What steps can we take to avoid being "lacking judgment"? Key Verse “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!” she says to him who lacks judgment. (Proverbs 9:4) What Does “Lacks Judgment” Mean? • A heart that has not yet learned to discern between wisdom and folly (Proverbs 1:4). • A mind that follows impulse more readily than instruction (Proverbs 7:7). • A life easily swayed by the loudest or most attractive voice (Ephesians 4:14). Why Guarding Against It Matters • Judgment shapes every decision and therefore every destiny (Proverbs 4:26). • Discernment protects from deception (Matthew 24:4–5). • Sound judgment pleases the Lord and blesses those around us (Philippians 1:9–10). Steps to Avoid Being “Lacking Judgment” 1. Draw Near to Wisdom’s Table – “Come, eat my bread and drink the wine I have mixed.” (Proverbs 9:5) – Daily Bible reading feeds the mind with truth (Psalm 119:130). – Regular fellowship with mature believers sharpens understanding (Proverbs 13:20). 2. Leave Folly Behind – “Leave your folly behind, and you will live.” (Proverbs 9:6) – Identify recurring temptations and cut them off (Matthew 5:29–30). – Replace foolish entertainment or influences with edifying ones (Psalm 101:3). 3. Walk in the Way of Understanding – “Walk in the way of understanding.” (Proverbs 9:6) – Practice what you learn; obedience trains discernment (Hebrews 5:14). – Evaluate choices by Scripture, not culture (Isaiah 8:20). 4. Ask God for Wisdom – “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God… and it will be given.” (James 1:5) – Pray specifically for clarity before decisions (Proverbs 3:5–6). – Expect God to answer; act in faith, not doubt (James 1:6–7). 5. Weigh Everything Carefully – “Examine all things. Hold fast to what is good.” (1 Thessalonians 5:21) – Compare every teaching, trend, or opportunity to the whole counsel of Scripture (Acts 17:11). – Consider long-term consequences, not just immediate gain (Proverbs 14:15). 6. Guard Your Heart – “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” (Proverbs 4:23) – Monitor thought life; reject what is false or impure (Philippians 4:8). – Cultivate reverence for the LORD, the foundation of all knowledge (Proverbs 1:7). Living It Out Today • Start the morning with a chapter of Proverbs; note one actionable insight. • Replace one foolish habit this week with a godly discipline. • Before committing to plans, pause and filter them through God’s Word. • Stay accountable—share decisions with a trusted, mature believer. Following these steps, we heed Wisdom’s call, grow in discernment, and walk securely in the path God has laid out. |
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