Begin with two minutes of stillness and silence before God.

This week, we’ll study the final chapters of Proverbs together. While the book offers a wealth of practical advice and instruction, it can sometimes feel overwhelming. One chapter can read like trying to drink from a fire hydrant—similar to how my teenage son probably feels when I rattle off a long list of instructions before heading to work. Maybe you’ve felt like that too, wondering what part of a chapter to focus on for S.O.A.P. when there are so many wise sayings to consider.

Remember, it's okay to read slowly. Sometimes just one verse or a short section is enough to reflect on and apply. The daily readings are simply a guide. I always ask God to speak to me through His Word, then follow His lead. Sometimes, His prompting feels like a gentle nudge. Other times, it’s a strong jolt. Either way, it’s helpful to pause and ask God what He wants us to see.

This week, I’ll share what God showed me this time. Maybe He’ll highlight something completely different for you—and that’s a good thing! Pause, be curious, and let the S.O.A.P. method help you dig deeper.

In Proverbs 26, verse 12 struck a chord:

“Do you see a person wise in their own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for them.”

This chapter opens with eleven sharp, even humorous verses about a fool. Then, verse 12 says there’s more hope for that kind of person—someone who despises wisdom, ignores correction, and walks toward destruction—than for someone who arrogantly assumes their way is always best. That idea appears in at least 36 other verses throughout Scripture.

Verse 12 invites us to humbly seek God’s wisdom, not rely solely on our own understanding. What if, before jumping to conclusions, we prayed David’s words from Psalm 139: 

“Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”

When I ask God to search me first, He expands my perspective and reveals pride. This pause shapes my heart. Even if my position doesn’t change, my tone often does. That may be the real difference between a “wise guy” and a truly wise person: the ability to listen with humility.

Reading this verse reminded me of parenting. I felt the Holy Spirit convict my pride and call me to suspend judgment for curiosity, to listen more attentively to my son, and to honor his perspective, even when I think I already know best. Humility means being willing to receive wisdom from others, even 13-year-old boys! We can’t receive if we’re always the ones talking, teaching, or correcting.

God teaches and corrects us through His Word, His Spirit, and other people. Choosing humility over pride creates space for learning, growth, and deeper relationships.

Are you teachable? Do you lead with curiosity and a listening heart? Do you welcome feedback and other perspectives? Do you respond with grace and humility?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, guard me from pride that blinds and hardens. Help me not to be wise in my own eyes, but to humbly seek Your wisdom and receive insight from others. Keep my heart teachable, my spirit soft, and my eyes fixed on You. Amen.

Take two minutes to reflect in silence.

Reflection:

Use the S.O.A.P. Method to study God’s Word.

• SCRIPTURE: What stands out to you in today’s passage?
• OBSERVATION: What is this text saying? What is the context? How does it fit with the verses before and after it? Are there any commands, instructions, or promises? 
• APPLICATION: How can you apply this verse to your life? What does this mean today? What is God saying to you? 
• PRAYER: Respond to the passage in prayer. Ask God to help you apply this truth to your life and spend some time listening to what He may be telling you.