Vital Signs: Friday, February 27, 2026

The Wisdom of Obedience

“Wisdom is the right use of knowledge. To know is not to be wise. Many men know a great deal, and are all the greater fools for it. There is no fool so great a fool as a knowing fool. But to know how to use knowledge is to have wisdom.” — Charles Spurgeon

We pray for wisdom. We ask for advice. We say, “God, show me what to do.” And then… we hesitate when the answer comes.

Sometimes the truth is hard. Sometimes wisdom challenges our plans, our pride, or our comfort. We want guidance, but we also want control. We hope the answer will agree with what we already decided.

Scripture reminds us in James 1:22 to be “doers of the word, and not hearers only.” It’s possible to hear wise counsel and still walk away unchanged. It’s possible to know the right thing and choose the easier thing.

Why do we do this? Because wisdom often requires humility. It asks us to admit we don’t know everything. It calls us to trust God over our emotions. And trust can feel risky.

But real growth doesn’t happen when we collect advice; it happens when we obey it. When God gives wisdom through His Word, through prayer, or through trusted mentors, it’s not to restrict us. It’s to protect and guide us. Ignoring wisdom may feel easier in the moment, but listening leads to peace in the long run.

Today, if you’re seeking direction, ask yourself: Am I truly open to God’s answer? Or am I only open if it matches what I want?

Pray not just for wisdom, but for a willing heart to follow it. Because the blessing isn’t just in hearing God’s voice. It’s in trusting it enough to obey.

Team Wade loves you and is praying for you 👊❤️