We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise. (2 Corinthians 10:12 NIV)
Street smart thinking is still in evidence when we compare ourselves to others and decide we’re not so bad because others are doing worse things than we are. We gossip and feel important because we know something others don’t know. We feel pretty good when we make a smart remark back at someone who has hurt us. We use degrading words which embarrass or victimize a person and/or an ethnic group. Any of these practices are evidence that we’ve left wisdom behind and settled for “street smart” behaviour.
The Bible tells us:
An honest witness tells the truth; a false witness tells lies. Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing. Truthful words stand the test of time, but lies are soon exposed. (Proverbs 12:17-19 NLT)
God’s plan is that we replace our fallen ways of being “street smart” with kind ways that are guided by His wisdom.
Respect and obey the Lord! This is the first step to wisdom and good sense. (Psalm 111:10 CEV)
Wise people seek advice from others who walk with God and whose desire is to see God’s kingdom expressed in every aspect of daily living. Allowing ourselves to stray into areas forbidden by God’s word is a certain path to relapse.
Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble. (Proverbs 13:20 NLT) We don’t need advice from people who sound like us and speak things we want to hear. Often people who are living chaotic lives will encourage others to join them in whatever wickedness they are attaching themselves to. Somehow it makes them feel better about themselves when they can encourage someone else into the same lifestyle. We need to listen to people who are not afraid to contradict our dysfunctional thinking and tell us the truth which may be difficult to hear, but necessary for experiencing a new way of life.
Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night. (Psalm 1:1-2 NLT)
Let’s all be wise and not compare ourselves with others. Rather, let’s compare our lives with the life of the Son of God who loved us and gave Himself that we might live life to the full.
©2014 Partners in Hope
More information on this and other related topics @ www.partnersinhope.ca/resources
Audio for August 20, 2014 Are We Wise?
Recent Meditations
Giving Hope
Partners in Hope is supported wholly by our friends and community. We are thankful to everyone who partners with us to help bring hope to the discouraged, hurting, and hopeless.