Wise Choices, Lasting Joy

Day Sixty-Two

Wise Choices, Lasting Joy (Read Proverbs 23:12-28)

"Excellence is never an accident. It is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, and intelligent execution; it represents the wise choice of many alternatives - choice, not chance, determines your destiny." ~ Aristotle

Scripture:

¹² Commit yourself to instruction;
    listen carefully to words of knowledge.

¹³ Don't fail to discipline your children.
    The rod of punishment won't kill them.
¹⁴ Physical discipline
    may well save them from death.^[c]

¹⁵ My child,^[d] if your heart is wise,
    my own heart will rejoice!
¹⁶ Everything in me will celebrate
    when you speak what is right.

¹⁷ Don't envy sinners,
    but always continue to fear the Lord.
¹⁸ You will be rewarded for this;
    your hope will not be disappointed.

¹⁹ My child, listen and be wise:
    Keep your heart on the right course.
²⁰ Do not carouse with drunkards
    or feast with gluttons,
²¹ for they are on their way to poverty,
    and too much sleep clothes them in rags.

²² Listen to your father, who gave you life,
    and don't despise your mother when she is old.
²³ Get the truth and never sell it;
    also get wisdom, discipline, and good judgment.
²⁴ The father of godly children has cause for joy.
    What a pleasure to have children who are wise.^[e]
25 So give your father and mother joy!
    May she who gave you birth be happy.

²⁶ O my son, give me your heart.
    May your eyes take delight in following my ways.
²⁷ A prostitute is a dangerous trap;
    a promiscuous woman is as dangerous as falling into a narrow well.
²⁸ She hides and waits like a robber,
    eager to make more men unfaithful.

Footnotes

1. 23:14 Hebrew from Sheol.
2. 23:15 Hebrew My son; also in 23:19.
3. 23:24 Hebrew to have a wise son.

Reflection:

This passage from Proverbs provides much depth and weight centered on wisdom, instruction, and warnings. It calls us to commit ourselves fully to the pursuit of wisdom, discipline, and a Jesus-centered life, not just for our own sake but also for the joy and fulfillment of those who have guided us—our parents, friends, sponsors, mentors, the laws of the land and those who uphold them, healthcare professionals, and, ultimately, God.

The opening verses emphasize the importance of committing to instruction and listening carefully to words of knowledge. This commitment to learning and wisdom is not passive but requires willingness and a heart open to truth and correction. The discipline mentioned here extends beyond the individual and speaks to the responsibility of parents to discipline their children. This discipline, though sometimes difficult, is ultimately a form of love that guides the child away from paths that lead to destruction. Our current culture helps fuel the temptation to fall prey to "political correctness," which can lead to failing to guide God's children effectively.

The passage also warns against the dangers of envy and the attraction of sin. God calls us to keep our hearts on the right course, to fear the Lord, and not to be swayed by the lives of those living apart from God's design for living. Envying those who indulge in worldly vices leads us astray, but trusting God and committing to a Jesus-centered life ensures our hope will not be disappointed.

The practical advice in these verses extends to our daily lives, urging us to avoid the pitfalls of drunkenness, addiction, gluttony, and laziness. These are physical issues symbolic of a lack of discipline and control that can lead to spiritual and material poverty—ultimately widening our separation from God, which is our most significant dilemma.

The passage culminates in a call to honor our parents and live in a way that brings them joy. The wisdom we gain and God's design for living that we pursue is not just for our benefit but also for the joy of those who have nurtured us. Finally, the warning about the dangers of falling into immoral relationships serves as a reminder to guard our hearts and stay true to the path of a Jesus-centered life.

Reflection Questions:

• In what areas does temptation encourage you to stray from wisdom and from following Jesus?
• What steps can you take to strengthen your commitment to instruction and discipline?
• What relationships, such as with your parents or mentors, have helped influence your life in a Jesus-centered way? Please take time to express gratitude and thank each of them for the guidance they have provided.
• How can you bring joy to those who have invested in you?

Prayer:

Lord, help us to commit ourselves to wisdom and instruction, to embrace discipline, and to walk in Your ways. Guard our hearts against envy and the appeal of sin, and help us to live lives that bring joy to those who have guided us. May we honor You in all we do and keep our hearts on the path of following Jesus. In Jesus' name, Amen.

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