Scripture: A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences. – Proverbs 22:3

Observation: The author notes in this couplet that wiser people pay attention to their surroundings and take appropriate action based on their observations so as not to fall into danger, but the careless or simple-minded don’t observe their surroundings and must live with the consequences of their actions or inactions.

Application: This verse speaks of the wise versus the unwise, but even people who are considered wise have momentary lapses of reason in their lives. The most prudent of people are not exempt from making unwise decisions. They, too, must live with the consequences of their decisions.

For instance, David, a man after Yahweh’s heart, did the following:
1. Lusted for a close friend’s wife when he should have been out doing his job,
2. Chose to sleep with another man’s wife,
3. Ordered her husband home from military service,
4. Intoxicated this high-ranking officer in David’s army,
5. Tried to convince this solder to go home and sleep with his wife to cover up the adultery and ensuing pregnancy,
6. Ordered his top general to have this soldier and loyal friend murdered in battle by the enemy to hide his sins.
7. Married the widow of his top aide he had murdered.

What consequence did David have to endure because of these decisions?
1. He was confronted by the preacher about his sins.
2. He lost the child conceived in sin.
3. His son raped his daughter.
4. His eldest son tried to overthrow him as king.
5. His eldest son murdered one of his other sons.
6. His family had unrest and trouble for the rest of his life and beyond for generations.
7. He lost one of his most trusted advisors and most loyal of friends.

We may think that we are wise in our minds, but we have to rely on the Wisdom of Yahweh! Scripture tells us that any wisdom outside of the Father’s wisdom is worldly and no good. Scripture also tells us that if we lack wisdom, then we can ask the Father for his wisdom, which he gives generously to those who ask and expect to receive it.

Prayer: Father, I never want to be known as a simpleton. You have given me the gift of intellect and reason, so I want to do what you want me to do. Life is complicated enough to try and go it alone, only which the simpletons do and pay a hefty price for it. Teach me to be vigilant regarding my surroundings and to take the necessary precautions required, especially as you guide me by your Spirit. Help me not to be wise in my mind but to be humble and obedient to your Word so that I don’t make the types of mistakes that others like David did. May your will be done, and not mine. In the name of your Son, Yeshua, amen!