Walk with the wise
I feel like Proverbs 13 is covering some of the same ground as spelt out in the last few chapters, so let’s come at this a bit differently. Let’s gather all that is said about a wise person here and then all that is said about a foolish person. You can use the lists as checklists for your own life if you want!
The wise person…
listens to and learns from his parents (I do not believe this is the same as agreeing with everything they say!)- enjoy helpful conversation
- picks her words carefully
- has something to show for his life
- hates all that is false and fake
- knows how to keep on track
- leads a plain, simple, but full life
- shines like a star
- knows how to listen
- sees diligence as a good thing
- knows when enough is enough
- wants to know more about God’s best way
- speaks words that challenge and inspire and refresh
- is known for her sound thinking and gracious living
- embraces common sense
- is known as a reliable witness
- loves to learn
- has learnt how to listen to his heart
- picks her friends carefully
- has a solid faith
- has a wealth of wisdom to pass on to his grandchildren
- fills her life with good things and finds health and happiness
- takes parenting seriously
How did you do? Here’s what the other side of the coin looks like.
The foolish person…
doesn’t listen to anyone else but does his own thing- pushes and shoves her way through life
- ruins everything with his careless talk
- expects everything to be handed to her on a plate
- speaks a load of rubbish – pretty much all of the time!
- ends up in some pretty rough situations
- loves to show off
- is pretty good at hiding away what he doesn’t want you to see
- thinks she knows it all and needs everyone to know it
- is rather ‘easy come, easy go’.
- keeps doing the same damaging things over and over again
- couldn’t care less what God has to say
- gives toxic advice
- walks a rough road of lies
- is just plain silly
- is an unreliable witness
- won’t learn. Ever.
- is not interested in what goes on on the inside
- hangs around with idiots and then wonders why everything goes wrong
- faces a new drama every single day
- ends up with nothing
- has no idea how to bring up his children
- is never ever satisfied
Realistically, we can all probably see some reflections of ourselves in both lists. I know which list I’d rather tick all the boxes on though…
