Humility and wisdom share common characteristics. Humility is a requirement for wisdom (Proverbs 11:2). Biblically wise people strive to talk, think, and behave like Jesus. They pass life’s decisions through a Jesus filter.
They leave undone and behind what doesn’t glorify Him. Proud, foolish people also have a filter. They leave undone and behind what doesn’t glorify them.
They pursue what is best for them and what makes them look good. They foolishly think life is about them.
Wise people seek what is best for God and others. They understand life isn’t about them. They recognize they don’t know much about most things and least of all, how to live for God (2 Corinthians 5:15). As a deer longs for streams of water, they long for wisdom (Psalm 42:1 NLT). They continue to accumulate it. Because they are humble, they see themselves as they are.
The humble see themselves realistically. They don’t live like they are God. They don’t live to make themselves look good. They live to make God look good.
They are God’s servants. They know their strengths and limitations—their God-given gifts and the sins that easily trip them up (Hebrews 12:1).
They know that apart from Jesus they can’t do anything spiritually significant and that doing the spiritually significant is the purpose of life (John 15:5, Ephesians 2:10).
Wisdom in Proverbs--Part Three reminds us that Jesus and those who are wise are humble. They do good. They promote peace. Each of these characteristics reflects Jesus.
Humble
Wise people aren’t impressed with their wisdom (Proverbs 3:7). They aren’t the president of their fan club. They don’t consider themselves wise (Proverbs 26:12). They don’t trust their insight (Proverbs 3:5–6, 28:26). They don’t show off their knowledge (12:23). They are not self-important (12:9).
Wise people don’t push for a place among the great (Proverbs 25:6). They don’t seek honor for themselves (Proverbs 25:27). They don’t try to make a name for themselves on their journey through life.
Wise people don’t pretend they have all the answers. They listen to others’ suggestions (Proverbs 12:15). They value the heartfelt counsel of a friend (Proverbs 27:9).
They get all the advice and instruction they can (Proverbs 13:10, 19:20, 24:5–6). That is one of their defining characteristics (Proverbs 20:5). Their plans succeed because of good counsel and wise advice (Proverbs 20:18).
Wise people are not proud, haughty, and arrogant (Proverbs 18:12, 21:24). They avoid haughty eyes, a proud heart, and evil actions (Proverbs 21:4, Proverbs 30:32).
They don’t brag about what they will do tomorrow (Proverbs 27:1). They don’t brag about themselves but let others praise them (Proverbs 27:2). That praise doesn’t produce an exaggerated sense of their importance. It doesn’t ruin them (Proverbs 27:21). They are honored for their humility (Proverbs 15:33). Their fear of the LORD and their humility often led to riches, honor, and long life (Proverbs 22:4).
They don’t try to hide their sins but acknowledge their guilt and seek reconciliation with others (Proverbs 14:9). They confess and turn away from their sins and receive mercy (Proverbs 28:13). Because of their humility, they escape God’s punishment (Proverbs 16:5).
Wise people imitate their humble Lord. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross (Philippians 2:5–8 NLT)
Do Good
Wise people do good and help their neighbors (3:27-28). It isn’t a spur-of-the-moment action when they have nothing better to do. They plan to do good (Proverbs 14:22).
Jesus had a reputation for doing good. “And you know that God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. Then Jesus went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him” (Acts 10:38 NLT).
Promote Peace
Wise people are peacemakers. They don’t plot harm against a neighbor or pick fights without reason (Proverbs 3:29–30, 20:3, 26:21). They boldly reprove others to promote peace (Proverbs 10:10).
Sometimes they flip a coin to end arguments (Proverbs 18:18). They don’t argue with friends. They win back offended friends (Proverbs 18:19). They plan peace and experience joy as a result (Proverbs 12:20).
They imitate their peacemaking Lord. He came “to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and to guide us to the path of peace” (Luke 1:79 NLT). “This is the message of Good News for the people of Israel—that there is peace with God through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all” (Acts 10:36 NLT). “Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us” (Romans 5:1 NLT). #freechristiandiscipleshipresources #freeevangelismresources #freechristianleadershipresources
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