“A friend is someone who likes you in spite of anything you do and will do everything possible to keep you from making a mistake.” Everyone needs someone like that in their lives. There have been times in my life when, if a “friend” had been available, my decisions would have been different and not disastrous.
“The purposes of a man’s heart are deep waters; but a man of understanding draws them out,” gives us a place to begin when we are making difficult choices, serious decisions or intricate plans. More often than not we have stored feelings and thoughts, ideas and memories deep within our hearts. Over time we have forgotten them and their importance. Perhaps we have pushed them deep inside of us because we did not realize they would ever be important. Solomon calls them “deep waters” or “wells of wisdom that has been covered up over time.”
“A man of understanding or a “good friend who understands us” will draw them out of us - much like bringing up a bucket of cold, refreshing water from a deep well. This friend or “man of understanding” forces us to examine our “motives or unclear thoughts” - whatever is within us - in light of God’s own wisdom. Our “friend” will not allow us to do what we intended to do without challenging our desires to make certain that they are pure, wholesome, and God-honoring.
This “man of understanding” must first admit that he is not a man of understanding. While that may sound contradictory, it really isn’t. This “friend” must first listen to God’s wisdom before he can impart it to another “friend.” Then, there is the requirement to pray for and with us as we seek and listen for God’s guidance.
We all need “a man or woman” of understanding in our lives. We need someone who will force us to seek God’s wisdom.
Prayer: Lord, grant us one friend who will force us to examine our motives and ideas and make certain they are true to Your teachings. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Scripture for Today: Proverbs 20:5 The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out.
No comments:
Post a Comment