I’m not just telling you what I’ve heard, I’m telling you what I know

Listen, my son, accept what I say,
    and the years of your life will be many.
I instruct you in the way of wisdom
    and lead you along straight paths.
When you walk, your steps will not be hampered;
    when you run, you will not stumble.
Hold on to instruction, do not let it go;
    guard it well, for it is your life.
Proverbs 4:10-13 NIV

I’d rather trust the advice of someone who’s traveled where I haven’t to tell me what restaurants to
eat from, places to shop, etc.

Why? Because they’ve been where I’m going.

I believe you don’t have to experience pain to know that something can cause it. Sometimes wisdom is gained simply by hearing or observing the experience of others and taking note of it.

Solomon is the son of David in this Proverbs chapter 4. We find that Solomon is giving wisdom passed down from his father David to the next generation. Who better to get wisdom on being a king than from his father, who is king?

Scripture tells us David was as a shepherd ”boy” that slew a lion, a bear, and a giant, who became king of Israel, who later became father, adulterer, murderer, liar, and then fugitive. In spite of his choices, he was still considered a man after God’s heart. Without question, David is probably the most qualified to give wisdom to Solomon because he’s been there and done that. Solomon takes this moment in Proverbs to do for his son what his father David did for him.

Let’s be honest with ourselves, we’ve all heard wisdom from one source or another.

But no matter how good the wisdom is, it still and always will come down to choice! You can use it and live a life with less pain, or disregard it and open the flood gates of unnecessary pains.

I’m not just telling you what I’ve heard I’m telling you what I know.

Call to action:
We are never too old or young to share or obtain wisdom. You may know someone’s spouse, children, or
friends, who are counting on you to tell them not just what you’ve heard but what you know. Tell them
your test, and testimony. If you don’t have someone to trust with obtaining wisdom then talk to Jesus
who gives it freely.

James 1:5 NIV –  If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.…

“Oh what peace we often forfeit, oh what needless pains we bear, all because we do not carry everything to God in prayer” (Joseph M. Scriven, from “What a Friend We Have in Jesus”)