“A prudent man foresees the difficulties ahead and prepares for them; the simple goes blindly on and suffers the consequences.” Proverbs 22:3
The threat of the enemy the evil one cannot be ignored. Mass killings, human trafficking, people doing as they please ignoring laws, ordinances, or common sense. Why does evil continue to rear its ugly head from century to century? What can we do? Where do we go from here?
“The prudent sees the evil and hides himself, But the naive (simple) go on, and are punished for it.” Proverbs 22:3 NASB
So what is the difference between a prudent person and a simple person according to Scripture?
A prudent person is one who is wise and judicious (good judgment) in practical affairs. A person who is sagacious (showing or having acute mental discernment, keen practical sense), discreet, circumspect and careful.
A simple person is naive, believes anything, and inexperienced. An unthinking person. One who is gullible, unmindful and open to all influences.
You may be saying, “So what?” How does this verse apply to me and the current events?
The prudent person sees the evil. In this context, this means to recognize, be aware of something, or acknowledge, in the case of evil. This meaning of evil can range from referring to the spiritually evil or in the practical sense things that could be dangerous and results in a catastrophe of some kind.
The simple person is just the opposite. This persons mind is open and accommodating to all kinds of information. However, they use no discernment (see devotional post on Discernment 2-15) regarding evil and end up believing everything. (Proverbs 14:15) They believe they can just follow their own hearts which is how they fail to prepare and act in the light of personal and public evil.
Suppose you were riding in a car with a friend driving down a busy highway and you notice a sign that says, “Danger Ahead! Bridge out.” For the next 10 miles the signs are getting bigger and the lights are flashing brighter. All of the signs say the exact same thing, “DANGER AHEAD!”
You get the message! It’s very evident that there is danger ahead that will require your attention.
Do you just sit on the passenger side of the car and do nothing. Will you just wait to see if the driver will do something about the warning signs?
No way! Not me. I’m not waiting to see if the signs are correct and in the process crash over the side of the bridge.
I would scream at the driver “STOP!!” and make a fuss until they pull the car off the road and we were safe.
Hmm. . .
So what are we doing right now when we see DANGER signs happening in the world and all around us? What will we do?
God is calling us all to action! Be encouraged! Those who are able and especially the followers of Christ, must speak out to those who are in authority to protect all human life who are weak and without protection. Maybe you need courage to stand against the evil around you today? God gives us a word of encouragement to be strong and courageous in the Bible. Are you willing to stand for the persecuted with strength and courage? Let’s pray for courage this week.
Dear Heavenly Father,
You are a Great and Mighty God. There is nothing too difficult for you. Thank you for your Son Jesus Christ who willingly came down from His place in heaven to the earth to live among us and then be persecuted and die on a cross for our sins. Thank you that Jesus didn’t just die but he was resurrected from the dead and lives again so we may have eternal life. Protect the innocent who are being persecuted for Your name sake today.
Forgive us for we are weak. Help us to be more like Christ. Help us to have the courage to stand firm and speak out against the evil in this world. Amen!
