How To Be Wise

What is wise counsel? What does it mean? It’s pretty important. That I know.

…A man of understanding will acquire wise counsel to understand a proverb and a figure, the words of the wise and their riddles (Proverbs 1:5b-6 NASB).

Here’s a riddle. The proverbs are given for wise counsel. The proverbs are wise counsel. And the proverbs are given so that proverbs and figures can be understood.

And again, the proverbs are given so that the proverbs can be understood. And they’re given so the words of the wise and their riddles can be understood.

So, the proverbs give understanding to the riddles, and yet the proverbs are full of riddles. The proverbs and the wise speak in circles. And answer in circles.

That makes it tricky. But one thing’s for sure. I should seek wise counsel so I can understand the proverbs. And I should listen to the riddles of the wise. So where do I seek wise counsel?

There is only one wise God. Jesus said if we know Him, we’ll know the Father (John 14:7). The Holy Spirit is from Jesus — He left His spirit with us (1 John 4:13). The Holy Spirit is our counselor, reminding us of all Jesus spoke (John 14:26). And Jesus spoke in riddles and parables.

Is it any wonder that He still speaks in riddles to me now? The words of the wise are spoken in riddles (Prov. 1:6).

I can run after man or I can run after God. I can seek the wisdom of the world or I can seek the wisdom of God. I can try to figure it all out, or I can let God reveal it to me in His time.

Sunset picture with Proverbs 1 on it.

Here’s the thing. As much as I want to know and understand and explain everything, or find someone who can, the only sure wise counsel is the Holy Spirit. And He speaks in riddles. The whole book of Proverbs is in riddles. And it’s spiritually discerned, by the Holy Spirit.

Sunset picture with Proverbs 1 on it.

Why did Jesus say He spoke in parables and riddles? So that it would be hidden. Hidden from man’s wisdom, only received through the Spirit (Matthew 11:25). Humility, grace, fear of God.

And the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge (Proverbs 1:7).

I accept the riddles. I’d like it all spoken plainly, but it’s not. It never will be.

And I will continually seek wise counsel. There’s nowhere else to go. Jesus has the words of life. (John 6:68)

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