How can we avoid being "fools" who "despise wisdom and discipline"? The verse in focus “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.” (Proverbs 1:7) What turns a person into a fool? • Ignoring God’s revealed truth (Psalm 14:1) • Resisting correction (Proverbs 12:1) • Trusting personal opinion above Scripture (Proverbs 28:26) Choosing the fear of the LORD • Reverence first: acknowledge God’s absolute authority (Proverbs 9:10) • Submission next: obey even when feelings disagree (John 14:15) • Delight finally: grow to love His ways (Psalm 112:1) Daily habits that build wisdom • Read Scripture consistently—let its voice shape every decision (Joshua 1:8) • Ask for insight—“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God” (James 1:5) • Surround yourself with the wise—“Walk with the wise and you will become wise” (Proverbs 13:20) • Memorize and meditate—store truth for moments of temptation (Psalm 119:11) Discipline that shapes character • Welcome God’s training—“whom the Lord loves He disciplines” (Hebrews 12:6) • Receive human correction gratefully—parents, pastors, mature friends (Proverbs 15:31) • Practice self-discipline—train body and mind for godliness (1 Corinthians 9:27) • Evaluate progress—regularly compare life to the mirror of Scripture (James 1:23-25) Guarding against the drift toward folly • Check motives—ask whether choices honor Christ (Colossians 3:17) • Watch words—foolish talk reveals a foolish heart (Matthew 12:34-37) • Limit foolish influences—media, friendships, and environments that dull spiritual hunger (Ephesians 5:15-16) • Keep short accounts—confess sin promptly (1 John 1:9) Encouragement to remain teachable Grace makes wisdom possible. Christ “became to us wisdom from God” (1 Corinthians 1:30). Stay near Him, stay in His Word, and the label “fool” will not stick. |
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