“I remember once hearing Whipple, of Minnesota, so well known as “The Apostle of the Indians,” utter these beautiful words: “For thirty years I have tried to see the face of Christ in those with whom I differed.” When this spirit actuates us we shall be preserved at once from a narrow bigotry and an easy-going tolerance, from passionate vindictiveness and everything that would mar or injure our testimony for Him who came not to destroy men’s lives, but to save them” (William Henry Griffith Thomas). Get others’ input to adapt your processes before seeking the Lord so you can walk wisely.
Input + Adapt + Seek God = Walk Wisely
Trust Others’ Input
Do not boast about tomorrow for you do not know what a day brings. Let others praise you instead of yourself. A fool’s irritation is heavier and more burdensome than stone and sand. Jealousy is harder to deal with than anger. Open rebuke and wounds from a friend are better than hidden love. He who is full hates honey and even bitter tastes sweet to the hungry (Prov. 27:1-7). Trust others’ input of praise and rebuke instead of your own emotions.
Receive Good Counsel
A man straying from his home is like a bird straying from its nest. Perfume and incense brings joy to the heart like the pleasantness of a friend’s earnest counsel. Better going to a neighbor nearby when disaster strikes than a friend far away. A wise son who brings joy to your heart enables you to answer those causing contempt. The prudent take refuge in danger but the simple continue on and suffer. Cover potential losses from untrustworthy people by demanding money up front. A curse comes with a loud blessing early in the morning. Restraining the constant dripping of a quarrelsome wife is like grasping oil (Prov. 27:8-16). Receive good counsel to protect you from danger and bring joy to your heart.
Get Accountability From Others
Iron sharpens iron like one man sharpening another. Looking after your master reaps honor like eating fruit when tending a fig tree. A man’s heart reflects man like water reflects a face. Man’s eyes are never satisfied like death and destruction. Man is tested by the praise he receives like the crucible for silver and furnace for gold. You will not remove folly from a fool even if you grind him like grain (Prov. 27:17-22). Get accountability from others to refine your character.
Adapt Your Processes
Know the condition of your flocks and pay attention to your herds for riches are temporary and a crown is not secure for all generations. New growth appears and grass is gathered after the hay is removed. Lambs provide clothing and goats bring the price of a field along with plenty of milk to feed you and your family (Prov. 27:23-27). Adapt your processes and resources in the home, church or business to meet the needs of those you serve.
Seek the Lord
The wicked flee when no one is pursuing but the righteous are bold as a lion. A rebellious country has many rulers but a man of understanding and knowledge maintains order. A ruler oppressing the poor is like a driving rain destroying crops. Forsake the law and praise the wicked but obey the law and resist them. Those seeking the Lord understand justice but evil men do not. The poor who walk blamelessly are better than the rich with perverse ways. A discerning son keeps the law but companion of gluttons disgraces his father. Charging high interest to increase wealth gathers it for those showing kindness to the poor (Prov. 28:1-8). Seek the Lord to maintain order, resist the wicked and understand justice.
Fear the Lord
Not listening to the law makes your prayers detestable. The upright going along an evil path falls into his own trap but the blameless receive a good inheritance. A poor and discerning man sees through the rich man wise in his own eyes. Great joy when the righteous triumph but men go into hiding when the wicked rise to power. He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them finds mercy. Blessed are those who fear the Lord always but people with a hardened heart fall into trouble (Prov. 28:9-14). Fear the Lord as you listen to the law, confess and forsake sin and receive the blessing of answered prayer.
Walk Blamelessly
A tyrannical ruler ruling over a helpless people lacks judgment like a charging bear. He who hates ill-gotten gains enjoys a long life. A man tormented by the guilt of murder is a fugitive without support until death. Walk blamelessly and be kept safe. Those with perverse ways fall suddenly. Chasing fantasies leads to poverty but those working the land harvest abundant food. A faithful man is richly blessed but the stingy eager to get rich will be punished with poverty. Showing partiality is not good but a man does wrong for a piece of bread (Prov. 28:15-22). Walk blamelessly and faithfully to be kept safe, blessed and harvest abundant food.
Walk Wisely
Rebuking a man gains more favor in the end than flattery. Denying wrong when robbing your parents partners with him who destroys. Greediness stirs up dissension but those trusting in the Lord will prosper. Trusting in self is foolish but one is kept safe walking in wisdom. He who gives to the poor lacks nothing but closing his eyes to them receives many curses. The righteous thrive when the wicked perish but people go into hiding when the wicked rise to power (Prov. 28:23-28). Walk wisely by rebuking men, trusting God and giving to the poor.
Input + Adapt + Seek God = Walk Wisely
1. Input:
a. Trust others’ input
b. Receive good counsel
c. Get accountability from others
2. Adapt Your Processes and Resources
3. Seek & Fear God
4. Walk Blamelessly & Wisely
For an issue in your home, church, work or community, go through the above process and see what God does.
