Proverbs 16:18-21 – Wisdom and Faith
Verses 18-19 – If we want an example of these verses we just need to look in Genesis. Adam and Eve’s pride in wanting to be like God put us all on the road to destruction. The proud man or woman is always looking above them, grasping after greatness, and they forget to watch their own steps, their own life. Is it any wonder that they fall? Are you proud? Are you proud about your looks, your brains, your job, your family, your kindness, your Godliness, or your service? Are not all these gifts from God that you don’t deserve? Do you want to avoid pride? Then seek humility. Remember who you are – a sinner saved by grace.
Verse 20 – Two things are needed for success – wisdom and faith. One teaches us what to do for ourselves; the other what to expect from God. With wisdom we love and obey God, we follow His instructions in the Word, but we must also depend on Him for the success, for the strength, for the grace to obey. It is good to know what God wants and to desire to do it, but we have to do it in His strength not ours else pride sneaks in again. Martin Luther said, “I have had many things in my hands, and I have lost them all. But whatever I have been able to place in God’s, I still possess.”
Verse 21 – It’s not enough just to know what to do, we have to know when to do it. This is true wisdom, not just knowing the right thing but doing it, discerning when it is time to do what’s right. And a heart that’s full with this kind of wisdom will overflow in speech. The things we say will be an example and an influence to others.
Questions
- How were Adam and Eve proud?
- What do you need for success?
- What is discernment?
Prayer Points
- Pray for humility.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.