Have you ever needed to make a decision and you just weren’t sure what course or action to take? Or, maybe you’ve watched someone else, maybe your own child, not follow your instructions. Multiple options make decision-making difficult. Watching others live according to their own devices is painful as they suffer severe consequences. Why do they fail to heed wise advice?

We all need sound advice and there’s no better place than the Book of Proverbs to find help with life’s challenges.  

Wisdom includes gaining God’s perspective. The Book of Proverbs contains parables, wise sayings, and riddles. While studying and contemplating these various forms of wise and insightful proclamations, we gain God’s perspective. By not taking the time to digest God’s Word, we are no better off than the child who refuses to take our advice.

Does God shake His head because we live according to our own devises? Do we recognize our Creator has provided the very teaching tools needed to live successful lives to the glory of God?

Chuck Swindoll shares five reasons for the book of Proverbs:

1. To inspire reverence and obedience within the reader’s heart

2. To teach discernment

3. To develop alertness in the walk

4. To establish discretion and purpose in life

5. To cultivate keenness of mind

“Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline” (Proverbs 1:7, NLT). To fear God is to recognize His character and respond by revering Him, trusting Him, and obeying Him. It means apart from Him there is total ignorance of spiritual things. A healthy fear of God draws near to worship and we make wise decisions!

Read Proverbs 1. You’ll be a little wiser!