SCRIPTURE: PROVERBS 4:25-27

As we go through life, we either choose to walk the path of wisdom or the path of folly. The path of wisdom is not suitable for the individual who is easily disheartened, tempted, or undiscerning. The path of the wise demands consistency & purpose, honesty & boldness, a steady gaze & a pure heart.

Its common knowledge that direction begins by ordering the heart, mouth, lips, eyes, & feet to take action. However, wisdom is knowing who to get direction from, what the ramifications will be, when to take action, & why the directions are necessary.

Wisdom is the most valuable thing we could ever obtain, & only the Lord can give it. Today, many people in our society are intelligent & filled with knowledge, yet they lack wisdom & are, therefore, the opposite. You can be knowledgeable without being wise. Knowledge is knowing how to do something; wisdom is knowing when to do it & what the consequences will be.

The hustle & hurry culture today does not encourage wisdom because it does not value delayed gratification. Our "instant" culture supports the quick acquisition of knowledge, which becomes a stumbling block for our human psyche because we become groomed to think that knowledge is just as valuable as wisdom.

The scary part is the effects of "instant" culture are hard to detect & it permeates our lives in different forms. The trick is to cut through all the noise of the crowd & listen to the voice of the Shepherd. The key is not to gaze upon what is at eye level but on the Lord above. The way to everlasting life is not to be consumed by the current of our surroundings but to be steadfast in pushing against it while moving towards the cross. I struggle with this daily, & I've realized that it's the enemy's favorite weapon to use against me. But I set my eyes on the Lord because I know He will not allow my feet to stumble, fail, & travel off His path.