JULY 29 - Wisdom for Living Well
3-Year-Bible Reading: Proverbs 20:25-26; Colossians 1
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“It is a snare to say rashly, ‘It is holy,’ and to reflect only after making vows. A wise king winnows the wicked and drives the wheel over them.” — Proverbs 20:25-26
“And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent.” — Colossians 1:18
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Sometimes, life can feel like a whirlwind. Decisions, big and small, are coming at you all the time. You might feel pressure to act quickly or make promises without really thinking about them. In Proverbs 20:25, the Bible reminds us that we shouldn't rush into making commitments or decisions. It’s a trap to say something is “holy” or make promises on the fly without considering the consequences. Even when it comes to something good or noble, like being involved in church or serving others, it's important to think carefully first. God wants us to live wisely, not impulsively.
In Colossians 1, we see that Jesus is the head of the church—He is the ultimate authority in all things, and He should be the one guiding our choices. When we keep Him at the center of our lives, our decisions will reflect His wisdom and peace. He is the beginning, the firstborn, and in everything, He deserves to be preeminent, or first place, in our lives. If we truly want to live wisely, we need to put Jesus first, allowing His wisdom to shape how we live, serve, and make decisions.
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THINK ABOUT IT
1. Rash Decisions: Have you ever made a snap decision or promise and later regretted it? What could you do next time to avoid rushing into things?
2. Jesus First: In what areas of your life might you need to let Jesus take the lead? How can you make Him the “head” of those areas?
3. Wisdom in Choices: When making decisions, are you taking the time to reflect and pray for God’s guidance, or do you tend to act first and think later?
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BOTTOM LINE
Living wisely means making thoughtful decisions, especially when it comes to commitments. Don’t rush into things; let Jesus guide you. He deserves to be first in everything, and when you put Him there, your choices will reflect His wisdom.
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PRAYER
Heavenly Father, thank You for being the ultimate source of wisdom. Help me to slow down and think carefully before making decisions, especially the big ones. I want to put You first in my life, trusting You to lead me with Your wisdom. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
