MAY 6 – Wisdom in Relationships
3-Year-Bible Reading: Proverbs 15:20-21; 1 Corinthians 8-9
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“A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish man despises his mother. Folly is a joy to him who lacks sense, but a man of understanding walks straight ahead.” —Proverbs 15:20-21
“For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law.” —1 Corinthians 9:19
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In Proverbs 15:20-21, we see the difference between someone who seeks wisdom and someone who chooses foolishness. A wise son brings joy to his parents, and a person of understanding walks with purpose. But those who reject wisdom and live recklessly end up stuck in foolishness. In our lives, the choices we make, especially how we treat those around us, impact not only our relationships but also our own personal growth and understanding.
In 1 Corinthians 8-9, Paul talks about the importance of being willing to adjust our actions and behaviors for the benefit of others, especially when it comes to issues of faith and freedom. Paul explains how he is willing to give up certain rights and freedoms to avoid causing others to stumble in their walk with God. He makes it clear that true freedom in Christ doesn’t mean we live for ourselves; instead, it means living in a way that helps others come closer to Christ.
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THINK ABOUT IT
1. Living Wisely in Relationships: Proverbs says that a wise son makes his father glad and walks in understanding. Think about your relationships with your family, friends, or mentors. How do your actions reflect wisdom or foolishness?
2. Serving Others for God’s Glory: Paul shows us that true freedom in Christ isn’t about doing whatever we want, but about making choices that serve others and help them grow in their faith. What are some ways you can put others’ needs before your own in your relationships, school, or community?
3. Adjusting for the Sake of Others: In 1 Corinthians 9, Paul talks about becoming all things to all people in order to win them over for Christ. What might this look like for you in your daily life? Are there things you could change in the way you speak or act to make others feel more comfortable or open to hearing about Jesus?
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BOTTOM LINE
Wisdom comes from living for the good of others, helping them grow in faith and bringing glory to God, not just seeking our own enjoyment.
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PRAYER
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the wisdom You give through Your Word. Help me to live with understanding in all my relationships and to make choices that honor You and build up those around me. Teach me to serve others with love and humility, just as Paul did, and to adjust my behavior for their benefit. Help me to reflect Your heart in everything I do. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.