The Rewards of Wise Counsel

Day Sixty

The Rewards of Wise Counsel (Read Proverbs 22:17-29)

Scripture: Proverbs 22:17-29 (NLT)

"Listen to the words of the wise; apply your heart to my instruction. For it is good to keep these sayings in your heart and always ready on your lips. I am teaching you today—yes, you—so you will trust in the Lord. I have written thirty sayings for you, filled with advice and knowledge. In this way, you may know the truth and take an accurate report to those who sent you."

"Don't rob the poor just because you can, or exploit the needy in court. For the Lord is their defender. He will ruin anyone who ruins them."

"Don't befriend angry people or associate with hot-tempered people, or you will learn to be like them and endanger your soul."

"Don't agree to guarantee another person's debt or put up security for someone else. If you can't pay it, even your bed will be snatched from under you."

"Don't cheat your neighbor by moving the ancient boundary markers set up by previous generations."

"Do you see any truly competent workers? They will serve kings rather than working for ordinary people."

Reflection:

"It is safe to tell the pure in heart that they shall see God, for only the pure in heart want to." ~ C. S. Lewis

This passage in Proverbs calls us to a life of wisdom, integrity, and careful discernment. If we don't start our journey applying these spiritual principles, it's challenging to shift, especially in a polarized and corrupt culture. So, how do we change our course in life? It begins with a direct call to listen to wisdom and apply it to our hearts. Wisdom is not just about knowing the right things; it's about living them out daily, letting God's truths guide our actions and decisions. We must not just talk the talk; we must walk the walk. By storing these teachings in our hearts and keeping them ready on our lips, we prepare ourselves to live Jesus-centered lives and offer sound counsel to others.

Verses 22-23 focus on the importance of justice, particularly in how we treat the poor and needy. The temptation to take advantage of those who are vulnerable is a real one, and we are guilty, but God's Word reminds us that He is the defender of the oppressed. Jesus stood with the wounded, excluded, and suffering. When we act unjustly, we harm others and stand against the Lord. True wisdom recognizes the value of every person and seeks to protect and uplift those less fortunate.

The following verses offer practical advice on relationships and financial dealings. We are warned against forming close associations with hot-tempered people, as their influence can lead us astray and harm our souls. Additionally, we must not make financial commitments that we cannot fulfill, as doing so can lead to bankruptcy on every level, including spiritual.

Finally, verse 28 advises us to respect the boundaries and landmarks set by previous generations, symbolizing the importance of honoring tradition and the wisdom of those who came before us. Verse 29 concludes with an encouragement to strive for excellence in our work, noting that actual competence and diligence will be recognized and rewarded. We can always hold our heads high if we apply these three basic spiritual principles: working hard, smart, and honest.

This passage is a comprehensive guide to living a life of wisdom and integrity. It teaches us to guard our hearts, act justly, choose our relationships wisely, handle our finances responsibly, and strive for excellence in all that we do.

"The love of truth has its reward in heaven and even on earth." ~ Friedrich Nietzsche

Reflection Questions

Today, reflect on the practical wisdom in this passage.

• How can you apply these principles to your life—how you treat others, the relationships you cultivate, your financial decisions, or your work?
• What is one area where you can improve and make a conscious effort to live a Jesus-centered way of life with the wisdom God has given you?

Prayer:

Lord, help us listen to Your wisdom and apply it to our lives daily. Guide our hearts to act with integrity, justice, and discernment. May we reflect Your truth in how we treat others, our relationships, and our work. Strengthen us to uphold the values of righteousness and wisdom and help us honor the boundaries and teachings of those who have come before us. In Jesus' name, Amen.

May God bless your hearing, understanding, and application of today’s wisdom.