Listen and be Wise

"My child, listen and be wise: Keep your heart on the right course." Proverbs 23:19, NLT

Proverbs, I love it. All of the wisdom of Solomon is found here. For anyone who doesn't think the Word applies to today, or that it isn't relevant in the 21st century, I challenge you you read the Book of Proverbs. I don't believe you can read this book and not be changed in attitude or in heart.
What I like about this particular verse, is that we are being instructed like you would instruct a child. Listen and be wise. The Bible says that we are to have faith as a little child, to know and understand that God is our father and he is a good father. He will protect us, care for us, and supply all of our need.
What really sticks out though, is "listen and be wise." It is so easy to get puffed up with knowledge and become prideful. No matter how long we have been walking with the Lord, we need to remember to stay humble. Remain teachable. Allow yourself to come under the authority of your Pastor. Submit to those God has placed over you, that you may learn from them.
In this scripture, I see accountability. It is so easy to get a glimpse of what the Lord has in store for us, and run off to make it happen. That's why Solomon warns to "keep your heart on the right course." Slow down, wait on the Lord and listen. Talk it over with your spiritual leader, pray about it and when the timing is right, God will open the door for you.
I have found myself putting the cart before the horse a couple of weeks ago. I went through all the right motions, but rather than waiting on God, I moved a little to fast. Now I am suffering for my immaturity. Hard to believe a 48 year old man can still be immature, (guess I'm just young at heart) but the consequences were that I have been without any income for the last couple of weeks, and now bills are due. Thank God for his mercy & grace that endures forever. I am thankful that He is my source and the supplier of all my needs.
If you would like to know more about this amazing God who loves us so much, that he sent his son Jesus to pay for all of our sin on the cross, then click on one of the church links on this page. If you are in need of prayer of just someone to talk with you, can contact me directly. rlwhitener@gmail.com
Thanks for following along,
God Bless.