The title may sound insulting, but it points to a reality we all experience: sometimes we think we know what we’re doing, only to find out the hard way that we didn’t.
God has not left us to figure out life entirely on our own. He has given us wisdom to help us navigate this world, avoid unnecessary pitfalls, and ultimately direct our lives toward Him.
That’s why Solomon says:
“Fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
It is foolish to believe we don’t need advice from people who are older, wiser, or more experienced. And it is especially foolish to think we don’t need guidance from the God who created us and the world in which we live.
We will watch a YouTube video to learn how to repair a car, fix a computer, or complete a home improvement project. If we’re willing to learn from someone else about those things, shouldn’t we be even more willing to listen to God about how to live?
Wisdom Comes From God
Proverbs repeatedly points us back to the source of true wisdom:
“For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.”
“Happy is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding.”
And:
“Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding.”
If we want to avoid trouble, enjoy the blessings of a wise life, and have God’s favor, then wisdom needs to become a priority.
And this kind of wisdom ultimately comes from God.
James says:
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach.”
We need to seek God’s wisdom rather than assuming our own intelligence is enough.
Don’t Be Wise in Your Own Eyes
Some of Solomon’s strongest warnings are directed toward people who trust themselves too much.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.”
“Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and depart from evil.”
“There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.”
That’s the danger. Something can seem right to us and still be terribly wrong.
We don’t always see where a decision will lead. We don’t know everything. Our feelings, experiences, and reasoning are limited.
Solomon even says:
“He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, but whoever walks wisely will be delivered.”
So the problem isn’t limited to the obviously wicked or lazy person. We get ourselves into trouble anytime we refuse to acknowledge God and trust His wisdom to direct our lives.
How Does God Direct Our Steps?
But what does it actually mean for God to direct our lives?
It doesn’t mean God whispers in our ear and tells us every decision to make. He doesn’t necessarily tell us which job to take, which investment to make, which house to buy, or which city to live in.
Instead, God gives us principles and skills for living.
He doesn’t tell you which career you must choose, but He tells us to work hard and be diligent.
He doesn’t tell us where we have to live, but He teaches us to be good neighbors.
Proverbs doesn’t identify every temptation we’ll ever face, but it teaches us to avoid foolish influences and choose our companions carefully.
God gives us a proper view of the world and the people around us. He shows us what to pursue and what to avoid while still allowing us to have different personalities, interests, careers, goals, and dreams.
Make Plans With God at the Top
There is nothing wrong with making plans.
Go to college. Become a chef. Be an architect, doctor, engineer, builder, or pursue another worthwhile career.
Make plans. Set goals. Pursue your dreams.
But do it while keeping God at the top.
Don’t pursue success through sinful behavior. Honor God in the way you work. Treat people the way you want to be treated. And pray for God’s help and His will to be done.
Solomon says:
“A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.”
And:
“There are many plans in a man’s heart; nevertheless the Lord’s counsel—that will stand.”
We make plans, but we recognize that God sees what we cannot see. So we can pray for Him to close doors that would be harmful and open doors that would be good.
Our plans should always remain submitted to Him.
Prepare the Horse
Solomon gives us a perfect picture of the balance between preparation and dependence on God:
“The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but deliverance is of the Lord.”
Trusting God doesn’t mean sitting around waiting for something mysterious to happen.
The soldier still prepares his horse.
We should prepare too.
We should work hard, develop our abilities, and do the best we can with what God has given us. But our confidence should never rest entirely in our own preparation.
David was skilled with a sling when he faced Goliath, but ultimately his confidence was in God.
The same should be true for us.
We prepare the horse, but we trust the Lord for the victory.
Trust and Obey
That’s really where this study of Proverbs leads us.
We don’t have to know everything. We don’t have to be smart enough to figure out every part of life by ourselves.
We need to be wise enough to listen to God.
As the hymn Trust and Obey says:
“When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word, what a glory He sheds on our way.”
Solomon leaves us with one final piece of wisdom:
“Buy the truth, and do not sell it, also wisdom and instruction and understanding.”
So make your plans. Work hard. Develop your abilities. Pursue worthwhile goals.
But don’t become wise in your own eyes.
Seek God’s wisdom, follow His Word, and trust Him to direct your steps.
That’s how we become skilled at living.