4 Ways to Walk in Wisdom

Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered (Proverbs 28:25 ESV).

If you are like me, you have trusted in your own mind one too many times – to the point of personal detriment (and embarrassment I might add). Ugh.

As the famous Forrest Gump line says, “stupid is as stupid does”.

I like to think I know best - that I have some wisdom and common sense. Correction: my pride likes to think I know best. But Proverbs 16:18 rightly informs us pride comes before destruction. Ouch!

“Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.”

— Proverbs 16:18

I may be able to handle miniscule things, but when it comes to everything else, I am in desperate need of the Lord’s help.

So what’s a girl to do?

Here are four ways Proverbs 28 shows us how we can walk in the Lord’s wisdom every day:

Blessed is the one who fears the Lord always, but whoever hardens his heart will fall into calamity (vs.14).

Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and knowledge as earlier Proverbs state (1:7, 2:5, 9:10). But the second half of this verse is a pride issue– elevating self above God. And I know from personal experience it is not a good idea.

It is the reverential fear of God, submitting to Him as King and ruler of all, that positions us to receive wisdom from Him.

When we fear God, we acknowledge His sovereignty and omniscience. We look to Him for direction and guidance and trust His ways are best as opposed to our own limited vision.

Whoever walks in integrity will be delivered (vs.18).

Integrity: the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; moral uprightness.

One who has integrity will be delivered, but from what? Free from false accusations, calamity, bondage, a guilty conscience.

Walking in integrity means we are free from worry of being “caught” because we haven’t done anything wrong.

It is not as though bad things will never happen, but we won’t suffer at our own hand.

When we walk in integrity, people know they can trust us because we have shown we fear God, not man.

A faithful man will abound with blessings (vs.20)

A faithful person is one who is firm, secure, and trustworthy. One who is dependable and a steady plodder, not one being blown about here and there by the latest whim (James 1:6).

This is when we persevere and remain steadfast even when times get tough. We don’t throw up our hands and walk away just because things aren’t going our way.

Galatians 6:9 encourages us to stay the course doing good and in doing so we will reap a harvest in due time.

… but the one who trusts in the Lord will be enriched (vs. 25).

When we trust in the Lord and not in our own understanding we will be blessed (Proverbs 3:5-6). Blessed with guidance, wisdom, peace, joy, etc. (see also 4 Ways a Wise Woman Builds Her Home).

This may not be instant. but it means we are willing to wait on the Lord and believe He has our best interest at heart even though our present circumstances may dictate otherwise.

When we set aside our fleshly desires and limited understanding and look to God’s wisdom, we walk in the peace and security knowing we can never be snatched our of our Heavenly Father’s loving hand - not in the fear and continual turmoil the world offers (John 10:28-29).

So I encourage you today friend with one of my favorite Scripture verses to continue to walk in godly wisdom, even when times are tough:

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13 NIV)

How have you seen the benefits of doing things God’s way in your life verses the way you thought you wanted to do them?