Right relationships

Focus: Finding wisdom

Proverbs 13:20 (NKJV) He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.

Companionship with fools probably helped contribute to your problem if you are in recovery from dependency. Those who are recovering from depression, are sometimes prone to listen to the wrong voices, also. Proverbs 13:20 suggests a solution. It says to ‘walk’ with wise people, if you want to be wise. But where do you find someone who is wise, if you don’t know anyone who seems to fit that description?

If you own a Bible, you could search the books of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes for wisdom. Both books were written by ‘King Solomon’, who is known as the wisest man who ever lived. Solomon had a wealth of practical principles and cared enough to write them down so others could benefit. For centuries, wise people all over the world have found answers to their questions and recommendations on how to live in right ways in the pages of these books of the Bible.

Proverbs and Ecclesiastes aren’t the only books of the Bible that contain wisdom. The whole Bible is filled with wisdom, but it’s clear that you won’t find it unless you look for it. Wisdom is not something that just ‘comes to you’. You find it by associating with wise people, reading wise words, filling your mind with wise thoughts, and learning from your past experience.

Proverbs 1:7 (NKJV) The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Proverbs 3:7 (NKJV) Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and depart from evil.

Proverbs 4:6-7 (NIV) Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. The beginning of wisdom is this: get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.

Proverbs 10:13 (NKJV) Wisdom is found on the lips of him who has understanding, but a rod is for the back of him who is devoid of understanding.

NOW, YOU CAN LISTEN AND/OR READ!

 

Proverbs 12:18 (NIV) The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

Proverbs 13:1 (NKJV) A wise son heeds his father’s instruction, But a scoffer does not listen to rebuke.

Proverbs 13:10 (TLB) Pride leads to arguments; be humble, take advice, and become wise.

Proverbs 14:8 (NIV) The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways, but the folly of fools is deception.

Proverbs 15:31 (NIV) Whoever heeds life-giving correction will be at home among the wise.

Proverbs 16:16 (NKJV) How much better to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.

Proverbs 20:1 (NET) Wine is a mocker, strong drink is a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.

Proverbs 24:14 (NKJV) …Wisdom is sweet to your soul; if you find it, you will have a future, and your hope will not be cut off.

Ecclestiastes 2:13 (NLT) …Wisdom is better than foolishness, just as light is better than darkness.

Ecclestiastes 2:26a (NIV) To the person who pleases Him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness, but to the sinner He gives the task of gathering and storing up wealth to hand it over to the one who pleases God.

Ecclesiastes 7:12 (NKJV) For wisdom is a defense as money is a defense, but the excellence of knowledge is that wisdom gives life to those who have it.

Ecclesiastes 8:1 (NIV) A person’s wisdom brightens their face and changes its hard appearance.

Ecclesiastes 10:2b (NIV) The heart of the wise inclines to the right, but the heart of the fool to the left.

Declaration: I will find new strength by finding wisdom and wise companions.