September 7, 2007
Common Sense
READ: Proverbs 1:20-33
The LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. —Proverbs 2:6
Voltaire said, “Common sense is not so common.” He was right! In a society that has grown increasingly litigious, we are inundated with warnings on products, mostly because some people lack common sense. Just read the following instructions.
On a hair dryer: Do not use while sleeping.
On an iron: Do not iron clothes on body.
On a chainsaw: Do not attempt to stop chain with your hand.
Common sense can be learned from experience or the teaching we receive from those we trust. But God’s Word is the best source of all to develop discernment and good judgment.
Three words echo throughout the book of Proverbs: wisdom, knowledge, understanding. God has packed this book with common sense.
Proverbs 11:12 advises restraint: “A man of understanding holds his peace.”
Proverbs 17:27 warns: “He who has knowledge spares his words, and a man of understanding is of a calm spirit.”
Proverbs 20:13 is practical: “Do not love sleep, lest you come to poverty.”
To get more common sense, consult God’s Word—the source of wisdom—daily.
Ask God for it (James 1:5).
Read regularly from the Proverbs.
Seek out godly counsel (Prov. 11:14; 15:22; 19:20).
