GIVE THOUGHT TO YOUR STEPS

Proverbs 14:1-17 / Keywords 14:15

A simple man believes anything, but a prudent man gives thought to his steps.

 

14:1 The wise woman builds her house,

    but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.

2 Whoever fears the Lord walks uprightly,

    but those who despise him are devious in their ways.

3 A fool’s mouth lashes out with pride,

    but the lips of the wise protect them.

4 Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty,

    but from the strength of an ox come abundant harvests.

5 An honest witness does not deceive,

    but a false witness pours out lies.

6 The mocker seeks wisdom and finds none,

    but knowledge comes easily to the discerning.

7 Stay away from a fool,

    for you will not find knowledge on their lips.

8 The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways,

    but the folly of fools is deception.

9 Fools mock at making amends for sin,

    but goodwill is found among the upright.

10 Each heart knows its own bitterness,

    and no one else can share its joy.

11 The house of the wicked will be destroyed,

    but the tent of the upright will flourish.

12 There is a way that appears to be right,

    but in the end it leads to death.

13 Even in laughter the heart may ache,

    and rejoicing may end in grief.

14 The faithless will be fully repaid for their ways,

    and the good rewarded for theirs.

15 The simple believe anything,

    but the prudent give thought to their steps.

16 The wise fear the Lord and shun evil,

    but a fool is hotheaded and yet feels secure.

17 A quick-tempered person does foolish things,

    and the one who devises evil schemes is hated.

1. Knowledge and supposed wisdom are more abundant and accessible in the modern world than ever before. The latest technologies have made finding advice on almost any matter at any time and at anywhere possible. The amount of information is overwhelming in our world - but how can we know what is correct? How can we find true wisdom?

 

2. We start with humbly fearing the LORD (2,16,1:7, 3:5) and observing the fruit of wise people (1,3b,7). A mocker cannot find wisdom because of pride (6a). We also need discernment (6b) so that we do not live as the simpletons (15a) and those who follow worldly consensus do. For example, seeking riches and comfort seems to be common wisdom as we live our lives in the world, but in the end, it will lead to death (12, Lk 9:24-25).

 

3. Instead of living by worldly consensus or reacting to every advice or information that we receive, Proverbs encourages us to give thought to our ways (8a). We ought to carefully, and deliberately, give thought to the steps we are taking (15). When we give thought to our ways based on God’s word and pray to God, he will give us the wisdom we need (Ja 1:5). Are the steps you are taking in life leading you toward a deeper relationship with God and others in love?

 

Prayer Father, please give us discernment as we give thought to our steps and live with your wisdom.

One Word Be thoughtful and pray