Danger - Take Cover

November 12, 2018

Proverbs 27:12

“A sensible person sees danger and takes cover; the inexperienced keep going and are punished.”

Our God is an awesome God, yes He is fantastic, and yet at a time of sin and disobedience when I’ve chosen to rebel against His authority, He is frightening.  Often this is where we find the inexperienced younger person, but as I’ve advanced in age, it seems many older folks act the same way.

You see it every day, as you drive on the highways of this life, that parking for handicap is five car’s closer to the door, it matters not that I am not a person in need say such a person.  Or I’m not stopping for that red light, I do not allow some line on the road to tell me what to do, so it says no passing, so what?  I’ve had a manwho I respect tell me, and it was out of character, that if it was early in the morning, and the light was red, but no car was coming he was going to go through it.  I ask what about the law, and his reply if they gave me a ticket I'll fight it.  That wrong to the bone, the law is the law and it there to protect, not to harm.

Those are laws made by man, and most are right and for our protection but what about the laws of God?  Let’s keep it simple, first and foremost is to love God and others, even one's enemies.  I’m still working on the enemy’s part, yes I’m a mess, and God knows just how big of a mess I am, but He is kind and loving, and I’m asking Him to love them through me.

But what about stealing, do you steal from your employer, do not lie, do you lie to your wife and children when you tell them one thing but do not honor your word?  Do you cheat on your bride and your kids by placing your time and attention elsewhere, like golf, fishing, or anything that you put before them but worshiping God?

One might say the inexperienced is usually young and not committed to anyone but self, but that type of flesh as stated above does not die without a person coming to a crossroad in life and asking the Father for deliverance.  That is why I believe God has allowed Solomon to share this truth with us so that we might seek wisdom and understanding.

Now I often believe we do not understand the meaning of a word, like shrewdness, for example, it's meaning, is a crafty person, talented, but I was always on guard when I was told they were shrewd, believing they were taking advantage of others.  What I missed in my understanding of the word was a shrewd person is discerning, perceptive, has insight and good judgment, and yes they are smart, most have wisdom. They have the understanding to think, discern and ponder independently.  But one should never forget the negative side of shrewdness is a schemer. 

You will find to the word the same advice in Proverbs 22:3, “A sensible person sees danger and takes cover, but the inexperienced keep going and are punished.”

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice