I don’t want to be an idiot today. But it comes so naturally for me. In fact, I just got upset at Kathy for something I did wrong. What an idiot I am.
So I decided that I need to idiot-proof my behavior. I opened to the first few paragraphs of the book of Proverbs looking to transform my foolish tendencies. And I can’t even tell you how refreshing these verses were to me this morning. Just a dozen words into it, I had to admit that I don’t seek God’s counsel enough. Too often I depend on my own abilities or my own experiences to address the situations that I face day by day. But today I am struck with how much I need God’s wisdom.
The purpose of the book of Proverbs, verse 2 of chapter 1 says, is to teach people wisdom and discipline, and to help them understand wise sayings. Through these proverbs, people will receive instruction in discipline, good conduct, and doing what is right, just and fair. These proverbs will make the simpleminded, like me, clever.
Kathy and I have some life changing tasks ahead of us today. We must contact the US Consulate, work on Canadian immigration papers, work with our Realtor to sell our house to an interested couple, order plane tickets for a teaching weekend in Calgary… all while raising our three kids well and loving each other with passion. Can I do all of this according to my own experiences and abilities? Perhaps I could coast through it all today… but imagine how God’s wisdom could grant me a treasure of good sense or a shield of protection! Imagine how God’s wisdom could guard my path today.
These proverbs give insight into relationships, parenting, good business practice, and (I love this one)… passionate sex with your spouse! These proverbs also give instruction about navel gazing, selfishness, dealing with deceiving people, and discovering God’s will. It all starts with placing trust in God’s input more than our own.
So here’s the lesson I’m trying to live today… and that I intend to practice the rest of this week: Proverbs 1:7 – Fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. Only fools despise wisdom and discipline. In other words, I need to let go of my own attempt to control outcomes and situations today… and proactively let God direct me. In all of my ways, I must acknowledge him, and he will set my paths straight.