By PAT HUTCHENS, A rework of Imitation of Messiah by Thomas A. Kempis—
Do not put too much stock in what people say, or even in what you yourself think. Instead, with a sense of caution and with much patience, test everything as to whether it is of God. Our own human nature is prone to jump to conclusions about others – and usually bad conclusions.
• People who have developed a well-rounded spiritual life, however, do not believe every word they hear. They know from God’s Word that mankind is actually prone to wrong doing and wrong talking. As the song says, we are “Prone to wander, prone to leave the God we love.”
• Real wisdom is learning that you don’t have to always “do something” or “say something” about everything. You can wait and give yourself time to know and say and do the right thing. And you don’t have to tell everything you know either, even if it is true. To know these principles is one thing – to do them is another.
• Get advice and counsel from wise people whose life, as much as possible, backs up what they say and believe. Listen to people who have learned from experience rather than always jump to your own conclusions.
• Living right, according to God’s Word, actually develops wisdom in a person. The more you humble yourself inwardly and the more obedient you are toward God, the wiser you will be in all areas of life. Humility and obedience produce true peace.
A rework of Imitation of Messiah by Brother Thomas A. Kempis