It has been well over a decade since I last played a baseball game that counted for something. Yet, amazingly, and though my body can’t respond as quickly, there are still things I do on a baseball field that are “second nature” to me. I still stand at the plate the same way, still throw the same way, still field the same way…all the same way as I did when I was playing. Why? Obviously, I did those activities so much and so often that I don’t have to think about them; they just happen.

Drill after drill after drill…now my body has it memorized, even all these years later.

Baseball is like that. It requires repetition to become proficient. This is one of those areas in which baseball imitates life.

Check it out in Proverbs 22:17-18–“Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise, and apply your mind to my knowledge; for it will be pleasant if you keep them within you, that they may be ready on your lips” (NASB).

Did you catch that last part? “Ready on your lips.” Wisdom and knowledge as second nature. Just like hitting, throwing, and fielding are for the player even years later. Just as a player does drill after drill, the person who follows God’s Word does drill after drill in wisdom and knowledge. He listens closely to those who are wise (implying also that he ignores those who are foolish and focused only on the “now”). He thinks about the things of God, studying the Scriptures, praying, and filling his mind with the truth found there.

Just as it is fun to be able to play baseball well after doing all those drills, this proverb makes it clear that a similar life experience will be had for those who devote themselves to gaining the wisdom and knowledge of God. It will be good, enjoyable, and beneficial, both for the one who has such things “on his lips” and for those he influences.

So, consider whether godly wisdom and knowledge are second nature to you. If not, it’s time to begin practice, drill work in the Scripture and on your knees in prayer.

Here’s a prayer:

Lord Jesus, if I’m honest, baseball comes much more naturally to me than godly wisdom and knowledge. In many ways, I’ve worked harder at a game than I have given focus to my relationship with you. Thank you for loving me and for your grace which always is greater than my failure. I praise you that my sinful nature has been transformed through faith in You as my Savior. Please help me to do the drill work of studying the Scripture and spending time with you in prayer. I want godliness and wisdom to be second nature to me. Amen.