I’m delighted to welcome Katherine Pasour as today’s guest. She shares timeless wisdom from Stay the Course: A Devotional to Survive and Thrive in Your First Year of College (and Beyond)—truths that guide not only young adults but all of us. In a world filled with distractions and uncertainty, Katherine reminds us that God’s wisdom and prudence lead to peace, purpose, and protection.
Gaining Wisdom and Prudence
Over three million students in the United States graduated from high school last May. These precious young adults entered the work force or began the new adventure of college. They are our future. We hope and pray this generation is gaining wisdom and prudence as they spread their wings to fly.
“I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence; I possess knowledge and discretion” (Proverbs 8:12 NIV).
Prudence can be defined as being careful and having good sense (we need a dose of this insight no matter our age, don’t we?) Another characteristic of prudence is forethought—thinking about something before you do it.
Good advice.
Our young adults will face many new decisions in their new jobs or in college.
Examples?
- Choosing friends and who to hang out with
- Setting schedules—getting up for work or class, social activities, adequate sleep
- Developing a good work ethic
- Selecting social activities—when, what, where, and with whom
These are somewhat benign choices, not particularly dangerous (although they can be). Choosing our friends wisely helps keep us safe. The decisions we make in selecting friends and choosing social interactions affect our ability to succeed in college or in our careers. Developing and nurturing a good work ethic is a strength that benefits us throughout life.
Being prudent and wise enables us to use good sense in making decisions. If an activity or a person interferes with our ability to be successful in college or in our job, our good sense should tell us to limit contact with that person or activity.
Other more serious distractions and behaviors seek to entice our young adults:
- Being fully committed to the goal is essential for academic in success. A check-up for students—are you attending classes all classes? Keeping up with homework? Maintaining good study habits? Avoiding the temptations of staying out too late or engaging in risky behavior?
- A good work ethic is essential for success in school or the work force. In your job, are you always prompt, completing tasks as assigned, and maintain a positive attitude?
- Do you avoid dangerous behaviors such as drugs, alcohol, or unhealthy personal relationships?
- Do we spend within our budget?
- Are healthy nutrition choices, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep priorities?
“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise, but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15-16 NIV).
Prudence and wisdom, no matter our age, serve to protect us and help us achieve our goals. Think and pray before decisions. Ask—will this action support me on my journey to be successful in college or my career or will this decision bring harm to me or others?
Dear reader, the words above are adapted from Stay the Course: A Devotional to Survive and Thrive in Your First Year of College (and Beyond). However, the heart of this message calls to each of us. As a young adult, parent, grandparent, or concerned citizen, our prayers for our young adults, our country, and our world are imperative. These are terrifying times—no one seems to be safe. Whether on a college campus, riding a bus, walking on city streets, or sleeping in our home, we are threatened by violence.
Our fervent prayers are needed.
Gracious Father, There’s so much violence and hatred in our world. Your message, as given to us through our Savior, Jesus, is one of mercy, love, and forgiveness. Please help each of us to be an instrument of peace and love. Guide us that we may we be the light and love of Jesus in our tiny part of the world and may our efforts spread to the nations.
Meet Katherine Pasour
Katherine Pasour is an author, teacher, speaker, farm girl, and advocate for wellness. Through her writing and weekly blog, she strives to share her love for Jesus and her passion to help others achieve a healthier and happier lifestyle. Dr. Katherine has written Honoring God with My Body: Journey to Wellness and a Healthy Lifestyle and Stay the Course: A Devotional Handbook to Survive and Thrive in your First Year of College (and Beyond).
Katherine also writes for Refresh Bible Study Magazine, Lighthouse Bible Studies, Arise Daily Devotions (Advance Writers and Speakers Association), and Living By Design Ministries. Read more of Katherine’s writing on her blog or connect with her on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Wisdom and prudence aren’t just for the young. In this guest post, Katherine Pasour shares biblical guidance for wise living in today’s world. #Wisdom #Faith #ChristianLiving Share on XThank you, Katherine!
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My grandson has this wonderful book in his college dorm. I pray he is turning to it often as he navigates college life for the first time. And yes, much of the book applies to my life as well.
Candyce, yes, we never outgrow our need to grow in wisdom.
I agree, Debbie. My grandchildren are sharing wisdom with me now! May we never be too old to gain wisdom and strengthen our faith. Candyce, I’m praying for him.
Prudence isn’t a word we hear too often these days. Thanks for defining it well, not only for those next generations, but for we find ourselves right here, right now in this season.
Bless you both!
Linda, I agree, we certainly need to practice prudence in every season of life. If we did we’d be spared much regret.
Thank you, Linda, for your encouragement. You are right, we seldom hear the word prudence in these times. But woudn’t we get along so much better and not face so many trials if we were all more prudent? Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us.
Oh my those qualities are so very needed by all of us today!
I agree. Seems more than ever!
Thank you, Ann, for stopping by Debbie’s blog and sharing kind encouragement. Blessings!
What a small world… that I know Debbie and Katherine and they both know each other! I suggested Debbie to Katherine about a month ago when Katherine mentioned getting published and she told me she already knew Debbie. Katherine and I first met before the first grade – no kindergarden in our day! She may not remember that. I think we were together in every grade at Wentworth School. We both had her mother as a teacher in the third grade – a good teacher too. Since Loretta and I retired in 2018, and moved from Fayetteville to Archdale, we have been able to reconnect with Katherine and some others from Wentworth. Imagine to my surprise to find out Katherine was a college administrator, and then a Doctorate and then a published Christian author! I wonder what she will do next to surprise me. By the way, in about the second or third grade, Katherine taught me the difference between mules and horses… mules have long ears. To that date I had only seen horses on TV!
I am proud and thankful to know Katherine as faithful sister in Christ!
How sweet! I love how God reconnected you. Thanks so much for sharing your story!
Alan, I remember those years together at Wentworth. Those were some great times. Do you recall paying marbles after school in Mrs. Snow’s class? I’m so glad we are both blessed to have Debbie as a friend. Her blog messages bring me wisdom, inspiration, and encouragement. Thank you for your message of encouragement, Alan. Best wishes to you and Loretta for a beautiful fall season and for the upcoming holidays of Thanksgiving and Christmas.
These are good points for us all to consider, no matter what our age!
Thank you, Jerralea. Yes, I find myself in need of prudence on a daily basis. I have a friend who never stops at a chance to remind me I’m in the “4th quarter.” Prudence and wisdom are needed for all ages. Wishing you a blessed day.
I agree. We all need to protect ourselves from the lure of the world, the flesh, and the devil!
Having a granddaughter who is a senior in HS, I have had my eye on this book. Today your post helped me to see I am go give it as a gift 🙂 Thank you!
I love it when God provides gifts I may or may not have known I was looking for!
Thank you, Joanne. I’m praying for all our college students and especially for our first-year students. It’s such a hard adjustment and they will experience many challenges. But we’re praying for our high school seniors as they prepare for college and begin that new, exciting (and sometimes terrifying) adventure of college. Sending best wishes and prayers for your grandaughter.
Thank you for sharing Debbie. Katherine always share such wonderful wisdom. I learn so much from both you ladies.