June 10 – Avoiding Deception

 Proverbs 4:7

“The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.”

SITREP:

What are you willing to give up for clarity, purpose, and spiritual direction? Wisdom is invaluable—it is worth more than wealth or power. Pursue it with diligence, and do not be deceived by empty words.

This proverb is part of a father’s battlefield briefing. Solomon is passing down what his father, King David, once drilled into him: don’t just live smart—live wise. And if it costs you something to get it, so be it. It’ll cost more not to.

Breaking Down the Verse:

"The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom." – Sounds repetitive for a reason. Step one to a life that doesn’t fall apart under fire? Admit you need help and chase wisdom like your life depends on it—because it does.

"Though it cost all you have…" – Wisdom won’t always come easy. You may have to lay down pride, relearn things you thought you knew, or walk away from people who don’t walk in truth.

"…get understanding." – Wisdom isn’t just knowing facts—it’s knowing what to do with them under pressure. It’s clarity when chaos hits. It’s choosing the right hill to die on—and walking away from the ones that don’t matter.

How This Hits Home for a Combat Veteran:

You’ve seen what happens when someone makes a quick decision with incomplete understanding—on the battlefield, in leadership, in life. Sometimes the scars are external. Sometimes they’re soul-deep.

That’s why Solomon’s words hit different here:

You’ve earned your experience—but wisdom takes more than history.

You’ve got instincts—but wisdom refines them.

You’ve felt the fog of war—but wisdom cuts through it.

This isn’t about book smarts. It’s about spiritual grit. The kind that doesn’t get rattled by noise, trauma, or regret. The kind that helps you rebuild after the fight, lead others through their storm, or stand firm when the enemy starts whispering.

And yes—it’ll cost you something:

Comfort

Your old way of thinking

The pride that says “I’ve got this on my own”

But what you gain in return? Discernment. Strength. Steadiness under fire. And the ability to guide others not just with opinion—but with truth.

ENDEX:

You wouldn’t head into combat without a weapon and a plan. Don’t walk into life without wisdom. Proverbs 4:7 is your rally cry to gear up—pay whatever price is necessary. Because wisdom doesn’t just help you survive—it helps you lead, stand, and finish strong.

AAR:
What are you actually chasing right now—achievement, security, relief, or wisdom? Proverbs 4:7 pulls no punches: “Wisdom is supreme—therefore get wisdom.” That’s not a suggestion; it’s an order. You’ve spent your life training for warfare, leadership, and survival, but have you applied that same drive to understanding God’s ways? Ask yourself: are you making decisions based on emotion, instinct, or informed, godly insight? Because wisdom isn’t about sounding smart—it’s about moving right. If your choices have been reactive instead of refined, maybe it’s time to get back to what matters most. Stop treating wisdom like an accessory and start treating it like essential gear.

Making Wisdom Your Primary Weapon
You’ve carried tools and weapons designed for specific threats, and you never rolled out without the essentials. Proverbs 4:7 tells you what belongs in your spiritual loadout first: wisdom. For the combat veteran, this verse reframes your mission. Wisdom isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about being trained enough to respond the right way when the pressure’s on. You’ve been in fights where a split-second decision changed everything. Spiritually, the same principle holds. Wisdom turns chaos into clarity. It’s the difference between surviving the fight and winning it. So pursue it like your life depends on it—because it does. Strap it on like armor. Sharpen it like a blade. Wisdom isn’t optional. It’s your frontline advantage.

Make your voice count—share what you’ve lived.

Share your experiences in the comments below. Your words could encourage someone else walking a similar path.

If you're comfortable, include as much or as little personal detail as you’d like. We suggest:

• Name
• Veteran, Retired, Family Member etc.
• Service Branch
• Years of Service (or Deployment Dates and Locations)

Every story matters—and yours might be exactly what someone else needs to hear.