There are times when we’re not sure what we should do. We can be so close to the situation that we can become biased in our thinking. We need to have discerning friends who can provide an objective perspective to help us to understand our thoughts and intentions. One of the wisest men who ever lived, King Solomon, made this observation many years ago,

A plan in the heart of a man is like deep water, but a man of understanding draws it out. (Proverbs 20:5)

The word deep, connotes the idea of being unsearchable. This same Hebrew word is translated as mysterious as Solomon sought in vain to plumb the depths of wisdom,

What has been is remote and exceedingly mysterious. Who can discover it? (Ecclesiastes 7:24)

Solomon made an apt analogy that our thoughts are like deep water. When I studied oceanography, I learned of pressure gradients, convergence zones, and mysterious underwater channels. The water below the surface can be quite be quite different than the water on the surface. Likewise, our countenance may belie the true nature of our inner self.

Solomon revealed that a person of understanding is able to draw out our inner motives. The word understanding, is a fairly common word in the book of Proverbs and it conveys the idea of discretion, reason, understanding, and wisdom. Do you have friends who can help you discern the reasons why you do what you do? As you think about your discerning friends, consider the following guidelines:

He who knows not, and knows not that he knows not, is a fool – avoid him.

He who knows not, and knows that he knows not, is a child – teach him.

He who knows, and knows not that he knows, is asleep – wake him.

He who knows, and knows that he knows, is a wise man – follow him.

We need wise people in our lives so that we can learn from them. We must take an honest look at our lives and, in humility, realize there are blind spots that we have and we need others to help us see clearly.

You must also realize that you may be a wise person for someone in need of guidance. It is a great privilege and responsibility to be used by God to assist others as they go through times of confusion. God can use you to bring encouragement and perspective to others as you seek Him and gain His wisdom. As you gain God’s wisdom, you are able to be a channel of wisdom to others. May the description by the Apostle Paul characterize your ministry to others,

And concerning you, my brethren, I myself also am convinced that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able also to admonish one another. (Romans 15:14)

Associate Pastor – Discipleship.  The Church at LifePark

Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University

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