I fantasized about many things when growing up as a child. I wanted to have a big house, a lot of money and material things. Looking back now, I realize that those were just mere dreams and desires with no justification of how all I wanted to own would help or impact others. It was just all about me.
As I pondered on what to share, the opening verse struck me:
“Don’t boast about tomorrow for you do not know what a day might bring” – Prov. 27: 1
I began to ask myself- what plans am I making in confidence without the backing of the Holy spirt?
Any plans, desires. e.t.c. without reliance on the Holy spirit may end up not coming to pass as planned because the Bible tells us clearly in 1st Sam2:9b – By strength shall no man prevail. The parable of the rich fool who said to his soul, “eat and be merry” is also a typical example of who verse 1 is referring to.
Let’s go further along in the chapter and talk about friendships.
We should be able to tell our friends salient truths irrespective of whether it will hurt them or not. Verse 6 caught my attention- “ the wounds of a friend are trustworthy”.
This implies that we should have accountable friends who can call our attention in case we are going off track. The latter part of that verse says the kisses of an enemy are excessive. Remember Amnon in the Bible who raped Tamar his sister? His so-called friend was the one who gave him the strategy to carry out that act.
Let’s be wary of people or associations who tend to want to be involved in all aspects of our lives, those who like to force their views and opinions down our throats and those who like to give unsolicited advice and counsel- they are the ones the Bible is referring to here. It is advisable to create boundaries to avoid such people.
One thing that will be of great help in life is to have foresight. This is what is captured in verse 12 – the ability to see ahead and prevent disaster. It says the sensible see danger and take cover. When you see danger- it isn’t a time to start binding and casting- it’s a time to flee and take cover. Don’t try to justify or rationalize some things- it’s better to avoid them altogether.
I take a bow with this insight from verse 17 which says- iron sharpens iron and one man sharpens another. Since we are now wisdom people by reason of this challenge, we cannot afford to take counsel, advice, make decisions by consulting just anyone. It means we are only permitted to do so with people of like mind- (only Gods children) who will reason like we do and proffer only godly counsel.
So when faced with storms of life, who sharpens us? When challenges come in relationships, marriage, in our health, finances e.t.c. – are we being sharpened by fellow “iron” or do we run to blunt instruments to get sharpened?
Let’s go the wisdom route always as wisdom is the principal thing!
