Session 23

How do we know what’s true?

From Proverbs: A 31-Day Devotional

Turn on the news and you’ll hear two contradictory phrases in one sentence. Everyone’s calling everyone else a liar and talking about “alternative facts” and “fake news.” It can be hard to sift through the nonsense to find truth. We all need wisdom.

But maybe, it’s more personal. Maybe you’re asking:

Is this a wise financial decision?

Should I marry this person?

How do I reconcile this relationship?

How do I help my struggling child?

We’ll get contradictory answers from Google, social media, and friends. But there is good news. All truth is God’s truth, and there is no such thing as alternative facts. God's wisdom has been around from the beginning of time and has not changed (Proverbs 8:22-31). He’s speaking to us all the time if we’ll pay attention (Proverbs 8:1-11).

Since we are made in God’s image, we have the ability to know right from wrong, show common sense, and have sound judgment (Proverbs 8:12-21). We have access to all the wisdom and understanding we’ll ever need to live the life God is calling us to.

Proverbs 8:32-36 says of wisdom, “Now then, my children, listen to me; blessed are those who keep my ways. Listen to my instruction and be wise; do not disregard it … For those who find me find life and receive favor from the Lord. But those who fail to find me harm themselves; all who hate me love death.”

It’s good to seek wise counsel (Proverbs 12:15, Proverbs 11:14). We do well to consult with others who have found godly wisdom — and even to look to experts for advice. However, the first and most important one we should look to is the Lord. “Counsel and sound judgement are mine; I have insight, I have power” (Proverbs 8:14).

Whatever type of wisdom we are seeking, we would do well to ask ourselves, does what I’m thinking or hearing line up with the wisdom of God revealed through His Word?

Reflect:

• Where do you normally look for wisdom and answers?
• What is one thing you need wisdom about today?
• What is one way you can seek God’s wisdom in that area today?