If I walked away with anything after studying Proverbs for the last twelve weeks it is this: I want
to think wisely and I want to act wisely. It never fails, I read Proverbs and think, “That makes so
much sense. I want to live like that.” God intends His wisdom to renew our minds and be put
into practice. We see this principle in the book of Proverbs but we also see it in the lives of
biblical characters. Solomon was wise but failed in some major ways to put it into practice. Peter
was wise but often failed to put it into practice.

Here are a few examples of what God’s word teaches us about this principle:

Renew your mind…
Rom. 12:2b - be transformed by the renewing of your mind
Ephesians 4:22–24 - You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old
self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your
minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

Put it into practice…
Ephesians 5:15–16 - Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making
the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil..
James 3:13 - Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by
deeds done in humility that comes from wisdom.

A renewed mind shows us what is wise. A follower of Jesus looks for ways to put that wisdom
into practice. To put it another way…

Wisdom left in the mind makes a wise fool.
Wisdom put into practice makes a wise follower.

-Chad