Unbeatable Brains

Bible Reading: Proverbs 2:6-11

You will understand what is right, just, and fair, and you will know how to find the right course of action every time. Proverbs 2:9

Pedro, who was two, glared at his mom. “Cookie!” Pedro’s mom held him and explained why he couldn’t have another cookie. She didn’t want him to get a tummy ache. And his body needed good food. Even though Pedro didn’t understand everything, he knew his mom cared about him. He took the carrot she offered him and happily went back to pulling pots and pans out of the cupboards.

God’s Word doesn’t just toss us a bunch of “dos and don’ts.” God holds us tight. As best as our brain can manage, he tells us why it’s good to obey him.

You don’t have to read far in God’s Word to spot incredible promises to those who look for God’s wisdom and learn how to follow it. In today’s Bible passage alone you hear how he gives good sense to the godly. He puts a shield of protection around everyone who follows him.

But one of the best features of God’s wisdom is that he doesn’t drag you fussing and screaming into obedience. He aims to persuade your mind and win your heart. He desires that you walk in his ways because you want to.

Listen again to the promises:

• Wisdom will capture your heart.

• Knowledge will make you joyful.

• You will be able to pick the right course of action every time.

God wants you to use both your mind and heart to take an active role in figuring out his wisdom. He wants you to understand the reasons for his rules.

So try this: Write a private note to yourself. On the left half, spell out a specific command from God you really want to keep—like obeying parents (see Colossians 3:20), telling the truth (see Ephesians 4:25), being kind to a brother or sister (see Ephesians 4:32), or doing your best on your homework (see Colossians 3:23). On the right side, write down all the reasons for keeping that command.

You can’t count on having clear, creative thinking when you’re not sure why doing something is right. But working through your reasons ahead of time is a fantastic way to get wisdom to enter your heart. And when you do that, God has another promise for you: “Wise planning will watch over you,” he says. “Understanding will keep you safe” (Proverbs 2:11).

TALK: How does God work in you so you are happy to obey him? Would you rather have him force his rules on you?

PRAY: God, show us how we can take hold of your wisdom and let it convince our mind and heart.

ACT: Try writing that note described above. Really!