I’m really stubborn. There’s no denying it; I don’t like to be told what to do, and I’d honestly prefer things to be my idea and done my way. I’m certainly not a person who believes in “my way or the highway,” but given the choice, I like to voice my opinion persuasively and convince others to support my vision. 

If left unchecked, my stubbornness can cause me to take over, become the god of my own life, and control others and my surroundings. Not wise—foolish at best and downright against God’s Word at worst. 

In the book of Proverbs, Solomon instructs his son on the efforts he needs to take to attain wisdom and why it’s so essential to “treasure” God’s commands. In chapter 2, v. 2, he says, Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding. Then, in v. 5, he says, Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord, and you will gain knowledge of God.

When I act in my own wisdom (or lack thereof), I do not seek the Lord’s counsel nor fall at His feet in reverence and prayer. I move at a selfish pace, focused solely on myself and my plans. In Proverbs 1:7, Solomon says, Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline. 

In our reverence for the Lord, we begin to gain the foundation of His knowledge, leading to His wisdom and protection. Solomon urges his son to cry out for insight, and ask for understanding. Search for them as you would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures. For the Lord grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest. He is a shield to those who walk with integrity. (Proverbs 2:3-7)

When we seek God’s wisdom, He will provide! His wisdom and protection are a shield for His children, allowing us to walk in integrity and honor. Being stubborn and wanting things my way is no excuse to avoid God’s wise counsel. It’s the foolishness of the heart that says, “Man’s way is greater than the Lord’s way.” Yet, when we choose to walk in God’s will over our own, we experience the fullness of joy and peace that comes from His perfect plan! 

He guards the paths of the just and protects those who are faithful to him.  Then you will understand what is right, just, and fair, and you will find the right way to go.  For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will fill you with joy.  Wise choices will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe. (Proverbs 2:8-11)

Stubbornness may not be your barrier to seeking God’s wise counsel, so ask Him to reveal any areas of your heart that avoid His mighty wisdom. May we seek God’s counsel and wisdom in every situation, big or small!

Father God, thank You for providing Your great wisdom to Your children. Like Your Word says, I want to eagerly search for insight and understanding. I don’t always seek Your wisdom over my own, and I want to change. Help me seek Your will and Your wisdom above my own. Help me identify areas of my life where I’m not allowing You to be in charge. Help me remove this foolishness in my heart and walk in the freedom and protection You provide in Your godly wisdom. Thank You for giving me access to Your wise counsel and filling me with great joy. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

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Scripture is quoted from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.