When we were in our addiction, we made bad choices and walked down paths that caused us and those around us pain and harm. Along the way we picked up a lot of street “smarts”. On the street we were considered smart when we managed to lie our way out of trouble. It did not matter to us whether we blamed or criticized others as long as we got ourselves “off the hook”. We thought we were smart, or the person who helped us was smart, when we outwitted any person who was trying to hold us accountable for our dishonest actions.
Life with God in recovery requires that we “unlearn” some of these old habits and, with God’s help, learn to think and act in new ways that develop a heart of wisdom.
Wisdom will save you from evil people, from those whose words are twisted. These men turn from the right way to walk down dark paths. They take pleasure in doing wrong, and they enjoy the twisted ways of evil. Their actions are crooked, and their ways are wrong. The naive believe anything, but the prudent give thought to their steps. The wise are careful and avoid evil, but fools become excited and overconfident. Short-tempered people make stupid mistakes, and schemers are hated. (Proverbs 2:12-15 NLT, Proverbs 14:15-17 CEB)
It’s time to give up comparing ourselves with others in order to rationalize our own behaviour. Gossip that makes others seem worse than us may be “street smart” but it does not reflect the character of God that is now in us. Sarcasm or “smart remarks” that retaliate against someone who has injured us only cause more harm and they need to disappear. Lying might get us what we think we want but it won’t really be what we need. It’s time to tell the truth always. 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 and honest 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)
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