Daily Word: Being Human

Proverbs 28:26 says: He who trusts his own instinct is a dullard (remember this means a "verbal cripple"), but he who lives by wisdom shall escape. (JPS) The JPS Study Bible explains: "Instinct, rather, 'heart,' meaning one's own mind, even if untutored and callow. One must rely on a mind infused with the principles and attitudes taught by wisdom." The conflict is between what we want to do and what wisdom says to do. Who makes the final decision in your life about what actions you take? Is it your own mind or is it the wisdom from God?

This is the exact issue in the Garden of Eden. Adam and Eve knew what was required of them, otherwise it would be unjust of God to hold them accountable. The serpent attempts and succeeds to get Eve to think for herself and follow her own instincts. The fruit looked good and pleasant, so she decided to taste it. Animals follow their instincts. No one has to teach a lion to hunt and kill for food. It knows what to do from its instincts, i.e. what is on his insides. Humans are to follow something on the outside that they bring inside. Wisdom from God is external to us. We hear the words of God and we place them in our hearts through choice. We choose to follow wisdom as opposed to instinct. The truth is the only way we can be human is to follow God's wisdom. If we behave like an animal, we will follow our instincts; if we follow wisdom, we are human. This, in part, explains why there is so much evil and violence in the world. People follow their instincts instead of the wisdom of God.

Today, get wisdom. Bring wisdom into your heart by reading, remembering, meditating, and speaking God's words of wisdom throughout the day. As you do, you are being human, which is what God desired for you from the beginning.