Life has a funny way of showing us how little control we actually have. Even the best-laid plans are no match for life’s unpredictability. Mark Batterson captures this truth perfectly in his book In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day with the story of a malfunctioning car horn.
One morning, while stopped at a red light, Batterson tapped his horn to signal the car ahead. But what began as a polite gesture quickly turned into chaos when the horn jammed and wouldn’t stop honking. After pulling into a gas station, mortified but relieved, the family thought the problem was solved—only for the horn to start blaring again on the highway at 70 mph.
Batterson describes the confusion of other drivers and the sheer panic in the car as he pounded on the horn to silence it. What should have been a simple, peaceful drive turned into 15 minutes of chaos, frustration, and embarrassment. Yet, looking back, it became the highlight of their trip—unplanned, unforgettable, and filled with unexpected joy.
This story reminds us that life often doesn’t go according to plan. Despite our best efforts to create order and control, the unpredictable always finds a way to surprise us. In those moments, we’re forced to ask: How do I respond when life doesn’t go as expected?
The answer lies in wisdom. Wisdom helps us navigate life’s uncertainties skillfully and faithfully, relying on God rather than ourselves. But what is wisdom? And how do we grow in it?
Defining Wisdom and Proverbs
Wisdom is more than knowledge; it is godly insight that enables us to live well in God’s world. It involves applying truth to life in a way that honors God and benefits others. Wisdom recognizes the limitations of our understanding and trusts God’s infinite perspective instead.
The book of Proverbs serves as a guide to gaining wisdom. But what is a proverb? A proverb is a short, memorable saying that conveys general truth, practical advice, or a moral lesson. Proverbs distill life’s complexities into nuggets of truth, making them easy to remember and apply.
For example:
- “Actions speak louder than words” reminds us that deeds carry more weight than promises.
- “A stitch in time saves nine” encourages addressing problems early to avoid bigger issues later.
The proverbs in Scripture are unique because they are inspired by God and rooted in His character. They provide wisdom for living in a way that aligns with His will and brings glory to His name.
Wisdom: God’s Design for Living
God desires that His people live with wisdom. From the beginning, God’s law and His Word were designed to guide His people—not merely as rules to follow but as wisdom to meditate on. The book of Proverbs encapsulates this divine guidance, offering timeless truths for every season of life.
Proverbs 9:11-12 highlights the benefits of wisdom: a longer, fuller life marked by healthier relationships and sound decisions. Wisdom protects us from unnecessary risks and destructive choices, enriching our lives in ways we can’t always measure.
If wisdom is so valuable, how do we grow in it? Proverbs 3:5-7 gives us three steps: lean on God, learn His will, and leave sin behind.
Step 1: Lean on God (Proverbs 3:5)
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not rely on your own understanding.”
Trusting God begins with humility—acknowledging that our perspective is limited while God’s is infinite. Just as we wouldn’t lean on a weak crutch, we must not rely on our flawed understanding. Instead, we lean on God, trusting Him for wisdom, truth, and guidance.
Peter reinforces this in 1 Peter 5:6-7: “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God...casting all your cares on Him, because He cares for you.” Trust requires surrender, believing that God cares for us and will provide what we need.
Step 2: Learn God’s Will (Proverbs 3:6)
“In all your ways know Him, and He will make your paths straight.”
Part of humility is realizing that our way is not always the best way. Paul emphasizes this in Romans 12:2: “Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.”
Renewing our minds means seeing the world from God’s perspective—understanding His definition of good and evil and committing to live accordingly. This requires immersing ourselves in Scripture and allowing God’s truth to shape our thoughts, decisions, and actions.
Step 3: Leave Sin Behind (Proverbs 3:7)
“Don’t be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and turn away from evil.”
Wisdom demands that we leave sin behind. Sin blinds us to God’s will and damages our relationship with Him. Paul’s words in Colossians 3:5 are clear: “Put to death what belongs to your earthly nature.”
Sin often stems from pride—trusting our wisdom instead of God’s. But to live wisely, we must fear the Lord, submit to His authority, and reject what He calls evil. This requires a daily commitment to pursue holiness and align our lives with His will.
The Call to Trust God
To live with wisdom, we must trust God more than ourselves. This means leaning on Him, learning His will, and leaving sin behind. Wisdom doesn’t come by accident; it requires intentionality and effort.
Thankfully, God promises to provide wisdom to those who seek it. James 1:5 encourages us: “Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God—who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly—and it will be given to him.”
Final Thought
The very first sin in the Garden of Eden was humanity’s choice to rely on their own wisdom instead of trusting God. That choice led to brokenness. Yet through Christ, we are invited to return to God’s wisdom, trusting Him fully and following His ways.
Let’s commit to cultivating hearts ready to grow in wisdom. Together, we can embrace the life God intended—leaning on Him, learning His will, and leaving sin behind.
