Bible Reading: Philippians 1:9-10
There is a character in Pilgrim’s Progress named Mr. Worldly Wiseman. Mr. Worldly Wiseman tried to help Pilgrim on his journey by offering Pilgrim advice that seemed to Mr. Worldly Wiseman and
much of the rest of the world to be wise and useful. Sadly, Mr. Worldly Wiseman’s advice was foolishness. Had Pilgrim followed Mr. Worldly Wiseman’s advice, Pilgrim would have been led far off the straight and narrow path that he needed to follow to reach The Celestial City (heaven).
How can we know true wisdom from the kind of worldly wisdom that others like Mr. Worldly Wisdom try to offer us? Test each bit of “wisdom” that is offered you with these questions:
1. Will following this advice glorify God (I Corinthians 10:31)?
2. Will following it make God happy (Proverbs 10:22)?
3. Will following it offend others (Romans 14:21)?
4. Will it keep me from doing what God expects of me (Hebrews 12:1)?
5. Will it have me spending time with people who will help my faith grow stronger or with people who will weaken it (II Corinthians 6:14)?
6. Does it seem even a little wrong (I Thessalonians 5:22)?
I pray the words of Paul in Philippians 1:9 & 10 for you today: “And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ.”
“A simple man believes anything, but a prudent man gives thought to his steps.” Proverbs 14:15
Prayer: Heavenly Father, give me the wisdom to know good advice from bad advice. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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