Each year in January, I am drawn to the book of Proverbs to glean wisdom for the year. A friend of mine recently said that in 2023, the book of Proverbs will give the Church a backbone. I interpreted that comment to mean that the wisdom and common sense expressed in Proverbs will become a splash of cold water in the sleepy faces of the compromise and complacency that has taken place within the Church.

After addressing the kind of wisdom that keeps us from following the lure of enticements of deception that has ruined many good people, Proverbs instructs us, “So, follow the steps of good men, and stay on the paths of the righteous. For only the godly will live in the land, and those with integrity will remain in it. But the wicked will be removed from the land, and the treacherous will be uprooted” (Proverbs 2:20-22).

If we are willing to follow the leading of wisdom and common sense, that choice will keep us on the path of righteousness. It will also become a form of spiritual warfare removing evil from the land when good and upright people begin to displace the individuals who have become wicked and treacherous to all that is good.

Again, referring to the kind of wisdom that directs our paths keeping us safe and emotionally healthy, Proverbs tells us, “My child, don’t lose sight of common sense and discernment. Hang on to them, for they will refresh your soul. They are like jewels on a necklace. They keep you safe on your way, and your feet will not stumble. You can go to bed without fear; you will lie down and sleep soundly. You need not be afraid of sudden disaster or the destruction that comes upon the wicked, for the Lord is your security. He will keep your foot from being caught in a trap. (Proverbs 3:21-26).

There is so much going on in our nation that makes no sense. Our borders have collapsed, people are deciding they want to be another gender, laws have been enacted and celebrated allowing a living baby to be killed after a botched abortion, and we continue to print money out of thin air to “solve” a national debt that will never be repaid in multiple lifetimes. People too willingly believed everything the so-called medical “experts” told them was true regarding their health thinking they were doing the right thing. Yet the experts and those they aligned with who had financial interests in the deception, were actively suppressing the very information people needed to stay healthy and alive. Now more than ever, we desperately need the application of God’s wisdom and common sense in all areas of life.

Wisdom encased in common sense has other benefits. It refreshes our weary souls. It keeps us safe. Wisdom promises we won’t stumble when our world falls flat on its face, tripped up by deceptions so logical they sound like the truth. We will be able to sleep soundly trusting God and not be gripped by fear when sudden disaster and calamity comes upon those who mock God’s wisdom and reject the common sense of His truth.