Proverbs 14:⁶ A scoffer seeks wisdom in vain, but knowledge is easy for one who understands.

This verse got my attention today. The Hebrew word translated here as “scoffer” means, “one who treats something in contempt”. This person is not really open to learning or receiving guidance, so guidance/wisdom is given to them “in vain”. They won’t listen. This is not an information problem but a heart condition problem.

There’s a lot going on at the church I lead in suburban Dallas and yesterday it got to me. I got anxious and raised my voice to one of our staff people unnecessarily. I apologized and thankfully was forgiven the transgression, but more importantly the incident revealed something about my heart condition.

I’ve been telling myself that successful outcomes depend on me rather than the Lord.

Of course the enemy of God loves it when we think this way because we end up placing heavy burdens upon ourselves. We grow weary from the weight of responsibility we aren’t designed to carry. So when we encounter challenges on multiple fronts at the same time, as is the case for most of us right now, we are brought to our knees. It’s like we end up doing the enemy’s work for him.

Yet my prayer is that I am not like the scoffer who ignores wisdom, but rather allow myself to learn from mistakes and return to trusting in the Lord rather than myself. Lord let it be so. Amen.