The Key to Living Wisely (Proverbs 11:30)
By Lynette Kittle
Today’s Bible Verse: “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and the one who is wise saves lives” - Proverbs 11:30
We try to prove we are wise in a variety of ways. We attain degrees, make money, build buildings, and accomplish impressive physical feats like climbing mountains and running marathons.
And yet, Proverbs 11:30 tells us God’s perspective on how to live wisely, which is to save lives. You might read that and think, easier said than done. So how do we go about living this principle out?
Below are four ways we heed this proverb on a day-to-day basis.
1. Share Our Testimony
Each one of us who knows God has a story to tell. Whether dramatic or not, our testimony has the power to influence others to want to know God, too. Through sharing our experience of coming to Him as our Savior, hearts can be softened, touched, and turned towards Him.
Likewise in Luke 21:13, Jesus encourages each of us to tell His testimony for others to hear. Sometimes we think everyone has been told about Jesus and how He came to save us but many still have not heard what He died to give us.
2. Daily Live Out Our Faith
Jesus understood how living out our faith in practical ways by being good to those around us draws people to God. So much so, that the apostle John ends his gospel by describing how there aren’t enough books in the whole world to hold all the good He did while walking on earth. (John 21:25)
Jesus teaches us to not underestimate how God can move hearts through our kindness. Often, actions do speak louder than words.
3. Talk About God
2 Timothy 4:2, urges us to be prepared and ready to talk to others about God. “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.”
Yet when opportunities arise, how many times do we pass on telling others about God, thinking it’s not the right place, time, or person to talk with, deciding before even saying a word that they probably won’t be interested?
In telling others about God, we don’t have to figure it all out and understand everything before speaking but trust God to lead us in what to say (Proverbs 3:5).
When feeling insecure or threatened in talking with others, unsure how they will respond, we can ask God for boldness, like the Apostles Peter and John prayed. “Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness.” (Acts 4:29).
4. Be Willing to Help Turn People Around
People need to hear the truth, to receive instruction on how to make the right decisions in their lives, to be encouraged to trust God, and to turn away from sinful behaviors.
“Remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins” (James 5:20).
Even if we’re not sure others will respond or like what we have to say, it’s important we tell them and let the Holy Spirit reveal the truth to them.
Lynette Kittle is married with four daughters. She enjoys writing about faith, marriage, parenting, relationships, and life. Her writing has been published by Focus on the Family, Decision, Today’s Christian Woman, iBelieve.com, kirkcameron.com, Ungrind.org, Startmarriageright.com, growthtrac.com, and more. She has an M.A. in Communication from Regent University and serves as associate producer for Soul Check TV.
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