Tonight, at bible study with our oh-so-sweet house mom, Mama Fran, we were going through Proverbs 4. After learning a little about wisdom and how precious it is in Proverbs 3, I expected some good stuff.

Before we really dove into Proverbs 4, Mama Fran was sharing some wisdom of her own with us about how she really felt like the Lord had been testing her lately. In this season of my life, I could relate to feeling like it has been one dig after another. It wasn't until we started reading that God really pointed out what I've been doing wrong.

Proverbs 4:6 says, "Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her and she will watch over you."

Without good, God-fearing wisdom, we are nothing but blind. The guidance we long for will only come if we invest in Him. I mean, when was the last time you made a 100 on a test that you didn't know any of the material for? God wants us to learn and grow in HIs word and He will grant us the wisdom that we desperately need.

Proverbs goes on in 4:13 to say, "Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life."

The wisdom of the Lord is our life. Wow. Let's listen to him.

"The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day. But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble. (Proverbs 4:18-19)

Those that do not value the wisdom of the Lord, the ones that take things into their own hands, those are the people that will hurt us. they are blind to what will hurt them, and if they don't know what will hurt them, they will hurt us even when they don't intend to.

Now, this is where it all comes together. Proverbs 4:23. "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it."

After we read this, I felt so convicted. I know I'm pretty bad at guarding my heart. I looked at Mama Fran and said, "Wow, I just love that verse." I'll never forget the way she responded. "Me too. I absolutely HATE when people say to 'follow your heart.'" We all looked at her like she was a little crazy. "Never just follow your heart. Your heart is fleeting. It's just a feeling. The wisdom of the Lord is like an armor. Think about it, how many times have we followed our heart and it's ended in disaster."

As much as it hurts my pride to admit, she was right. The only thing we can follow with confidence is the Lord's instruction. He is faithful and he is love, but His will is not always going to be the most attractive option. It won't always be easy; it won't always be what we want, but it will always prevail. Who are we to stand in the way of that? He wants us to have enough respect for ourselves and Him to be strong when we feel weak. To lean on Him when we are afraid. To find shelter in His righteousness when we are confused.

"Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you." Proverbs 4:25