Wisdom: A Study in ProverbsNäide

What does it say?

Listening to and heeding insightful instruction will lead to wisdom and life. Pride, however, breeds quarrels and ensnares the one who rejects wise advice.

What does it mean?

People who reject instruction and advice often think they know enough to navigate life on their own. Today’s passage, however, points out that wise people listen to other wise people. Receiving instruction and correction with a teachable spirit directs a person away from destructive behavior. Doing so requires humility. Pride, on the other hand, keeps people from taking advice or admitting when they are wrong, which tends to breed conflict. The dangers of pride can be largely avoided by acknowledging wise counsel.

How should I respond?

Pride is a deceptive problem in our lives that is difficult to overcome. Too often we’re unaware of it, even though others see it clearly. Ask yourself a few questions: How well do I follow instruction? How do I respond when corrected? Am I open to learning and taking advice? Your answers should act as a barometer to determine if you’re on the path to humility and wisdom or on the path of pride and destructive behavior. Who has given you counsel in your life? Look for people who spend time gaining wisdom from God’s Word. Remember, wise people listen to other wise people.