge that there are plenty of things they can learn from other people. Instead, they may grow angry at someone for pointing out a flaw in their armor.

What is the result?

Proverbs 10:8 "The wise are glad to be instructed, but babbling fools fall flat on their faces."

Since someone who is proud is too busy talking so that they don't receive helpful instruction from others, they will "fall flat on their faces." They may experience the negative consequences of their actions that could have been avoided if they had only listened to others.

So, are you someone that is glad when other's instruct you or are you too busy talking to listen to other's helpful counsel? The Lord would have us realize that we are blessed when we step off the throne of our hearts and humbly receive what others say.

How correction reveals whether we are wise or fools

Do you like it when someone corrects you? No? Neither do I.

It's painful. It's humbling (sometimes humiliating).

My pride is typically responsible for my negative response. I want to think that I measure up to other folks' standards. I don't want to think that there is any reason at all for others to look down on me. I have my sinful self-pride, after all.

But, let's admit it. None of us is perfect. All of us struggle with sin, bad habits, and simple oversights.

Let's also admit that we all have blind spots. There are plenty of things in our life that are messed up ... and we don't even know it. If others don't tell us, we'll continue to look foolish or may rob God of an opportunity to glorify Him.

So, like it or not, we need others to periodically correct us.

One more thing: the Bible tells us who is worthy of correction. No, it's not based on who needs it. It's based upon who will receive it.

The Bible tells us that some people shouldn't get corrected because they are beyond help and won't listen no matter how compassionate and humble the correction. They'll get angry. They'll cut off relationships and never speak again to the one who corrected them. They may even seek retaliation.

Proverbs 9:7-8 (New Living Translation)

"Anyone who rebukes a mocker will get an insult in return. Anyone who corrects the wicked will get hurt. So don’t bother correcting mockers; they will only hate you. But correct the wise, and they will love you."

God doesn't tip-toe around the truth here. It's as clear as crystal. We are either wise or wicked mockers based upon how we receive correction.

So, which one is it? And what adjustments might we need to make based upon God's correction?