Wise

Be Shrewd

Dr. Mike 2022 , , , , ,

Matthew 10:16

“I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore, be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.” (NIV)

Yes, it is a dangerous place to be when you are a sheep surrounded by wolves. Jesus acknowledges this in today’s Scripture passage. People can be ravaging animals seeking you as their game for the day. But HE doesn’t leave us defenseless. He instructs us to remain purely innocent but also to be shrewd in our dealings with them.

In today’s politically correct cancel culture, one needs to use caution and prudence when communicating and dealing with others. Until you come to know the person you are dealing with, your personal antenna and radar needs to operate on high alert.

Per the various translations, to be shrewd is to be wise, prudent, clever, smart, cunning, sly, and intelligent. To be innocent is to be harmless, guileless, faultless, simple, and gentle. All are characteristics to help one succeed in dealing with others when your heart is built upon the foundation of Jesus Christ.  He has given you the Holy Spirit who is an excellent counselor on this subject. Lean on HIM and allow HIS Spirit to influence you throughout the day.

Also, if you are young or inexperience with dealing with others from this position, the Book of Proverbs is a good place to start acquiring the knowledge on how to manage life’s situations. The Book outlines difference scenarios which repeatedly occur in life and how best to handle the situation.

Whether on the ministry trail, the business boardroom, or the community park, you and I always have opportunity to share the good news of Jesus Christ with others; and sometimes we may even use words. But more times than not, we all find ourselves in those awkward and sometimes troubling situations unsure how best to proceed. At times like this, we ask God to intervene; trusting HIM to workout the mess we are currently in. HE has a way to use the situation as a teaching moment for them & us, plus a trust relationship building moment for our soul.

So, as HE develops your leadership ability, learning how to best maneuver around those difficult people you encounter, take the time to prepare and equip yourself with the tools necessary to be cunning but harmless. Read the BOOK and LEAN on HIM!

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Encourager & Author of e-Books

 *  Dancing With God: Life-Giving Theology Explained
 *  Great Business Emulates a Good God
 *  Be Radical…Follow Christ!
 *  Simply The Messenger
 *  Unequally Married

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Scoffer – Simple – Wise      

Dr. Mike 2022 , , , , , ,

Proverbs 21:11

When a scoffer is punished, the simple becomes wise; when a wise man is instructed, he gains knowledge.

The Book of Proverbs defines three sets of people in regards to their maturity-level: the scoffer (also identified as the mocker), the simple (also known as the fool), and the wise (regarded as prudent).

The simple are those who are found between the wise and scoffer. They are not as prudent as the wise but not as foolish as the scoffer. They are between the two and need to gain knowledge. Some Scriptures regarding the simple are:

Proverbs 14:15

The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps.

Proverbs 14:18

The simple inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.

Proverbs 9:6

Leave your simple ways, and live, and walk in the way of insight.”

Proverbs 22:3

The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it.

Scoffers are those who lean far away from the wise and live lives which are self-destructive. Some Scriptures in regard to the scoffer include:

Psalm 1:1

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers.

Proverbs 1:22

“How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple? How long will scoffers delight in their scoffing and fools hate knowledge?

Proverbs 9:7

Whoever corrects a scoffer gets himself abuse, and he who reproves a wicked man incurs injury.

Proverbs 15:12

A scoffer does not like to be reproved; he will not go to the wise.

Proverbs 21:24

“Scoffer” is the name of the arrogant, haughty man who acts with arrogant pride.

Proverbs 22:10

Drive out a scoffer, and strife will go out, and quarreling and abuse will cease

2 Peter 3:3

…knowing this first of all, that scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires

The wise are those who have learned to acquire knowledge and the prudence how to best use their know-how. Some Scriptures which emphasize being wise include:

Proverbs 3:7

Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and turn away from evil.

Proverbs 3:35

The wise will inherit honor, but fools get disgrace.

Proverbs 6:6

Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise.

Proverbs 9:12

If you are wise, you are wise for yourself; if you scoff, you alone will bear it.

Proverbs 12:15

The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.

Proverbs 13:20

Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.

Proverbs 14:16

One who is wise is cautious and turns away from evil, but a fool is reckless and careless.

Proverbs 14:24

The crown of the wise is their wealth, but the folly of fools brings folly.

Proverbs 15:7

The lips of the wise spread knowledge; not so the hearts of fools.

Proverbs 18:15

An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.

In contrast, the fool is at the extreme opposite of the wise. Some Scriptures which highlight them are:

Proverbs 1:7

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Proverbs 1:32

For the simple are killed by their turning away, and the complacency of fools destroys them.

Proverbs 8:5

O simple ones, learn prudence; O fools, learn sense.

Proverbs 10:14

The wise layup knowledge, but the mouth of a fool brings ruin near.

Proverbs 10:23

Doing wrong is like a joke to a fool, but wisdom is pleasure to a man of understanding.

Proverbs 13:16

Every prudent man acts with knowledge, but a fool flaunts his folly.

Proverbs 18:2

A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion.

Proverbs 19:1

Better is a poor person who walks in his integrity than one who is crooked in speech and is a fool.

Proverbs 26:8

Like one who binds the stone in the sling is one who gives honor to a fool.

Proverbs 28:26

Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered.

Which are you most often: the scoffer, the simple, or the wise? Whichever one you may most often tend to be, you can change. The fact is: it is better to be wise than not. And wisdom begins with knowledge of the Lord. Without God, life is missing a link. With God, the central core becomes the foundation that leads to a fulfilling and meaningful life.

The Book of Proverbs is the ideal place to begin. You may want to consider reading one chapter per day for the month. There are 31 chapters and each one is loaded with wisdom and advice to help one navigate through the challenges and obstacles life throws your way. Be prudent. Be wise. Become the God-ordained you. Integrate these maxims into your life and let God change you from the inside-out to be wise in your dealings with yourself and others.

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Encourager & Author of e-Books

 *  Dancing With God: Life-Giving Theology Explained
 *  Great Business Emulates a Good God
 *  Be Radical…Follow Christ!
 *  Simply The Messenger
 *  Unequally Married

Encourage a Friend…Share Today’s Message!