A Devotion for January 8, 2016

The wise in heart are called discerning, and gracious words promote instruction (Proverbs 16:21; NIV).

            Another way to think about wisdom is sanctified decision-making. Everyone makes decisions; some folks have a habit of making very good decisions on a regular basis. Making decisions isn’t specifically a Christian skill. But biblical wisdom adds depth to such decision-making by asking what is the God-pleasing choice.

            Now, the rubber hits the road for such discernment, when we are faced with multiple options, none of them obviously right or best and none of them obviously wrong or worst. Here’s where wisdom earns its pay. The wise man (or woman) weighs choices, consider pros and cons, sees where each decision will accomplish a godly purpose, looks for solutions that will minimize damages—and still manages to make a choice.

            The wise man, then, is thoughtful, careful, patient, and above all godly. May the Lord shape us into such people!