How can we "instruct the wise" in our daily interactions with others? Key verse “Proverbs 9:9: ‘Instruct a wise man, and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man, and he will increase his learning.’” Who Scripture Calls “wise” • Those who fear the LORD (Proverbs 1:7) • Those who love His commands (Psalm 119:97–100) • Those who walk in righteousness (Proverbs 10:9) Why instruction matters • God designs wisdom to grow, not remain static • Shared truth multiplies blessing within the body of Christ (Colossians 3:16) • Mutual sharpening displays God’s character to a watching world (Proverbs 27:17) Heart posture for instructing the wise • Humility that remembers all wisdom originates with God (James 1:5) • Love that seeks the other person’s growth, not self-promotion (1 Corinthians 8:1) • Teachability even while teaching, ready to receive fresh insight yourself (Philippians 2:3–4) Practical ways to instruct the wise in daily interactions • Speak Scripture naturally in conversation, letting God’s words carry the authority (2 Timothy 3:16) • Share personal testimony of how a verse has corrected or encouraged you today • Highlight connections between a current situation and biblical principles rather than offering bare opinion • Affirm the wisdom already evident in the other person before adding further light • Offer concise, thoughtful observations instead of lengthy lectures • Ask for their perspective on a passage and build on the truth they voice, creating a collaborative exchange • Recommend faithful resources—sound commentaries, sermons, hymns—that expand understanding • Model obedience; lived truth is the most persuasive lesson (1 Timothy 4:12) Guardrails to keep instruction fruitful • Avoid quarrelsome tones; gentleness makes knowledge acceptable (Proverbs 15:1–2) • Refuse flattery; genuine commendation upholds integrity (Proverbs 28:23) • Steer clear of speculative teaching; anchor every point in clear biblical text (1 Timothy 1:4) • Pray privately for the Spirit to seal the truth in both hearts (Ephesians 6:18) Outcomes Scripture promises • The wise become wiser, creating a ripple effect of godliness (Proverbs 9:9) • Fellowship deepens as shared truth knits hearts together (Acts 2:42) • God receives glory when His people grow in discernment and love (Philippians 1:9–11) Living it out today • Begin each morning by filling your own heart with the Word so you have overflow to share • Enter conversations ready to listen first, then weave in biblical insight • Celebrate when a fellow believer shows growth, acknowledging the Spirit’s work • End each day thanking God for moments where truth passed from one image-bearer to another, trusting Him to keep the increase |
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