Caffeinated Crunchy Christian Moms

Read: Proverbs 1

The Proverbs are primarily written by Solomon. Solomon was the son of David and became king of Israel after him. Right at the beginning of the chapter, we are told the purpose of these Proverbs:

“For gaining wisdom and instruction; for understanding words of insight.” -Proverbs 1:2

“For receiving instruction in prudent behavior, doing what is right and just and fair.” -Proverbs 1:3

One thing we know about Solomon is that when God gave him the opportunity to ask for anything, Solomon asked for wisdom. He wanted wisdom from God so that he could lead God’s people well and make godly decisions as king. Because Solomon did not ask for riches, power, or long life, God was pleased with his request and blessed him abundantly.

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” -Proverbs 1:7

True wisdom begins with God. We can gain knowledge from all sorts of places, but real wisdom starts with knowing the Lord and being willing to listen to Him.

“But whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm.” -Proverbs 1:33

How often as moms do we find ourselves saying things over and over because we are trying to keep our children safe? I tell my toddler all the time that one of Mommy’s jobs is to keep him safe. I ask him to do certain things, avoid certain things, and listen to certain instructions because I love him and want what is best for him. The hard part is that he’s three. He doesn’t understand the bigger picture. Sometimes he probably thinks I’m taking away his fun or being difficult when really I’m just trying to protect him.

As I was reading this chapter, I couldn’t help but think about my relationship with God. How often does God tell me something through His Word, through conviction, through wisdom, or through godly counsel, and I respond with, “Yeah, okay,” and then go do my own thing anyway? God sees the bigger picture that I cannot see. He knows what is ahead. He knows what dangers I cannot recognize. Yet sometimes I resist His guidance just like my toddler resists mine.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” -Proverbs 3:5

Just like my son doesn’t always understand why Mommy is asking him to do something, I don’t always understand why God is asking me to do something. The difference is that God’s perspective is perfect. He sees what I cannot see. He knows what I do not know. He is never trying to take away something good from me. He is leading me in the way that is best.

Another thing that stood out to me in this chapter is the importance of who we surround ourselves with. Proverbs warns repeatedly about listening to the wrong voices and following the wrong people. While we should never blindly follow another person, we should seek wise counsel from people who genuinely love the Lord, know His Word, and desire to honor Him with their lives.

The people that we spend time with influence us more than we realize. Friends, mentors, family members, podcasts, social media accounts, books, and entertainment all shape the way that we think. When I was constantly with my two best friends in high school, we could practically finish each other’s sentences. We used the same phrases, thought similarly, and often knew exactly what the others were going to say. My husband and I do that sometimes too. We spend so much time together that our vocabulary, habits, and even thought processes often overlap. The same principle applies spiritually. The voices we consistently listen to will influence the way we think, speak, and live. If we want to grow in wisdom, we should surround ourselves with people who are pursuing Christ and encourage us to do the same.

This chapter also made me think about parenting by example. Our children do not always listen to what we say, but they are constantly watching what we do. I am far from a perfect mom. The best thing I can do is take my own advice because I fail daily. But tonight I had a small moment that reminded me how much our actions matter. Sometimes I create themed baths for my toddler, and tonight was a Lego bath. As I was checking on him, I noticed he had decided he was ready to get out, but before putting the Legos away, he was shaking the water off of them first. I had never specifically instructed him to do that. He had simply watched me do it many times before. He saw that Mommy shakes the water off before putting them in the bin so they can dry more easily. Then, when the moment came, he applied what he had observed.

It was such a small thing, but I was so proud of him. It reminded me that our children are paying attention. They are watching how we respond to stress, how we speak to others, how we handle disappointment, how we pray, how we worship, and how we follow Jesus. The example that we set today may become the habits they carry tomorrow.

Just as our children learn by watching us, we learn by watching and following Christ. May we be women who seek wisdom, listen to God’s instruction, trust Him when we do not understand the bigger picture, and model that faith for the little eyes watching us every day.

Discussion Questions

1. In what area of your life is God asking you to trust His wisdom instead of your own understanding?
2. Who are the voices that most influence your thinking right now?
3. What is one godly example you hope your children learn from watching you?
4. How can you intentionally seek God’s wisdom this week?

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