How can we be "wise about what is good" in daily life? Setting the Context Romans 16:19: “For the report of your obedience has reached everyone. Therefore, I rejoice over you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil.” Paul applauds the Roman believers’ obedience, then urges them to develop a keen, practical wisdom that consistently chooses and practices what is good while steering clear of evil’s influence. Understanding “Wise About What Is Good” • Wisdom is more than information; it is the Spirit-shaped ability to discern, choose, and act on God’s definition of “good.” • “Good” is whatever aligns with God’s character, commands, and purposes (Micah 6:8; Titus 2:14). • Being “innocent about what is evil” means refusing to experiment with or become skilled in ungodly thinking or behavior (Psalm 1:1). Recognizing the Source of Wisdom • Proverbs 2:6: “For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.” • James 1:5: “Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” • Wisdom begins with humble dependence on God’s revelation in Scripture and prayerful request for insight. Cultivating a Good Mindset • Romans 12:2: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” • Philippians 4:8 lists the mental diet that feeds wisdom—true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, praiseworthy. Practical steps: – Start the day in the Word; let God’s thoughts set the agenda. – Memorize verses; Psalm 119:11 underscores how stored truth safeguards behavior. – Audit entertainment and media; choose content that reinforces, not erodes, righteous thinking. Practicing Wisdom in Relationships • Ephesians 4:29 guides wise speech: build up, give grace. • Colossians 3:12-14 sketches wise character: compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness, love. Daily application: – Speak truth with love, aiming to benefit the listener. – Choose friends who spur you toward Christ (Proverbs 13:20). – Handle conflict with quick repentance and generous forgiveness. Living Wisely in Culture • Matthew 5:13-16 calls believers salt and light—preserving, flavoring, and illuminating their surroundings. • Ephesians 5:15-17: “Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, redeeming the time…understand what the Lord’s will is.” Wisdom in action: – Evaluate opportunities through a gospel lens—ask, “Does this glorify God and bless others?” – Use time purposefully; avoid mindless scrolling and aimless busyness. – Serve visibly and cheerfully so that good works point people to the Father. Guarding Innocence from Evil • 1 Thessalonians 5:22: “Abstain from every form of evil.” • Romans 13:14: “Clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.” Safeguards: – Set clear moral boundaries before temptation arises. – Invite accountability from mature believers. – Replace compromised habits with life-giving ones; e.g., swap gossip for intercessory prayer, crude humor for words of blessing. Daily Habits That Grow Wisdom • Word saturation—read, study, meditate, obey (Colossians 3:16). • Ongoing conversation with God—praise, confession, petition, listening. • Fellowship—regular worship gatherings and close-knit discipleship relationships (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Service—put truth to work through acts of love (Galatians 5:13). • Gratitude—thankfulness tunes the heart to recognize and pursue good (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Encouragement from Scripture • Psalm 19:7: “The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is trustworthy, making wise the simple.” • Galatians 5:22-23: The Spirit produces goodness among other virtues, proving that true wisdom is Spirit-empowered. • Colossians 1:9-10: Paul prays believers “may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding…bearing fruit in every good work.” As these truths take root, “wise about what is good” becomes a daily, joyful reality—one choice, one conversation, one obedient step at a time. |
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