“The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.”
I had an older brother. I loved him, but he had a habit of making some really poor choices as he grew up. I watched him carefully, saw where he made a bad choice, and immediately determined that I was not going to do the same thing. In a lot of ways, I was blessed to have the benefit of watching—and he didn’t. I wish he had. I lost him about 20 years ago as a result of his lifestyle. I’m not that smart, but I am very, very observant. In this passage, Solomon uses the word prudent, and it describes me—and probably many of you. We are wise enough to see where the ways of this world lead, and when we discover the way out—when God reveals Himself to us—we are wise enough to take that offer. The word prudent in this verse literally means shrewd, cunning, or discerning, signifying someone with practical wisdom who foresees and avoids danger, in contrast with the simple person who rushes in and suffers the consequences. I watched a lot of people where I grew up in Miami make choices that left them lonely, broken, and defeated. I saw what they were looking for, and I also saw what was waiting for them. I believe many of them saw it too, but they wanted so badly what was in front of them that they refused to turn to the One who offered a way out. When I heard the gospel and realized that God was offering me a way out of that empty life, I seized it. Over 50 years ago today, as a 15-year-old teenager, I had seen enough of life to realize I didn’t like where it was headed. When the gospel was shared, I grabbed it with both hands—and I’ve never let go. Now our call is to continue shining a light on what we’ve been shown. Today, be prudent—and reach the simple. #BeTheEdge
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23 NIV
