Word of the Week

3/13/10

A prudent man foresees evil and hides himself. But the simple pass on and are punished. Prov. 22:3 (NKJV)

A prudent person foresees the danger ahead and takes precautions; the simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences. (NLT)

A prudent person is one who exercises sound judgment in everyday matters according to the ways of God. He is cautious in his behavior, not making rash decisions. With the word of God to guide him and as his standard for daily living, the prudent is alert and watchful for the deceptions, the desires, the thoughts that tempt him to stray form God’s path. He sees the evil and danger ahead on the wrong path, and he takes the necessary precautions to keep himself from it. Not so with the fool, the simpleton. He sees only his own desires. He has turned away from God’s wisdom and does not have this as a guide and a guard against evil. He makes rash decisions without thinking and without any awareness of the consequences ahead. He rushes into whatever passion or desire that comes along. The result always ends with suffering and punishment.

In all we do, a Christian’s goal must be to base every decision, every word, every step we take completely on the word of God. If we are consistent in knowing God’s word and deliberate in applying it to each situation we face, we will be able to foresee danger and act to avoid it. We must avoid being hasty, foolish, or blind to the guidance of God in our everyday lives.

PRAYER: Dear God, Open my eyes fully to the folly of going my own way. I willingly submit myself to You and to obedience to Your ways. Help me to consider my ways daily to keep me following You. Slow me down when I am tempted to live for my own selfish purposes. Help me to clearly see the dangers of the wrong path when I rush to go my own way. Help me to live as a prudent person who considers my way and chooses righteousness.