THE PRUDENT AND THE SIMPLE
Scripture Reading: Proverbs 14:1-16
The simple believes every word, But the prudent considers well luis steps. - Proverbs 14:15
The book of Proverbs often contrasts the behaviour of the wise person I with that of the fool. In the parable of the virgins, Jesus conducted a similar comparison between wise and foolish virgins. So what is the difference between their outlooks on life?
To be prudent is to be wise, sensible and to exercise good judgement. People who are wise or prudent typically:
- Examine a path before following it.
- Consider the implications of their actions carefully before taking them.
- Commit their plans to God to ensure that His purpose prevails.
The fool is also referred to in Proverbs as the "simple.” That means naive, childish and immature. Simple people judge issues from the surface and often cannot see beyond it. People who are simple:
- Are easily persuaded by what they see or hear.
- Believe that their way is always right.
- Act with a deluded sense of confidence that is often based on very little evidence.
Psalms 14:1 explains the root cause of the fool's worldview. The fool says in his heart," there is no God." This connotes a denial of self-evident truth. The fool knows that God is real but chooses to convince himself otherwise. It is like jumping from a tall building in defiance of gravity. Have you ever advised someone with all the facts available but he or she simply refused to listen? That is the way of the simple. Ultimately the fool perverts every good thing God has created. We must always desire to walk in wisdom.
Prayer: Deliver me, Lord, from the ways of the simple and help me walk in the paths of the prudent
