Read Ephesians 5:15 

God tells us not to be foolish, but wise, making the most of our time, taking every opportunity that comes our way and using it wisely.

Before his 20th birthday, Jonathan Edwards, the brilliant and godly philosopher-theologian who became God's instrument in the Great Awakening revival of the 18th century, resolved "Never to lose one moment of time, but to improve it in the most profitable way I possibly can." 

That is exactly what he did, using well the intellectual gifts God had given him. He entered Yale at 13 and at 17 graduated at the head of his class. At 26 he was the minister of one of the largest congregations in Massachusetts.

Following the will of God requires wisdom, clear thinking, and yes, even good old garden-variety common sense.

Excerpted from Charles R. Swindoll, Wisdom for the Way (Nashville: J. Countryman, a division of Thomas Nelson, Inc., 2001). Copyright © 2001 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission.