Brain Outdo Muscles I

Sunday, August 14, 2022

Intelligence Outranks Muscle

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24 1-2 Don’t envy evil people;

    don’t even want to be around them.

All they think about is causing a disturbance;

    all they talk about is making trouble.

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3-4 It takes wisdom to build a house,

    and understanding to set it on a firm foundation;

It takes knowledge to furnish its rooms

    with fine furniture and beautiful draperies.

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5-6 It’s better to be wise than strong;

    intelligence outranks muscle any day.

Strategic planning is the key to warfare;

    to win, you need a lot of good counsel.

-Proverbs 24:1-6 The Message

24 Be not envious of evil men,

    nor desire to be with them,

2 for their hearts devise violence,

    and their lips talk of trouble.

3 By wisdom, a house is built,

    and by understanding it is established;

4 by knowledge, the rooms are filled

    with all precious and pleasant riches.

5 A wise man is full of strength,

    and a man of knowledge enhances his might,

6 for by wise guidance you can wage your war,

    and in an abundance of counselors, there is victory.

-Proverbs 24:1-6 ESV

Verse 2 study: These evil people intend to use all their intellect and determination to harm others.

Verses 3-4 studies: Wisdom, understanding, knowledge. These are words that are used synonymously to harness the right relationships. For example, true wisdom applies to the craftsman’s skill in construction work to human relationships and legitimate achievement of prosperity.

36 “Bezalel and Oholiab and every craftsman in whom the Lord has put skill and intelligence to know how to do any work in the construction of the sanctuary shall work in accordance with all that the Lord has commanded.” -Exodus 36:1 ESV

Verse 3 study: House is literally a building lived in or as a metaphor for a family or even a dynasty.

Verse 4 study: The beauty of a good family relationship can be a metaphor for material wealth.

Verse 5 study: The type of people that accesses the situation and plan strategies are athletes. They think things through; they have an advantage over a physically stronger but unthinking opponent. Wisdom, not muscle, is why God put people in charge of the animal kingdom. We exercise regularly and eat well to build strength. The question is, do we take equal pains to develop wisdom? Wisdom is a very active part of strength. It pays to attain it.

Verse 6 study: The significant decisions we make rather if it is a school for college, marriage, career, children, etc., is not a sign of weakness to reach out for advice. It would be foolish if you didn’t. Find good advisers before making any decisions. They can help expand your thoughts and evaluate your choices.

Each of us has battles to fight. We need wise and sound advice to fight them well.