How can we apply "acts with knowledge" in daily decision-making? The verse in focus “Every prudent man acts with knowledge, but a fool displays his folly.” (Proverbs 13:16) What “acts with knowledge” means • Acting: deliberate choices, not impulsive reactions • With knowledge: informed by God’s revealed truth, sound facts, and holy wisdom • Prudent: careful, foresighted, morally aware Why knowledge must guide every decision • God is the source of true knowledge (Proverbs 2:6) • Decisions shape character and testimony (Ephesians 5:15-17) • Lack of knowledge destroys (Hosea 4:6) Daily practices that enable knowledge-based decisions 1. Immerse in Scripture – Read a portion each morning; note principles that govern choices – Memorize key verses for quick recall (Psalm 119:11) 2. Seek the Author of knowledge – Pray specifically for insight before meetings, purchases, conversations (James 1:5) 3. Gather accurate facts – Verify information instead of assuming – Consult experienced believers; “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed” (Proverbs 15:22) 4. Slow the pace – Build a habit of pausing before replying, signing, or clicking “buy” – “He who is hasty with his feet misses the way” (Proverbs 19:2) 5. Filter options through biblical standards – Ask: Does this glorify Christ? (Colossians 3:17) – Does it align with moral absolutes? (Exodus 20) – Will it stumble another believer? (Romans 14:13) 6. Evaluate consequences – Picture the outcome five years ahead – Weigh spiritual impact above convenience or profit (Mark 8:36) 7. Record lessons learned – Keep a decision journal: choice, scriptures consulted, result – Review regularly to grow discernment (Hebrews 5:14) Guardrails that protect from folly • Avoid echo chambers; welcome correction (Proverbs 9:8-9) • Limit inputs that dull discernment—sensational media, gossip (Philippians 4:8) • Resist peer pressure; “Do not follow the crowd in wrongdoing” (Exodus 23:2) Encouraging results of acting with knowledge • Increased love that “abounds more and more in knowledge and all discernment” (Philippians 1:9-10) • A life that shines as wise and steady in unstable times (Matthew 7:24-25) • Confidence at the judgment seat of Christ, having built with gold, silver, precious stones (1 Corinthians 3:12-14) |
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