Common Sense:  plain, ordinary good judgment [dictionary.com]

“Why do they call it common sense when it’s really not all that common?”

I laughed when I heard Pastor/husband say it, maybe because the best humor is often closely related to truth.

31 Days of Proverbs means thirty-one days, reading one chapter a day of the Book of Proverbs.  What I didn’t realize when I started out was how hard it would be to glean a title for each day’s study.  Once we got past Proverbs 9 we entered into a compiled list of Solomon’s sayings, and every verse a treasure trove of wisdom.

Proverbs 13 reminded me that wisdom isn’t just something we store up as knowledge gained, it is truth that transforms.  If we allow it.

Some would say that common sense is really just being wise, and I can see the connection when I read the definition, but the difference lies in the interpretation of the source.  If we think that everyone obtains common sense solely based on knowledge, then you would think education would be the answer.  Others might just assume that it comes naturally or even genetically for some more than others.  It just doesn’t always prove to be the case, though, does it?  I once heard it said, “Educating a thief just guarantees you will have a smarter thief!”.  Knowing a truth–and living it out are two different things. Making good choices start with a moral conviction.

We can hear the truth and retain the knowledge of truth, but you and I know that hearing and listening are two very different things.

“A wise son hears his father’s instruction, but a mocker doesn’t listen to rebuke.”  Proverbs 13:1

It’s not just children that have a problem with really listening, is it?  We hear and we know the truth, but sometimes we just don’t listen.  “In one ear and out the other” is an idiom used to infer that we hear, but don’t retain, knowledge long enough to act on it.  Or we hear it, but we make the choice not to follow the voice of reason.  Without a conscious, moment-by-moment commitment to follow the truth, we will eventually end up on a path far from God.

What am I taking away from Proverbs 13?

“The light of the righteous shines brightly, but the lamp of the wicked is extinguished.”  Proverbs 13:9

Jesus said, “You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden.  No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16

1. The wisdom we gain from God’s Word can change us.
2. When we trust His grace by FAITH, we become His ambassador.
3. The ruler of darkness wants to have dominion in this world–but light dispels darkness, and God’s desire for you and for me is that we would shine–for His glory and His kingdom.

I want my heart and mind to be so full of His truth that it overflows to those around me.

“A wise man’s instruction is a fountain of life, turning people away from the snares of death.”  Proverbs 13:14

“The one who walks with the wise will become wise, but a companion of fools will suffer harm.  Proverbs 13:20

Why wisdom?  Because some of the antonyms for wise are: foolish, treacherous, slacker, wicked, sinful.

It makes me want to spend even more time in Proverbs, how about you?  Have you looked at these words of wisdom closely enough to see that God is giving us practical advice for daily living?  What verse or truth jumps out at you?