“A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels” (Proverbs 1:5).

The doctor stepped into the staff coffee room and discovered that he interrupted a discussion between an older physician and physician’s assistant. The assistant was sharing how frustrating it was to have Mrs. S. come in for an appointment and then to totally ignore the diagnosis and refuse to accept the prescription. “How do you convince the patient that you really do know what is going on and that this medicine will help?” the physician’s assistant asked. The older doctor replied, “People are a funny bunch. I just saw a pastor who said to me, ‘Well doc, I do believe I know how you feel. People come to my office for help. I tell them from the Scriptures what to do. They thank me for my time. They don’t do what I counsel them to do, and then they say that I didn’t help them.’ The pastor went on to quote a verse from the Bible about wise people hearing and listening to wise counsels. I guess that describes your case this morning.” With that it was time for all three to see their next patients. Throughout the day the physician’s assistant thought of that verse. It’s good for us today as well, isn’t it?

For today: What is the Lord saying to us in His Word today? We need to be wise, listen, and obey.