wisdom and godly decision making

Wisdom and knowledge, there are few things the God’s written word (the Bible) encourages us to pursue more. On the other hand God warns against all foolishness and ignorance. Thus, if we want to consistently make good and godly choices the acquisition of wisdom and knowledge is indispensible, as is the avoidance of foolishness and ignorance.The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do His commandments; His praise endures forever. Psalm 111:10 (NASB)Acquiring wisdom and knowledge takes more than prayer. A quick cry for wisdom, for discernment, for knowledge and understanding, in the midst of a life of foolishness, of a life that lacks discipline, and is missing any consistent practice of spiritual habits will rarely produce the kind of insight that is needed. Wisdom, knowledge, discernment, and insight have to be learned, pursued, applied and practiced in a consistent and ongoing manner, so much so that they become habitual. Foolishness, shortsightedness, impulsiveness, ignorance, lack of discipline, and bad habits don’t just magically disappear simply because we pray. They have to be avoided, abandoned, replaced, so much so that they will become distasteful, un-natural, foreign to us. But don’t just take my word for it.Teach me good discernment and knowledge, For I believe in Your commandments. Psalm 119:66 (NASB)The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel:To know wisdom and instruction, To discern the sayings of understanding,To receive instruction in wise behavior, Righteousness, justice and equity;To give prudence to the naive, To the youth knowledge and discretion,A wise man will hear and increase in learning, And a man of understanding will acquire wise counsel,To understand a proverb and a figure, The words of the wise and their riddles.The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; Fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:1-7 (NASB)My child, listen to what I say, and treasure my commands.Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding.Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding.Search for them as you would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures.Then you will understand what it means to fear the LORD, and you will gain knowledge of God.For the LORD grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding.He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest. He is a shield to those who walk with integrity.He guards the paths of the just and protects those who are faithful to him.Then you will understand what is right, just, and fair, and you will find the right way to go.For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will fill you with joy.Wise choices will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe. Proverbs 2:1-11 (NLT)There is no future, no blessing in dumb decisions and ungodly choices. Decide today to become a lifelong learner, a pursuer of wisdom. Reading the “Proverbs” (a chapter a day) and the epistle (letter) of “James” over and over is a great place to start. Surrounding yourself with wise and godly people is another essential practice, as is staying away from all foolishness and ignorance. But start today, not tomorrow. Fools always start tomorrow, wise men and women pursue and practice wisdom today.To God be all glory, love you, Pastor Hans