Begin with two minutes of stillness and silence before God.

Is wisdom a choice?

As we continue reading the words of wisdom from Proverbs, the word “but” appears frequently in chapter 14. It’s a small word with significant meaning. It's used to contrast the choices of the righteous and the foolish: The righteous do this, but the foolish do that. If you’re like me, you’re reading along thinking, Yep, that’s how it should work.

Then there’s a curveball in verse 12:

“There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.”

To make a choice that seems completely right, but leads to death? That feels like a trap with a severe consequence!

Yesterday, we unpacked the value of godly counsel from others. Today, let’s explore the difference between “right choices” and wisdom. Back in chapter 9, verse 10 says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” Choices are rooted in information, but wisdom is something different. It’s like a divine superpower rooted in what is holy.

As human beings, we are incapable of holiness or divine insight apart from God. So, it makes sense that without God, His counsel and direction, we could absolutely make a “right choice” that leads to a dismal or even destructive outcome.

Have you ever been 100% right about a personal life decision that turned out to be dead wrong, and it cost you? Maybe you’ve been 100% right about something and proceeded to enlighten those who needed your information:

• Your grown child made a poor decision about a relationship.
• Your coworker was blind to their own faults.
• Your friend mishandled a conflict.

If you’ve ever tried to navigate those situations without wisdom, you’ve likely crashed and burned—possibly even risking the unintended death of a relationship.

What we can learn from Solomon is this: wisdom leads to the right choice, but not every right choice comes from wisdom. Wisdom is seeking God’s direction and trusting where He leads. Wisdom is only possible with God. It’s not a choice we can make independently; it’s the result of a relationship that depends on Him.

Yesterday, you were challenged to think about the people God has placed around you who love you enough to offer godly counsel. Today, take a moment to reflect on your decision-making:

Are you trying to make “right” choices that end up being foolish, or are you seeking God to make wise choices that are righteous?

If there’s room for growth (and there always is), thank God for His grace and new mercies every day—and ask Him to continue growing you in wisdom.

Take two minutes to reflect in silence.

Reflection:

Use the S.O.A.P. Method to study God’s Word.

• SCRIPTURE: What stands out to you in today’s passage?
• OBSERVATION: What is this text saying? What is the context? How does it fit with the verses before and after it? Are there any commands, instructions, or promises? 
• APPLICATION: How can you apply this verse to your life? What does this mean today? What is God saying to you? 
• PRAYER: Respond to the passage in prayer. Ask God to help you apply this truth to your life and spend some time listening to what He may be telling you.