Morning Devotion - Prov. 18

Read Proverbs 18

It is not always an easy matter to determine the Lord's will. To put it another way, how can one find and stay on the way of sound judgment? Proverbs 18 provides some important basic guidance on this matter.

1. The way of sound judgment is not necessarily the way of private opinion or desire.
Proverbs 18:1-2 1 Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment. 2 A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion.

2. In contrast to a haughty appreciation for one's own counsel, the way of sound judgment begins with humility, and follows through with the acquisition of knowledge through the consideration of a variety of counselors.
Proverbs 18:12-13 12 Before destruction a man's heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor. 13 If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame.
Proverbs 18:15, 17 15 An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge. 17 The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him.

3. This gaining of knowledge is not detached from the strong bonds of the nearest and best relationships, which are a gift from God.
Proverbs 18:22, 24 22 He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD. 24 A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

4. Ultimately, the closest brother and the only certain and perfect adviser is the Lord who calls us His friends and who has demonstrated His love through His death.
Proverbs 18:10 10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe.
This we cling to though the specifics of sound judgment may for a moment seem difficult to discern.

The Point: The way of wisdom is not the way of arrogance, but the way of humility, where the name of the Lord is rightly considered a strong tower.