Growing with God: A daily devotional with Tonia Slimm.
Proverbs 28:16 (NIV)
A tyrannical ruler practices extortion, but one who hates ill-gotten gain will enjoy a long reign.
Proverbs 28:16 (MSG)
Among leaders who lack insight, abuse abounds, but for one who hates corruption, the future is bright.
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“A leader who is a great oppressor lacks understanding and common sense [and his wickedness shortens his days], but he who hates unjust gain will [be blessed and] prolong his days.” -AMPLIFIED
“Common sense is the knack of seeing things as they are, and doing things as they ought to be done.” ~Harriet Beecher Stowe
Common Sense is the ability to make sound, practical judgments, using sound reasoning skills and good information. We will find Solomon equating common sense with wisdom.
Common sense is, simply put, knowing what to do and when to do it.
“Common sense in an uncommon degree is what the world calls wisdom.” ~Samuel Taylor Coleridge
“A leader who lacks intelligence cruelly oppresses the people, but one who hates corruption will prosper and live a long life.” -(VOICE)
Solomon continues with his instruction on what makes or does not make a good leader. Today he tells us that leaders who lack understanding, which is insight, and common sense will not get far; nor will he live long. The leader who hates corruption and ill-gotten gain, though, will live long and prosper.
“Only a stupid prince will oppress his people, but a king will have a long reign if he hates dishonesty and bribes.” -(TLB)
Way back at the beginning of the book of Proverbs, let’s refresh our memories, we find Solomon advising on how to become wise. He tells us to pay close attention to the teachings of our parents. He reminds us to learn as much as we possibly can and to be careful with whom we keep company. He also warns us about what happens to those who choose to ignore his advice.
“How does a man become wise? The first step is to trust and reverence the Lord!
Only fools refuse to be taught. Listen to your father and mother. What you learn from them will stand you in good stead; it will gain you many honors. If young toughs tell you, “Come and join us”—turn your back on them! “We’ll hide and rob and kill,” they say. “Good or bad, we’ll treat them all alike. And the loot we’ll get! All kinds of stuff! Come on, throw in your lot with us; we’ll split with you in equal shares.” Don’t do it, son! Stay far from men like that, 16 for crime is their way of life, and murder is their specialty. When a bird sees a trap being set, it stays away, but not these men; they trap themselves! They lay a booby trap for their own lives. Such is the fate of all who live by violence and murder. They will die a violent death.” -Proverbs 1:8-19 (TLB)
Later Solomon stresses the need for common sense and clear, logical thinking. He tells us:
“Dear friend, guard Clear Thinking and Common Sense with your life; don’t for a minute lose sight of them. They’ll keep your soul alive and well, they’ll keep you fit and attractive. You’ll travel safely, you’ll neither tire nor trip. You’ll take afternoon naps without a worry, you’ll enjoy a good night’s sleep. No need to panic over alarms or surprises, or predictions that doomsday’s just around the corner, because God will be right there with you; he’ll keep you safe and sound.” -Proverbs 3:21-26 The Message (MSG)
“Common sense is something that everyone needs, few have, and none think they lack.” ~Benjamin Franklin
Solomon reminds us that wisdom and common sense come from the Lord in various proverbs:
1.) “And here’s why: God gives out Wisdom free, is plainspoken in Knowledge and Understanding. He’s a rich mine of Common Sense for those who live well, a personal bodyguard to the candid and sincere. He keeps his eye on all who live honestly, and pays special attention to his loyally committed ones.” -Proverbs 2:6-8 (MSG)
2.) “Reverence for the Eternal, the one True God, is the beginning of wisdom; true knowledge of the Holy One is the start of understanding.”
-Proverbs 9:10 (VOICE)
3.) “On the lips of the discerning, [skillful and godly] wisdom is found, but discipline and the rod are for the back of the one who is without common sense and understanding.” -Proverbs 10:13 (AMP)
4.) “If you profit from constructive criticism, you will be elected to the wise men’s hall of fame. But to reject criticism is to harm yourself and your own best interests.” -Proverbs 15:31-32 (TLB)
5.) “O you naive or inexperienced [who are easily misled], understand prudence and seek astute common sense; and, O you [closed-minded, self-confident] fools, understand wisdom [seek the insight and self-discipline that leads to godly living].” -Proverbs 8:5 (AMP)
Solomon tells us to seek wisdom and seek common sense. Run after them. Go in search of them. Obtain them; whatever the cost may be. Your very life depends on it. He tells us:
“For the value of wisdom is far above rubies; nothing can be compared with it. Wisdom and good judgment live together, for wisdom knows where to discover knowledge and understanding.” -Proverbs 8:11-12 (TLB)
We have touch on this point before, but it bears repeating. If we lack wisdom/common sense we can ask God for it and He will give it freely. James tells us this:
“If any of you lacks wisdom [to guide him through a decision or circumstance], he is to ask of [our benevolent] God, who gives to everyone generously and without rebuke or blame, and it will be given to him.” -James 1:5 (AMP)
“A Common Sense Guide is important and necessary for a fulfilling life. That guide is within us and we can tap into it and use it to the fullest. What we need has been with each of us for a long time. That Common Sense guide is the Bible.” ~Henry Adkins, Common Sense: Your Way To Success
My friend, if you are running short on some common sense, ask God, He is willing and ready to help you. Wisdom and Common sense will help us in every area of your life, not just in leadership. Set aside any sense of pride in your own abilities and humbly ask the Heavenly Father to grow more wisdom and common sense in you.
“Any enterprise is built by wise planning, becomes strong through common sense, and profits wonderfully by keeping abreast of the facts.”
~Solomon (Proverbs 24:3-4 TLB)
My Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I am seeking Your wisdom and I am in need of more common sense. There are many times that I am at a loss of what to do and when to do it. I need your guidance and direction; this I know. I humbly ask that you help me, Lord. May my life be a reflection of the grace and goodness of my Amazing Heavenly Father at work in me.
Growing with God 