Do you know the difference between wisdom and knowledge? Ignorance is the opposite of knowledge, and foolishness is the opposite of wisdom. You can acquire knowledge from books. Can you acquire wisdom from books? This is not as obvious but you may be thinking of one book that is a source of wisdom. What does it say? That if any man lack wisdom let him ask of God. If the fear (reverence) of God is the beginning of wisdom then the process of obtaining it is to know that you need it and to know where to get it. Do you have a conscious need for wisdom? I’ll give it to you for free.

Do you have the good fortune to have an education? Perhaps you should consider the concept of intellectual humility. Are you eager to correct other people? You can come across as arrogant and condescending even if you allow other people’s errors in expression to pass without comment. Your own estimation of your acceptance of others may not be accurate. How do they perceive you? Do you relate primarily to those at your own level? Your education should make you more able to relate to those outside of your circle rather than less. Be not wise in your own conceits.

When I sent my disciples out in pairs to perform ministry, I gave them specific instructions. This was primarily about traveling light, to carry no more than the essentials with them; they were to seek lodging with those who were worthy to host them. Do you see traveling ministers following these guidelines today? The same principles could be followed in spirit even if not in letter. Do you see any advantages to traveling light? This keeps you mindful of your dependence on me. It also frees your mind to focus on the task at hand. Have you ever travelled this way?

Do you think that “individual believer” is an oxymoron? Those who are lost are in a state of alienation and isolation, but believers are a part of a body, in particular, my body. You become your brother’s keeper and by entering into a relationship with me you enter into a relationship with everything else that is in relationship to me. Extreme individualism is the curse of the modern era. I said that it was not good for man to be alone, and this is still true. Do you view your redemption as being saved from sin?