Here is some terrific wisdom available for us today from Proverbs 1 (from the Message Bible translation):
Vs.7. Start with God – the first step in learning is bowing down to God; only fools thumb their noses at such wisdom and learning.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of true wisdom. To fear God means to acknowledge that he exists and that he is with us at all times. That awareness leads us to think smart and make wiser choices. Take some steps to live today with a greater awareness that God is with you – Emmanuel. Include him in your daily thoughts and decisions.
Vs.8. Pay close attention, friend, to what your father tells you; never forget what you learned at your mother's knee.
Wisdom begins with humility, which is acknowledging that God and others are major contributors to anything we become or accomplish in life. No parent is perfect but we can learn so much from their wisdom and life experience. It is time to thank mum or dad for all they've done for you – maybe today?
Vs.10. Dear friend, if bad companions tempt you, don't go along with them.
Our friends have a huge influence on us so choose your friends wisely. We tend to become like those we hang around. That doesn't mean withdrawing from everyone. The key issue is considering who the greater influence is. Let's be a light in the darkness and a bringer of hope to the discouraged.
Vs.32. Carelessness kills; complacency is murder.
We don't drift into wisdom or God's kind of life. The pull is the other way. Lady Wisdom calls to us from every street corner (see vs.20). But will we listen and follow? Or will we go our own way, blindly following the crowd? What we tolerate we will never change. Do you need to tap into some desperation today?