Two-minute read.
Listening to wisdom, the difference between life and favor, and harm and danger according to the Expositor’s Bible Commentary. From those two choices, I can easily decide which one I prefer; however, I often find myself in the wrong category.
For instance, “Read the fine print” refers to carefully reading an agreement before you sign it. We have all heard this piece of advice at one point or another, but how often do you follow it? When a website asks you to accept cookies, do you take the time to read about them, or do you click ‘accept’? The same applies to privacy agreements and a myriad of other “Click Here” boxes that we must navigate through before reaching our internet destination.
Watching “The Paper,” a spinoff from “The Office,” the first episode made me have an unexpected epiphany. One of the characters describes how their online newspaper gets more information from the readers than they report in their articles. As soon as someone clicks “Accept Cookies,” they get information on their browsing history, etc. All because we don’t listen to the wisdom of four words, “Read the fine print.”
“Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it?”
Luke 14:38
Biblical wisdom advises us to count the cost before embarking on a project. In other words, read the fine print before you agree to something so that you will know the commitment involved. How many times have you regretted not getting all the facts before moving forward on a project or idea? We’ve all done it. Listening to wisdom helps us slow down and make better choices.
Live in God’s favor by listening to His instructions. Following the Lord’s commandments helps us avoid trouble and stay on the right path.
Journal Question:
When have you ignored wise advice?
How can you listen better to wisdom?
In what ways has listening helped you live in God’s favor and blessing?
Prayer:
Thank You, Lord, for giving us wisdom in Your word and through Your people to help us avoid pitfalls and experience Your blessings. Please help us listen more and apply Your teaching to our lives, keeping us out of trouble and in Your favor.
IJNIP. Amen
