Wisdom Comes From God
BRD REFLECTION 2025
Proverbs 14, 15 and Psalm 111 (NIV)
(Shen Simin Nicole, from Small Group Ministry)
READ:
I will focus on Proverbs 14:8 “The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways, but the folly of fools is deception” but many other verses are also relevant to this reflection.
OBSERVE:
Just prior to doing my reading, I had been having conversations with an ex-colleague that caused me frustration. While the person did seem to have an interest in what I had to say through questions about my experiences, his responses invariably turned towards his own concerns, seeking validation for his views. It made me uncomfortable at times that I was not being treated as a sounding board, but more expected to agree with what he thought. He either changed the topic whenever I brought up differing opinions about how he was handling some things or would repeatedly explain his views. It felt like our conversations were going nowhere and edified neither of us.
However, as I started to read Proverbs 14, I was struck by how God was reminding me to be wise. I realised that I was responding to my ex-colleague rather foolishly – using the wisdom of the world rather than Godly wisdom. I started to think about how I might have been foolishly led by my negative feelings to respond. I needed to exercise prudence and carefully think about how to speak in a loving and Godly way.
Many of the verses in Proverbs 14 and 15 echoed the folly of being simple, foolish, quick-tempered or unrighteous, which I knew I was becoming or had become with every response I made. I felt God gently telling me that I should not be so sure I was being wise in this situation – I was putting my own pride and certainty in the “correctness” of my judgement before His wisdom: “Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the Lord, and humility comes before honor.” Proverbs 15:33 (NIV)
APPLY:
The verses in Proverbs have reminded me that foolishness leads to destruction. If I am not doing or speaking with God’s wisdom, I may be headed down a dangerous path.
DO:
I should lean more on God to prayerfully navigate these conversations. I should seek Him in uncertain interactions with others that involve negative feelings, and put God at the centre of what I do, to be righteous and loving.
PRAY:
Father, thank You for this timely warning and a reminder that it is all too easy to behave foolishly. I meet many different people in my life, and sometimes it is wise to also turn to You in considering our interactions, especially when negative feelings cloud judgement. I pray that You keep my feet always on the right path, and teach me how to let Your light shine in my words.
