“A wise son hears his father’s instruction,
but a scoffer does not listen to rebuke…
By insolence comes nothing but strife,
but with those who take advice is wisdom…
Whoever despises the word brings destruction on himself,
but he who reveres the commandment will be rewarded.
The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life,
that one may turn away from the snares of death…
Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise,
but the companion of fools will suffer harm.” Proverbs 13:1,10,13-14,20
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17
“Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.” James 1:22-25
Hearing is good, but heeding is better. It’s one thing to accumulate knowledge, and another to apply it, one thing to seek advice and gather insights, but another altogether to put it into practice. Would we be wise? We would take in what we can digest and let it nourish thought and behavior. Truth gained and stored must be evidenced in decisive deliberate action and interaction.
Accumulating knowledge and experiences is not worthwhile if they’re only gathered on a brag-shelf. What good is a degree, a book read, another presentation or program, good counsel, if we cannot measure what we’ve learned and applied, how we’ve been inspired or changed? What do these gifted opportunities from God mean in and for daily life? What effect does the living, probing, active word of God have on our spiritual development and quality of industry and ministry? How have they informed better leadership, more careful decisions, richer relationships, or influenced life-changing direction? How are they making their way into the work God has prepared for us to do? (Ephesians 2:10; Hebrews 4:12)
Do we choose companions from whom we can learn and with whom we can grow? How willingly do we welcome and participate in iron sharpening iron? Where are we making a difference in God’s people and kingdom by way of wisdom gleaned? To whom are we imparting what years of experience have culled and honed, by speaking truth in humility and love? Where can we pass on the refreshment of the fountain of life? (Proverbs 27:17; Ephesians 4:15-16; 1 Timothy 4:11-16; Titus 2:1-10)
To make the most of all God has entrusted to us takes courage and willful determination. It also honors Him. Doing for the Lord from the bounty we receive from the Lord advances His purposes and glory. (Colossians 3:23-24)
Lord, at the end of each day, may I answer for all You’ve spoken, taught, and given with faithful employment in Your kingdom and grateful praise to You.
As the rain and snow 