JANUARY 26 - Wisdom That Speaks Louder Than Words
3-Year-Bible Reading: Proverbs 8:1–36; Matthew 23
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“Does not wisdom call? Does not understanding raise her voice?” — Proverbs 8:1
“Whoever finds me finds life and obtains favor from the Lord, but he who fails to find me injures himself; all who hate me love death.” — Proverbs 8:35–36
“They preach, but do not practice.” — Matthew 23:3
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Have you ever met someone who talks a big game but doesn’t actually live it out? Maybe they preach kindness but treat others poorly, or claim to be wise but make reckless choices. In Matthew 23, Jesus calls out the religious leaders for doing just that—sounding holy but missing the heart of God.
Contrast that with Proverbs 8, where wisdom is personified as a woman calling out, longing to be heard and followed. She isn’t quiet or hidden—she’s loud, clear, and available to anyone willing to listen. The difference? Wisdom isn’t about fancy words or religious performance. It’s about aligning your life with God’s truth.
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THINK ABOUT IT
1. What voice are you listening to? Wisdom in Proverbs 8 is calling out to us, but so are a million other voices—social media, peer pressure, insecurity. Are you making space to hear the voice of wisdom?
2. Talk vs. Walk: In Matthew 23, Jesus warns against people who say the right things but don’t live them out. Are you living what you believe? Do your actions match your faith?
3. Life or Regret: Proverbs says those who find wisdom “find life,” but those who ignore it hurt themselves. What choices are you making today that show you're choosing life and God’s favor?
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BOTTOM LINE
Wisdom isn’t just about knowing the right things—it’s about living them. Jesus wants our hearts, not just our words. Listen to wisdom. Live it out.
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PRAYER
Heavenly Father, help me to not just hear wisdom but to follow it. Keep me from being someone who talks about You without actually living for You. Give me courage to listen to Your voice above all others and to live in a way that reflects Your heart. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
