Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you. (Prov. 2:11)
Growing up, my parents did so many things that were for my good even when I failed to see it. I will never forget a moment back in high school when my dad sat me down to have a conversation because he was concerned about my interest in a particular boy. He reminded me of their rule that I was not allowed to date until I turned sixteen, but he also reminded me of some more valuable qualities to look for in a potential boyfriend. My parents’ decisions of when to set up and enforce rules, to implement discipline, to get involved, and to let me figure things out on my own were all done intentionally and for my benefit.
Our heavenly Father is the same way. He does not offer us wisdom for his benefit. God offers us wisdom and understanding for our benefit, for our protection. It pains the Father to see his children suffer.
So while God may not intervene in every situation we find ourselves in, we can be sure that he freely offers us wisdom and understanding as a form of protection from getting into tricky situations in the first place. However, it is our choice whether to put the wisdom and understanding he offers us into action.
Accept and apply God’s offer of wisdom, understanding it’s for our benefit.
Sadie Kaminski received her masters of divinity from Wesley Seminary in 2020. In her free time, she loves to climb the sand dunes along Lake Michigan.
© 2021 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
