Wise of Heart

For Wednesday, June 1, 2005
Proverbs 10:8

The wise of heart will receive commandments,
but a babbling fool will come to ruin.

This is a recurring theme in Proverbs and the basis upon which the proverbs are offered. Solomon wrote in chapter 1:5ff, "Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance, to understand a proverb and a saying, the words of the wise and thier riddles...fools despise wisdom and instruction."

Are you looking for someone with wisdom from whom you can learn and who you can trust? Then find someone who easily receives instruction himself, indeed, someone who is eager to keep learning. Find someone who takes seriously learning and obeying God's commandments. It is the fool who delights in his own words, who desires not so much to pass on knowledge but to appear knowledgeable. The fool listens to no one; the wise are always receptive to what is true, good, and useful.

The best teacher is the best student; the wisest counselor is the humblest of learners; the strongest leader is the most willing to receive good direction.