According to Proverbs, the way we approach every day, and the way we are headed will show whether we are wise or foolish. So how do we know if we are walking in wisdom or wallowing in foolishness? Proverbs 14 gives three critical questions for life’s direction.
2. Who Am I Listening to?
Proverbs 14:15 "A simple man believes anything, but a prudent man gives thought to his steps."
Wise people look below the surface. They aren’t taken in by a few words, or deceived by appearances. The foolish hear what they want to hear, and believe “anything” is literally every word. Uncritical acceptance of what you hear is unwise.
“But it was in the newspaper.” I have been interviewed many times by everything from local newspapers to national media outlets. What ended up being published or broadcast ranged from slightly inaccurate to absolutely false. I’ve never been able to say, “That’s exactly what I said and meant.” It has nothing to do with media bias, as much as human error and incompetence.
“But my Pastor said it.” Do not uncritically accept what you hear from anyone. Pastors make mistakes like everyone else. Some of them are absolute knuckleheads. Whether it’s burning the Koran, or holding a “bring your gun to church” day, or having a worship service that is really just a political rally, or using obscene language, or acting like a dictator, don’t believe every word without verifying.
Wisdom looks below the surface. If someone has told you their side of the story, do not get all excited and make judgments without something from the other side. Even if that person is a completely innocent victim, rarely will they be able to give a completely accurate and unbiased version. The old saying goes, “There are always two sides, no matter how thin the pancake.”
If you only get your news from Fox or MSNBC, branch out. If there is a talk show that you listen to that is seen as right-wing or left wing, expand your options.
Forwarding false information through email is epidemic among Christians. If you accept everything someone says because they mention Jesus, quote the Bible, says God told them, or claim to be a Christian, you are a fool.
Too many Christians are sloppy thinkers and lazy fact-checkers. We need to be like that group of people the Apostle Paul taught, the folks from Bera. They loved what Paul had to say. They were excited about it. But every day they searched the Bible to verify that it was true.
A critical question for the direction of your life is Who Am I Listening To?
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