The Book of Proverbs—what a rich book full of wisdom and common sense! One verse stood out to me in today’s reading; it speaks of common sense, as translated in the NLT.
He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest. He is a shield to those who walk with integrity. (Proverbs 2:7, NLT)
Notice that God grants the honest a treasure of common sense. This begs the question, what is common sense? The word that is translated as common sense means efficient wisdom. Common sense comes from the wisdom God gives and is efficient. The wisdom of God is practical!
Notice that common sense is referred to as a treasure. And it belongs to one kind of person: the honest. Common sense is not given to the dishonest, the cheat, the liar, or the one who scoffs at God’s wisdom. Notice, too, that the honest treasure common sense.
Unfortunately, we live in a world that does not value God’s wisdom. This world lies in the power of the wicked one. The more wicked the world is, the less common sense there is. Diminishing common sense is a symptom of increasing dishonesty. So, amid a war on common sense, what should one do? Notice what Solomon told his son.
My child, don’t lose sight of common sense and discernment. Hang on to them, (Proverbs 3:21, NLT)
How does one not lose a treasure? It begins by understanding its value. How do we hang on to the treasure of common sense? We do so by not losing our understanding of the value of God’s wisdom, which is protected by reverencing God. Yes, the fear of God is the beginning of true common sense, and it helps us guard it! (Proverbs 2:3–8)
Thank you for joining me as I read and journal chronologically through the Bible! This devotional reflection comes from Proverbs 1-3.