Pacing Our Steps - Proverbs 16:21-24 - Walking In Wisdom

“The wise in heart are called discerning, and gracious words promote instruction.” -excerpt from Proverbs 16:21-24 “A rebuke impresses a discerning person more than a hundred lashes a fool.” -excerpt from Proverbs 17:10-12 “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.” -excerpt from Proverbs 27:1 Have you ever received contradictory advice? In elementary school, I remember local law enforcement hosting a big “safety day” event. There were lots of fun things for five-year-old me–carnival games with candy, cool cars, and our own personal police badges. But there was also a serious teaching moment where we learned about “stranger danger.” I remember the teachers drilling it into our heads: “I will not talk to strangers. I will not talk to strangers. I will not talk to strangers.” All seemed fine. Except then I went home. My family went out into town that night, and something happened that always happened when we were in public. My dad somehow managed to have a conversation with everyone he saw. I would ask how he knew so many people, and my dad would laugh. “I don’t know them. I was just being friendly.” “But, Dad!” I yelled at him. “Don’t you know that you’re never, ever, EVER supposed to talk to strangers!?” Obviously, that’s not what the police officers meant. I was too literal. My five-year-old mind had a hard time understanding the difference between when it was and was not okay to talk to someone I didn’t know. Sometimes this is what it’s like to read Proverbs–it’s just a book of contradictory sayings! Read more at https://www.fbcmuncie.org/blog For more information about messages in this series, or to find out more about First Baptist Church Muncie (FBCM), please see our website: fbcmuncie.org Our video live streams are available on our YouTube channel. Find a video library of past sermons on our church center channel. If you’re looking for a church home, or seeking information about the church, please submit a virtual visitor’s card. To financially support our ministry, please see our Church Center giving page. – Audio-Only Podcast Bumper Music is an arrangement of “Be Thou My Vision” by Dr. Clifton Davis, FBCM’s Worship Arts Pastor. First Baptist Church, Muncie, Indiana is a Spirit-led Community gathered to join Christ’s presence in our community. We gather at 309 East Adams Street, Muncie, Indiana, 47305, each week. Our worship service is at 10:45 a.m. Our current scriptural watchword for this season is “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45). These message recordings are meant to be shared. Please rate us 5 stars on Spotify, Apple Music, or your podcasting app of choice and share with family and friends.