Choices. We face choices every day. Every choice we make has consequences. When we open the refrigerator, we can choose to eat too little and be hungry, eat just enough and be content, or eat too much and gain weight. In America we far too often choose the latter. Proverbs 13 is about choices and consequences. Repeatedly throughout the Proverb the Teacher lays out two choices: the choice between teachability and foolishness. The choice we make determines the consequences we face.

There is danger when Christians think that “getting saved” was the only spiritual choice they ever needed to make. Being a disciple of Jesus Christ means that we have made the decision to be a life-long learner. Wisdom, growth, and righteousness are found when we take God’s advice (primarily through his Word). The opposite choice is foolishness, as chapter 13 clearly shows.

1. What choices have you made that had consequences you later regretted? Do you see yourself in any of the proverbs of Proverbs 13, either the good or the bad?

2. What are some choices you can make today that could change some of your outcomes (consequences) for the better?