Scripture for Today: Proverbs 3:7 “Do not be wise in your own eyes. Fear the Lord and shun evil.”

I can still remember when both of our daughters had their wisdom teeth taken out during their high school years.  Their cheeks looked very much like those on this chipmunk!  To add insult to injury, they both received academic honors in a public ceremony while looking like this!

I am not so sure why those late-arriving third molars are labeled as wisdom teeth.  They wreaked havoc in my mouth, threatening to destroy years of teeth-straightening braces.  Wisdom teeth have the knack of coming in sideways, pushing and crowding neighboring teeth, and doing it all partially or completely hidden.  That does not sound so wise to  me!

Our verse for today is one of many that warn us not to consider ourselves wise.  This is a danger as it can lead to the conviction that we know better.  This brand of pride considers rules as being for other people to follow and not applying to us.  Those that see evil as good, dark as light and bitter as sweet are the same people who are “wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight.” (Isaiah 5:21)

It is easy to think that wisdom comes from our own schooling and mental prowess.  But God’s Word makes clear that the source of wisdom is the Lord.  We demonstrate wisdom when we are humble enough to follow and obey Him in every area of life.  The minute I consider myself wise is the same minute I become foolish (Prov. 26:12).  To become or remain wise is simply the by-product of humble, dependent obedience to my Creator.

Thank you Lord, that right relationship with You makes me wise.  Keep me humble, submissive and close to You today.