This chapter seems to focus on two types of behavior – both wise and unwise.
“Apply your heart to instruction and your ear to words of knowledge. My son, if your heart is wise, my heart too will be glad. My inmost being will exult when your lips speak what is right. Be not among drunkards or among gluttonous eaters of meat, for the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and slumber will clothe them with rags.” (v12, 15-16, 20-21)
There are two opposite paths we can take – the path of wisdom / righteousness, and the path of foolishness / unrighteousness. This chapter describes practical examples from each category.
What is a symptom? It is a visible sign of something hidden. What is behavior? An observable (visible) sign of internal (hidden) beliefs / perspectives. Why should we monitor ourselves for symptoms / behaviors? Because they can be signs that we are on the right track, or in need of help.
The author is giving us a list of behaviors (both good and bad) to help us discern if we’re on our desired path. If some (or most) of our behaviors fall into the ‘foolishness’ category, we can repent and ask God for help, to renew our minds. If you’re anything like myself, you’ll have a mixture of ‘wise’ and ‘foolish’ behaviors, that will ebb and flow. This doesn’t mean we aren’t saved by Jesus – it simply means we’re human and still capable of sin (we’re still a work in progress and God isn’t finished with us yet).
I suggest we keep a careful watch over ourselves, and maybe invite a trusted individual to help as well. When our behavior is a warning sign of an underlying issue, we can address it as soon as possible. Let’s celebrate the behaviors that are going well, and learn from those that aren’t, so we can bring glory to our Father in Heaven.
Father God, our Wise Counselor, and Everlasting Lord, we praise Your awesome and holy name. Thank you for the gift of the Spirit who provides guidance, discernment, and transformation in our lives. May we embrace this generous gift, and partner with the Spirit to believe and behave in ways which accurately display our love for You. In Jesus’ name we seek to honor You with what is hidden, and what is visible. Amen.
~ Conqueror in Training