The Way of the WiseНамуна

Day 24: Functional Wisdom:

Today, we reflect on courage—the kind that shows up in adversity, speaks truth with love, and doesn't look away from injustice.

There’s a dangerous lie we often believe—that if we don't know about a problem, we aren’t responsible for it. But Proverbs 24 calls that out sharply. Proverbs 24:11–12 (NLT) says:

"Rescue those who are unjustly sentenced to die; save them as they stagger to their death. Don’t excuse yourself by saying, 'Look, we didn’t know.' For God understands all hearts, and he sees you."

God sees not only our actions but also our inaction. Ignorance isn’t bliss—it’s negligence. We are called to open our eyes, step into brokenness, and help rescue those who are lost. Choosing to look away doesn't absolve us; it only reveals how much we still need His heart.

But even with the best intentions, life can knock us down. What matters is not whether we fall, but whether we rise again. Proverbs 24:16 (author paraphrase) reminds us: "For a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again."

Failure isn’t fatal when faith is your foundation. The righteous don't rise because they’re stronger than others; they rise because they know where their strength comes from. In God's economy, resilience is not about never falling—it’s about always returning to Him for the courage to stand.

Proverbs 24 also speaks to the power of honesty in relationships. Truth may not always be easy to hear, but it is one of the greatest gifts we can offer each other. Proverbs 24:26 (NLT) says: "An honest answer is like a kiss of friendship."

Honesty, given in love, strengthens trust and deepens connection. It’s not cruelty; it’s kindness.
True friends don’t just comfort—they sharpen, encourage, and guide us toward God’s best with truth that heals rather than wounds.

In the end, Proverbs 24 challenges us to live alert, resilient, and courageously honest—so that wisdom is not just something we believe, but something we embody in everyday life.