“The way of the [arrogant] fool [who rejects God’s wisdom] is right in his own eyes, But a wise and prudent man is he who listens to counsel.”

Proverbs 12:15 AMP

Today we are again reminded of the folly of man’s wisdom! The Scripture uses the word fool to describe the man who seeks his own understanding. The Hebrew word here pertains to “a person without understanding not using his capacity for understanding.” Literally a simpleton. It also implies that that choice not to deploy understanding is due to stubbornness! God has given to each of us a capacity to understand His truth and respect it. It is when a man choses to walk in his own way that things go awry.  The Scripture is clear,

“There is a way which seems right to a man and appears straight before him, But its end is the way of death.”

Proverbs 14:12 AMP

Man sees his own ways as right as he seeks to justify the sin in his life. Rebellion isn’t anything new. The problem is that Satan has convinced us that we know best, and that God is trying to hide something! The Apostle Paul mentions this in his letter to the church at Rome.

“For even though [d]they knew God [as the Creator], they did not [e]honor Him as God or give thanks [for His wondrous creation]. On the contrary, they became worthless in their thinking [godless, with pointless reasonings, and silly speculations], and their foolish heart was darkened. 22Claiming to be wise, they became fools, 23and exchanged the glory and majesty and excellence of the immortal God for [f]an image [worthless idols] in the shape of mortal man and birds and four-footed animals and reptiles.” 

Romans 1:21-22 AMP

Do you see it? They knew better but refused to respond! The result of that action is a warning to each of us,

“Therefore God gave them over in the lusts of their own hearts to [sexual] impurity, so that their bodies would be dishonored among them [abandoning them to the degrading power of sin],”

Romans 1:24 AMP

The whole reason Christ died was so that we would no longer be under the weight and control of sin. The righteous man however seeks out, listens to, and respond appropriately to way of the Lord. The word used to describe this man is wise. It is the Hebrew word meaning to “have the skill of a craftsman; to have capacity for understanding and discernment.” Paul encouraged Timothy, a young man entering ministry,

“Study and do your best to present yourself to God approved, a workman [tested by trial] who has no reason to be ashamed, accurately handling and skillfully teaching the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15 AMP

The word workman mean surgeon! You wouldn’t want an unskilled surgeon to take a scalpel to you! You want the best in his field to perform your operation! Every believer is called to handle God’s word in the same manner; rightly dividing the word of truth! Kittle puts it best in his Theological Dictionary of the New Testament,

“one who has a fear of the Lord and a capacity for understanding that leads to a blessed, prosperous life^”

Let me encourage you today to seek council from God’s Word. His ways are not our ways so we must rest in the fact that He loves us and knows what is best for us! Have a blessed day, Pastor Ken