How Wisdom Helps Us Avoid the Rod

Daily Devotional—Thursday, February 13, 2025
Wisdom is found on the lips of him who has understanding, but a rod is for the back of him who is devoid of understanding.
Proverbs 10:13 (NKJV)

In today’s key text, King Solomon provides insights on the benefits of leading a holy life and the repercussions of stupidity. Solomon draws a distinction between individuals who pursue wisdom and persons who have no time for it.

Wise Lips vs. The Rod

God bestows wisdom on people who ask for it. Divine wisdom is then manifested through the kind of speech emanating from the recipients. We are transformed into wells of calm, support, and direction for everyone around us when we speak under the influence of God’s wisdom.

However, people who disregard knowledge frequently have to deal with the unpleasant effects of their decisions. A rod in this case symbolizes punishment for imprudent decisions. Just as wisdom is evident in wholesome speech, folly reveals itself in the pain the bearer suffers.

How Wisdom Helps Us Avoid the Rod

Being wise entails asking for God’s guidance before speaking, controlling our temper, and letting the Holy Spirit add grace and truth to what we say. It also means recognizing the impact of our words on the feelings and actions of other people.

Everyone loves to be appreciated. No one loves pain, especially the type that emanates from a loose tongue. The difference lies in allowing God to fill our hearts with wisdom. Will you choose the wisdom and edifying speech that please God, or will you settle for impure communication that displeases God and leaves you in pain?

Prayer
Almighty God, fill me with wisdom that my speech may glorify You, and that I may avoid the rod of imprudent speech.