Bible Passage: “The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice.” (Proverbs 12:15 NIV)
Scripture Reading: Proverbs 12:1-28
Some decisions are obviously complicated.
Lists of pros and cons only go so far. Our own wants and desires tend to get in the way. But some choices are not so complicated.
The Book of Proverbs helps us uncomplicate some decisions (maybe all).
It narrows life down to two paths: wisdom or folly.
Not intelligence versus ignorance. Not success versus failure. But wisdom versus folly.
And Proverbs 12:15 exposes the real dividing line:
Who gets the final say in your life—you, or God?
Folly is not loud stupidity. It’s quiet self-confidence that refuses correction. It’s the man who trusts his instincts above Scripture, his experience above counsel, and his feelings above truth.
Proverbs says the fool’s way feels right. That’s the danger. Folly rarely announces itself as rebellion; it usually shows up as justification.
“This is just how I am.”
“I’ve got this.”
“I don’t need help.”
Wisdom, on the other hand, fairly screams humility. A wise man listens—not because he is weak, but because he knows his limits. Strength without submission becomes pride, and pride blinds. Wisdom invites accountability, welcomes correction, and seeks perspective.
Men today are trained to project confidence, decisiveness, and independence. None of those are inherently bad—until they replace teachability. When a man stops listening, he stops growing. When he refuses counsel, he chooses isolation. And isolation is where foolish decisions pick up speed and begin to snowball.
Proverbs repeatedly reminds us that wisdom is relational. God speaks through His Word, through other godly men, through hard-earned experience, and sometimes through uncomfortable truth.
The question is not whether wisdom is available—it is whether we are willing to receive it.
Every day presents choices that may seem small: how you respond to criticism, whether you ask for help, how you lead your family, how you handle temptation, how you react when challenged. Each choice places you on one of two roads. One leads toward life, clarity, and strength under control. The other leads toward regret, damage, and self-inflicted (and ultimately avoidable) loss.
A wise man does not assume he is right. He tests his path against God’s truth. He listens before he reacts. He submits before he insists. And in doing so, he avoids the trap of being right in his own eyes while being wrong in reality.
Choose wisely. Listen closely. Life depends on it.
Prayer: Lord, life can be so difficult. There are so many things that call for our attention and present themselves as good and logical choices. I want to be wise. Help me to pursue the wisdom for life that is truly valuable. Help me to be moldable and teachable. Amen.
Reflection: How often do you seek counsel? Who are your sources for advice? Ask God to provide you with relationships that can provide wise counsel.
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