Walking with the Wise #151: Thinking Matters

“Good sense wins favor, 

but the way of the treacherous is their ruin.”
—Proverbs 13:15

Far too often we separate the secular from the sacred, our personal lives from our spiritual lives. And while such thinking may be prevalent in our churches and pulpits, it is wrong. God created us as spiritual beings with physical bodies—the ability to think and feel. But some elevate the spiritual to such a heavenly level that they are no earthly good. We must make sure that we use the minds that God has given us. Not the fleshly mind, but the mind set upon the Spirit, the mind that has been taught the Word and also lives a life of integrity, using the common sense God has given.

The word “sense” in today’s proverb is often translated “understanding.” The point that the Spirit wants us to understand is that if we live in an understanding way with others—whether it is in the civic or religious sphere, we will incur favor. It is the one who has rejected the truth of God’s way, who has deviated from the path of life, who will be ruined.

Pursuing God is beneficial for us personally and for others practically. Whenever people know that we are living according to God’s standard, they are less likely to fear being taken advantage of, duped or deceived. There is relief, trust and thankfulness. Knowing that the person with whom they are working is following a higher standard enables them to commit themselves more comfortably.

Following God’s Word helps us follow Christ, love man, and live sacrificially. Treating others in an understanding way, listening to what they have to say, and weighing what is said, is far better than refusing to listen and making snap judgments. Honoring God means using our minds and considering others better than ourselves—being honest in our dealings and endeavors.

Order your way according to God’s Word, be careful to do what it says, and be prepared to be blessed by the Lord for living in the way He desires and delights in. Amen.