Are you Paying Attention?

You go to services and read devotionals. You get verses tossed at you all week long…But are you really paying attention?

Proverbs 29:18 (NIV)

“Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint; but blessed is the one who heeds wisdom’s instruction.”

Solomon was trying to get our attention. In this short but powerful Proverb, he warns us about what happens when we ignore God’s guidance. When people live without spiritual vision, they lose restraint. They drift. But those who truly listen, who take God’s wisdom seriously, find blessing.

I like to use the term “Verser.”

A Verser is someone who collects Bible verses for inspiration. They might read Scripture regularly, but they’re especially drawn to those short, punchy verses that hit quick and deep. Proverbs 29:18 is perfect for a Verser. It’s brief but it packs a serious challenge.

Because knowing a verse isn’t the same as living it.

How many times have you tried to explain something important and the other person just didn’t get it? Not because you weren’t clear, but because they weren’t open. It’s frustrating. And when it comes to spiritual truth, it can be heartbreaking.

We live in a world full of opinions and labels. I’ve known conservatives and liberals alike who were hurting. The real issue isn’t political. It’s spiritual. Are we listening to God? Or are we just listening to ourselves?

Solomon reminds us we have a choice. We can pay attention to God’s Word. Or we can ignore it. But if we don’t listen, we lose something vital—the wisdom that keeps us from falling into foolishness.

I’ve seen this inside the church too.

There are people who show up every week. They serve. They quote Scripture. They pray.

But when they speak, it feels more like a performance than praise. There’s something missing. It is like they’ve built a life around Christian culture, but never surrendered to Jesus Himself.

And I get it.

This isn’t about judging. It’s about waking up.

Following Jesus isn’t about saying the right things. It’s about walking in step with His Spirit.

When we stop doing that, when we let our old nature creep back in, we begin to drift.

Little by little, we lose the clarity and peace that come from living close to God.

That’s what Solomon is warning us about.

When we stop paying attention, we start slipping. We give ourselves excuses. We explain away our choices. But without God’s voice guiding us, we lose the very restraint that protects us.

I believe most people mean well. But good intentions without God’s direction can still lead us into trouble. If we don’t lift God to His rightful place in our lives, we won’t have the strength or focus we need.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, You know I live in a glass house. You know I’m a work in progress. Thank you for keeping me grounded in your Word. Thank you for the reminders that bring me back to what matters most. For those who are drifting or spiritually asleep, wake them up. Lead them to the peace and purpose that only come from you. Keep us and our loved ones safe, steady, and centered on you. We pray this in the name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior. Amen.