How can Joshua 9:7 inspire us to seek wisdom in our daily lives? Setting the Scene Joshua 9 recounts a real moment in Israel’s early days in Canaan. Foreigners pretending to be distant travelers sought a covenant of peace; Joshua 9:7 records Israel’s immediate, cautious response: “But the men of Israel said to the Hivites, ‘Perhaps you dwell among us; how can we make a covenant with you?’” Their hesitation models the kind of God-honoring discernment we need today. Lessons in Discernment •Healthy suspicion: Israel does not rush; they recognize appearances can deceive (cf. Proverbs 18:17). •Willingness to verify: They test the claim instead of accepting it at face value (cf. 1 Thessalonians 5:21). •Seriousness about covenant: They understand that agreements have spiritual weight (cf. Ecclesiastes 5:4-5). Practical Wisdom for Daily Decisions Joshua 9:7 encourages us to pause and seek God’s guidance before we: •Sign contracts or enter partnerships. •Commit to relationships or major purchases. •Adopt new beliefs or practices. A moment of hesitation can spare us years of regret. Cultivating Godly Discernment 1.Start with Scripture — Hide God’s Word in your heart (Psalm 119:11). 2.Pray for wisdom — “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God” (James 1:5). 3.Counsel with mature believers — “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed” (Proverbs 15:22). 4.Evaluate motives — “All a man’s ways seem right to him, but the LORD weighs the heart” (Proverbs 21:2). 5.Wait when unsure — “Trust in the LORD with all your heart… and He will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6). Encouragement for Today Like Israel standing before unfamiliar faces, you will face situations that look harmless yet carry hidden danger. Let Joshua 9:7 remind you to slow down, weigh the facts, and seek the Lord’s counsel. When you honor Him with careful obedience, He guards your steps and grants the wisdom you need for every decision. |
    |