UNPACK this…For College Basketball FansPrøve

The Wise Bracket Many of us still haven’t filled out our NCAA Tournament brackets yet, and time is ticking by. As I look back on previous seasons, I realize I've tried picking upsets and teams I like rather than teams that are notably better. Since college basketball overlaps with the NFL season, I don’t watch very many games before March. If I make choices based on my limited knowledge of less recognized teams, or rely solely on insight from the games I’ve watched, I’ll be guessing who will win most of the matchups. The games are unpredictable, and unbelievable things happen, but there are still many wise analysts who have a much better grasp of each team, the players, and the stats. Analysts like ESPN’s Jay Bilas won’t predict every game right, but he at least makes decisions and offers advice based on a much deeper understanding of college basketball. When it comes to our own volatile and crazy lives, we face decisions every day and should want to make wise choices rooted in our faith. The Bible tells us, “Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment.” God also allows people to bring us valuable insight, wisdom, and experience. The Bible says, “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.” It also states: “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” Today, in the same way we listen to the knowledge Jay Bilas shares regarding college basketball, let’s also be aware of opportunities to receive Biblical wisdom from trustworthy people. Let’s be wise about our careers, marriage, parenting, and, most importantly, our pursuit in following Jesus. If we stop foolishly filling out our “brackets in life” based on our own limited understanding, we can take full advantage of the wisdom of others. I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that! PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I acknowledge that wisdom apart from You is foolish, so thank You for allowing me to pursue wisdom that flows from Your Word. Please help me receive wisdom from reliable counselors, mentors, and advisers who You’ve placed in my life, instead of trying to figure everything out on my own. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen. *Check out our other Bible App reading plans for NFL and golf fans.