Wisdom vs Conceit

(Proverbs 26:16 KJV)  The sluggard is wiser in his own conceit than seven men that can render a reason.

Have you ever had anyone disagree with you?  I don’t mean on whether you should wear green or blue, I mean on the big issues of life.  Of course, green or blue might be a big issue for you.  I had a man tell me today that what I had to say had a certain amount of sense, but he did not want to live in a world like that.  How do we deal with disagreement?

A “sluggard” (6102) always thinks he is “wiser” (2450) than the other person.  This shows us that being a sluggard is more than being lazy, it also includes a bit of arrogance.  I don’t mind people disagreeing with me but I don’t want to be a sluggard.  How do I avoid it?

Wisdom starts in a fear of the Lord and a knowledge of His word.  All of Proverbs echoes with that standard.  In verse 5 it warns about being wise in our own eyes.  Here it reminds us that we should also be listening to what others have to say.  So whom do I listen to?  What blogs do I read?  There are so many out there.  Sometimes all I need to do is read one post and I know this person is either ignorant of the knowledge of the Lord or denies it.  Other times I need to read over a period of time before I can make a judgement.  I am not judging their salvation, I am judging whether they are giving a “discreet” (2940) “answer” (7725).

So don’t start with listening.  Start with fear and knowledge.  Then you can listen to others and be prepared to hear what they have to say.  Be open to the possibility you may be wrong.  Always go back and compare what you have heard with the written word.  Don’t be a sluggard.