What practical steps can we take to avoid presuming we know God's mind? Hearing Job’s Challenge Job 15:8 asks, “Have you listened in the council of God, or limited wisdom to yourself?” Eliphaz rebukes Job for acting as though he sat in God’s inner circle. The verse reminds us that God’s thoughts are higher than ours and warns against assuming we possess His full counsel. Why Presumption is Dangerous • It overlooks God’s infinite wisdom (Isaiah 55:8-9). • It breeds pride that blinds us to correction (Proverbs 16:18). • It misleads others who look to us for guidance (Matthew 15:14). Practical Steps to Guard Our Hearts 1. Humbly Acknowledge Our Limits • Meditate on Romans 11:33—“Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!” • Regularly confess we do not know everything God knows (Psalm 131:1-2). 2. Immerse Ourselves in the Whole Counsel of Scripture • Read broadly, not just favorite passages (Acts 20:27). • Compare Scripture with Scripture to avoid isolated proof-texts (2 Timothy 2:15). 3. Pray for Illumination, Not Confirmation • Ask, “Open my eyes to see wondrous things from Your law” (Psalm 119:18). • Invite the Spirit to correct preconceived ideas (John 16:13). 4. Seek Godly Counsel • Submit interpretations to mature believers (Proverbs 11:14). • Welcome correction without defensiveness (James 3:17). 5. Hold Secondary Conclusions with Open Hands • Contend earnestly for essentials (Jude 3) while showing grace in disputable matters (Romans 14:1). • Use “I believe” more than “God says” when Scripture allows room for differing views. 6. Practice Obedience Before Speculation • Act on clear commands (Micah 6:8) rather than speculating about hidden things (Deuteronomy 29:29). • Let revealed truth shape life choices first. 7. Cultivate Awe and Worship • Regularly reflect on God’s greatness through creation and redemption (Psalm 145:3). • Worship keeps the heart bowed and the mind alert to His transcendence. Scripture to Anchor the Steps • Proverbs 3:5-7—Trust in the Lord, lean not on your own understanding. • James 1:5—Ask God for wisdom; He gives generously. • 1 Corinthians 8:2—“The one who thinks he knows something does not yet know as he ought to know.” Closing Encouragement Living humbly before God frees us from the burden of having to know everything and points us—and those we influence—toward the One who does. |
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