In what ways can we apply Proverbs 3:35 to our decision-making process? The Verse at a Glance “The wise will inherit honor, but fools are held up to shame.” (Proverbs 3:35) Honor and Shame: God’s Clear Outcomes • In God’s economy, wisdom is always rewarded with honor. • Folly inevitably exposes a person to shame—both before people and before the Lord (Proverbs 13:18). • Every decision therefore carries a built-in trajectory: honor or disgrace. Practical Lens for Everyday Choices When a fork in the road appears, place Proverbs 3:35 over the decision like a transparency: • Will this choice showcase godly wisdom? • Could it drag the name of Christ—or my own—into shame? • Does it position me to “inherit” lasting respect, or to reap regret later? Let that simple test sift options quickly. Four Filters for Wise Decisions 1. Scripture’s Light – “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105) – A wise decision never contradicts the clear teaching of Scripture. 2. Prayer for Insight – “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously… and it will be given to him.” (James 1:5) – Bring the matter before God; He delights to guide. 3. Counsel of the God-fearing – “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” (Proverbs 15:22) – Seek input from mature believers whose lives already bear the fruit of wisdom. 4. Long-Range Consequences – “The prudent see danger and take cover, but the simple keep going and suffer the consequences.” (Proverbs 22:3) – Ask, “Where will this lead in five, ten, thirty years? Will honor or shame be the likely harvest?” Guardrails Against Folly • Reject impulsiveness—pause long enough for prayer and Scripture search. • Beware the crowd—majority opinion often flatters folly (Exodus 23:2). • Silence pride—“When pride comes, disgrace follows, but with humility comes wisdom.” (Proverbs 11:2) • Filter media and influences that normalize sin and ridicule godliness. Cultivating a Heart That Attracts Honor • Daily reverence for the Lord (Proverbs 9:10). • Regular intake of God’s Word (Joshua 1:8). • Quick obedience to revealed truth (John 14:21). • Humble teachability—willingness to be corrected (Proverbs 12:1). • Consistent confession and repentance to keep the conscience clear (1 John 1:9). Walking It Out Today • Begin the day committing your choices to God. • Run decisions—big or small—through the four filters. • Choose the path that best aligns with Scripture and invites honor. • Trust that God will fulfill His promise: wisdom today, honor tomorrow. |
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