In what ways can we seek God's wisdom rather than relying on our own? Opening the Text “Have you listened in on the council of God, or do you limit wisdom to yourself?” – Job 15:8 What the Verse Highlights • Eliphaz challenges Job with two possibilities: – “Listening in on the council of God” – tapping into divine wisdom. – “Limiting wisdom to yourself” – trusting human insight alone. • The contrast pushes us to decide where we’ll look for direction. Why God’s Wisdom Matters • Proverbs 2:6 – “For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.” • Isaiah 55:8-9 – His thoughts soar above ours. • 1 Corinthians 2:12-13 – The Spirit enables us to grasp what God freely gives. • Proverbs 3:5-7 – Leaning on our own understanding short-circuits His straight paths. Practical Ways to “Listen in on the Council of God” • Immerse in Scripture – Psalm 119:105 – His Word lights the path. – 2 Timothy 3:16 – Inspired words correct and train us. • Ask Boldly in Prayer – James 1:5 – He “gives generously to all without finding fault.” – Set aside moments of stillness; wisdom often comes in a quiet heart. • Welcome the Spirit’s Guidance – Galatians 5:16 – Walk by the Spirit, resist flesh-driven conclusions. – Stay sensitive to promptings that align with Scripture. • Seek Godly Counsel – Proverbs 11:14 – “With many counselors there is deliverance.” – Mentors grounded in the Word help test and confirm what you’re hearing. • Obey What You Already Know – John 7:17 implies obedience clarifies truth. – Wisdom grows as we act on the light we’ve received. Guardrails Against Self-Reliance • Regularly confess the limits of your own understanding. • Compare every idea with Scripture; God never contradicts Himself. • Keep an eternal perspective—decisions judged by heaven’s values look different from those driven by quick comfort. Walking It Out Today • Start each decision-making process with an open Bible and an open heart. • Pray, “Lord, what do You say?” before asking, “What do I think?” • Invite trusted believers to speak into the situation. • Watch for peace that accompanies obedience, even when the path is challenging. Listening in on God’s council isn’t mystical; it’s intentional. The more we practice these rhythms, the less we’ll limit wisdom to ourselves and the more our lives will reflect the mind and heart of the One who knows the end from the beginning. |
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