Discretion will watch over you—discernment will guard you—to deliver you from the way of evil, from those speaking perverse things… Proverbs 2:11-12, TLV
Avoiding the Way of Pain. Wouldn’t it be great if there were warning signs today for problems we’ll face in the future? Like, don’t make this decision or that decision, because ten years down the road you’ll wish you had, or hadn’t taken it? Or, allowing someone into your life that would later cause you immeasurable pain?
Today’s passage seems to indicate that when we accept and live out GOD’s wisdom, we develop traits that help us avoid certain paths that will ultimately be difficult. Anything that can help us avoid the way of unnecessary pain, I’m all for that.
I wish I was more proficient at wisdom’s helpful gifts — wisdom, discernment, knowledge, and understanding. But, I take comfort in knowing that even though I may stumble, in the long run, I’ll be okay.
From ADONAI a man’s steps are made firm,
when He delights in his way.
Though he stumble,
he will not fall headlong,
for ADONAI is holding his hand. Psalms 37: 23-24, TLV
Even in the mistakes . . .
The late Lucinda Secret McDowell’s, Life-Giving Choices — 60 Days to What Matters Most, is one of my favorite devotionals. I love what she had to say about restoration, that our loving Heavenly Father will repurpose the challenges, 
mistakes, and pain from our past. Repurpose. Doesn’t that word create a picture of hope? That He’ll use the yucky stuff from our life for His glory and the advancement of His kingdom?
Still, ideally, we want to avoid unnecessary pain, don’t we? We can do that by developing those wisdom gifts. One of my new favorite words is “abide.” Learning to abide in GOD’s word will serve us well in all areas of our life, especially with wisdom. And that, my friends, is a good thing.
May discretion and discernment guard us, my friends.
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