How can we discern between wise and foolish workers in our lives? The picture painted by Proverbs 26:10 “Like an archer who wounds at random is he who hires a fool or passerby.” (Proverbs 26:10) • An archer shooting without aim scatters harm in every direction. • Bringing a foolish worker into any project has the same effect—injury lands where you never intended, resources are lost, and bystanders suffer. Why careless hiring hurts • Damage spreads: poor decisions, sloppy work, and wasted time ripple through the whole team. • Reputation erodes: “The companion of fools will suffer harm” (Proverbs 13:20). Association with folly stains the name of those who employ it. • Mission stalls: “A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish son brings grief” (Proverbs 10:1). Momentum dies under foolish hands. Traits that reveal a foolish worker • Unreliable speech – “Like clouds and wind without rain is one who boasts of gifts never given” (Proverbs 25:14). • Chronic laziness – “The slacker buries his hand in the dish; it wearies him to bring it back to his mouth” (Proverbs 26:15). • Disregard for instruction – “A fool rejects his father’s discipline, but whoever heeds correction is prudent” (Proverbs 15:5). • Quick temper and drama – “A fool’s anger is known at once” (Proverbs 12:16). • Moral looseness – “Like a muddied spring or a polluted well are the righteous who give way to the wicked” (Proverbs 25:26). Marks of a wise worker • Skill and diligence – “Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will stand before kings” (Proverbs 22:29). • Faithful stewardship of time – “He who gathers in summer is a wise son” (Proverbs 10:5). • Teachable spirit – “Give instruction to a wise man and he will be still wiser” (Proverbs 9:9). • Humble integrity – “Better a poor man who walks with integrity than a fool whose lips are perverse” (Proverbs 19:1). • God-centered motivation – “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord” (Colossians 3:23). Practical steps for discernment • Watch patterns, not isolated moments. Consistency reveals character. • Test with small responsibilities first; faithfulness in little points to faithfulness in much (Luke 16:10). • Seek references from those who have worked closely with the person—“The one who states his case first seems right, until another comes and examines him” (Proverbs 18:17). • Measure speech against action. “By their fruit you will recognize them” (Matthew 7:20). • Pray for wisdom, trusting the promise: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God…and it will be given” (James 1:5). Final encouragement Selecting wise workers protects the mission God entrusts to you, blesses those you lead, and honors the Lord who calls for excellence. Walk in discernment, and the arrows of your labor will fly straight and true. |
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