Let the Wise Listen

Date: March 29, 2023

I use the BLESS method every morning for my devotional. 

B - Bible Verse
L - Listen for God's Word and pray
E - Explore the History and meaning
S - Study and savor
S - Summarize and Share

You can read more about it by going to: What is a Faith Journal?

Bible Scripture Verse – Proverbs 1:5

Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance”

Listen for God’s Voice

Heavenly Father, help me to always be open to hearing your voice so that I can learn from all that you can teach me. I pray for your guidance in everything I say and do. 

Explore History – Who wrote it, when and to what audience? Key people in the story?

The Book of Proverbs is a collection of wise sayings and teachings credited to King Solomon, who is believed to have written most of the book. However, the book also contains contributions from other authors.  We aren’t sure of the exact date of the writing of Proverbs, but it is most likely believed to have been compiled and edited over a period of several centuries, from approximately the 10th to the 5th century BCE. The book was likely written for a general audience, with the aim of imparting wisdom and guidance to readers.

Overall, Proverbs 1:5 is a call to humility and a recognition of the importance of continued learning and seeking guidance. It has remained a popular and influential verse throughout history, inspiring countless readers to seek wisdom and knowledge throughout their lives.

Study and Savor – Key Words

"wise" - This word refers to those who have gained knowledge and understanding through experience and learning.

"hear" - This word means to actively listen and pay attention to what is being said, with the intention of understanding and learning from it.

"increase" - This word means to grow or expand in knowledge, understanding, and wisdom.

"learning" - This word refers to the process of acquiring knowledge and skills through study, practice, or experience.

Summarize and Share

This verse reminds us of the importance of seeking guidance and learning from those who are wise and discerning. We are faced with numerous choices and decisions every single day, some of which can have a significant impact on our lives and the lives of those around us. It is crucial to seek guidance and wisdom when making these choices.

One way we can use this verse today is by seeking out mentors or advisors who have experience in areas where we lack knowledge or expertise. We can also read books or articles, attend seminars or workshops, or even listen to podcasts or watch videos that provide guidance on topics we are interested in.

At the same time, it's important to remain humble and open-minded, recognizing that we don't have all the answers and can always learn something new. By listening to the advice of others and adding to our own knowledge and understanding, we can make more informed and wise choices in our lives. 

Bible Cross Reference

"Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance," - Proverbs 1:5 (ESV)

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction." - Proverbs 1:7 (ESV)

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight." - Proverbs 9:10 (ESV)

"Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid." - Proverbs 12:1 (ESV)