DON'T TRUST YOUR OWN HEART

DON'T TRUST YOUR OWN HEART
He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, but whoever walks wisely will be delivered. Proverbs 28:26

Autonomy isn't a word we use much these days. It's an appropriate word for us to think about, however, as we consider this instruction. Many people who struggle with addictions consider themselves autonomous; they think they're on their own. No one has the right to tell them what to do.

If you and I live with those thought patterns, the first line of this verse describes us. We're not autonomous, and trusting our own hearts isn't wise living. The prophet Jeremiah had a good read on our hearts. Here's what he said, "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?" (Jeremiah 17:9)

The Wisdom Writers tell us that we shouldn't trust ourselves. We're not trustworthy in our own strength. If we think we always know what we need, we're fooling ourselves. Freedom Fighters wake up to this reality and choose a different thought pattern.

The second part of this instruction speaks of those who walk wisely. Difficulty may still come our way, but we have the promise of deliverance. We've learned several things about "walking wisely" this month. Let's review.

Men who walk wisely pursue wisdom, the ability to "live life skillfully." This pursuit begins with discovering the "fear of the Lord." We listen to Lady Wisdom as she speaks to us through God's Word and by His Spirit. Wise men avoid moral failure and spiritual adultery. We discover the value of wise counsel, and we choose our friends carefully. We have a healthy fear of evil, and we hide ourselves when we see it coming our way.

Walking wisely includes listening to counsel; we understand the danger of straying from the words of knowledge. Choosing to do righteousness and the right thing marks the way of men who walk in wisdom. Wisdom leads us to apply the truth to our lives, allowing it to transform us throughout our lives. Wise men avoid "murky springs" and "polluted wells" that poison our souls. We learn to discern danger, and we don't dance with it. Wise men know they aren't naturally wise. They receive the ongoing gift of wisdom from the good hand of God.

Don't forget: The true proof of foolishness is trusting your own heart! (Pastor John Strain -- First Baptist of Toms River)

Great Quote: By these things examine thyself: By whose rules am I acting? In whose name? In whose strength? For whose glory? What faith, humility, self-denial and love of God and to man have there been in my actions?

Anonymous