Sliver of Wisdom

First published Oct. 19, 2016

Proverbs 3:21

My son, do not let wisdom and understanding out of your sight,

preserve sound judgment and discretion

A couple of nights ago I was doing a craft project with wooden skewers.  I snapped one in half and was surprised by a sharp pain in my finger.  A sliver of wood dug into my skin. Ouch.  I then considered my options about this little annoying thing.

I could do nothing in hopes that the discomfort would not increase and an infection would not develop.  Better yet, it could eventually work its way out on its own, and my problem would have solved itself.

I could rely on my own expertise and try to remove the sliver myself. That would shorten the time I would have enduring the pain, but my success rate with removing slivers is actually low.  I’d run the risk of breaking off part of the wood, or pushing it deeper into my flesh.

My third option was to get help from someone who could properly remove the sliver. I wisely chose my daughter Heather to help me out.

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Interesting how committing a sin seems easy compared to dealing with its consequences.  I’m not talking about covering up the effects of our sin, but I think there are several issues that we must consider when we commit sinful acts and thoughts.

The first issue is restitution. A given for New Testament Believers is that we confess our sinfulness, ask for forgiveness.  But many of us think that’s enough.  In fact, how many of us were taught or teach to our children to say, “I’m sorry,” then just walk away?  Seriously, we need to ask God for guidance to find the right path in reconciling with the people whom we have harmed. And surprise! Restoring takes time and effort. 

And what about doing nothing about sin, hoping the guilt (in any form) will go away? NOT. Okay, let’s just pray for divine intervention.  After all, God is merciful and gracious, but he is not a fix-it handyman to be implemented at our every whim. 

Secondly, though self-reliance is a sign of confidence in our Christian walk, we should have the right attitude to do the right thing. Good seeds produce good fruit.

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Psalm 25:9

He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way.