Joel M Bradshaw

6Leave your simple ways, and live,
and walk in the way of insight.”–Proverbs 9

In the book of Proverbs, you are heeding the call of one of two ‘women’–Lady Wisdom or Madam Folly. Let’s unpack this verse with three statements.

1. There’s something about you that is simple or naive and ought to be left behind.
2. The person that has done this will now live. This suggests that there is something lacking about continuing just as you are.
3. Insight means you are trusting another to direct and to guide.

Those of us who follow Jesus already understand these. But, frankly, every person is a disciple of another. In some way or fashion. Everyone mimics someone.

In my relationships I have to continue to own when I am wrong rather than making excuses and self-justifying. I have to stay intentional about daily living as the new Joel in Christ rather than the former selfish selfish Joel. Intentionality means that the Bible directs things that stop and things that start about my life. The only hope I have to offer the people I journey with comes from leaving the simple, naive life and following the convictions and insights of Scripture.

So what about you needs to stop? What about you needs to start? Who do you trust to guide you? Are they leading you to pursue wisdom or folly?–JMB