Let’s turn to Proverbs chapter 18 together so we can get wisdom that goes beyond the gold!
IN COMMUNITY
An unfriendly man (woman) pursues selfish ends; he (she) defies all sound judgment.
Proverbs 18:1
Although Muppet character Oscar the Grouch lives on Sesame Street, you may know a person or two in your neighborhood with a character quality that resonates with his name. Proverbs 18:1 has a clear message for grouches: An unfriendly man (woman) pursues selfish ends; he (she) defies all sound judgment. Although it serves as a reminder for all of us to be friendlier and to smile more, it runs much deeper than that. At its core, it is wisdom about living in community, in relationship with one another.
He (She) who separates himself (herself) seeks his (her) own desire, he (she) quarrels against all sound wisdom (NASB, emphasis added).
A man (woman) who isolates himself (herself) seeks his (her) own desire; he (she) rages against all wise judgment (NKJV, emphasis added).
Loners who care only for themselves spit on the common good (MSG, emphasis added).
The Proverbs 18:1 message is clear. It’s foolish to intentionally separate yourself from the faithful and wise community of believers. There should be no lone rangers within God’s family. Stubborn independence goes against sound wisdom, wise judgment, and the common good of the body.
It’s hard work to live in community. Personalities clash. Opinions collide. Petty disagreements ignite into full-flamed conflict. When the dust settles, foolish people may get what they desire, but they’ll lose out on the sound wisdom and relationships that they need.
The New Testament word for community is koinoœnia. It means partnership, communion, participation, and fellowship. We celebrate koinoœnia in Communion. We put it into practice when we share our lives (1 Thessalonians 2:8), our property (Acts 4:32), the gospel (Philippians 1:5), and share in Jesus’ suffering and glory (1 Peter 4:13).
Can you think of someone within God’s family whom you’ve separated yourself from or maybe he or she has made the choice to separate from you? Paul gives us practical wisdom on relationships in Romans 12:9-21, including this command: If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone (v18). Is that always easy? No. Is it the wisest choice you can make? Every time.
Wisdom Step: If there is division between you and another person within the body of Christ today, seek to do your part to live in community.
If we do not give thanks daily for the Christian fellowship in which we have been placed, even where there is no great experience, no discoverable riches, but much weakness, small faith, and difficulty; if on the contrary, we only keep complaining to God that everything is so paltry and petty, so far from what we expected, then we hinder God from letting our fellowship grow according to the measure and riches which are there for us all in Jesus Christ.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer
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