Proverbs 22

Key Verse: The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty. Proverbs 22:3

“Prudence is foresight and far-sightedness. It’s the ability to make immediate decisions on the basis of their longer-range effects.”  – John Ortberg

Sir Sanford Fleming was a Scottish Canadian inventor and engineer. He was a brilliant man who planned a transcontinental railway that connected the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Fleming was a genius problem-solver who thought ahead. After missing a train in 1876 because of a misprinted time, he proposed a single world time that led to consistent local time zones. Fifty-three years after that missed train, Fleming’s proposal was adopted by all major countries. Consider how the forethought of one man has impacted the lives of millions! And imagine where we would be without a consistent world time?

The difference between moving forward with no thought and moving forward with considerable thought is prudence. The definition of the word “prudent” is “acting with or showing care and thought for the future.” Proverbs tells us about the value of acting with such a principle. Prudent people avoid danger, while simple people pay a hefty penalty. Consider parenting. Thinking ahead about who you want your child to be is prudent. Starting them off in that direction is impossible without first seeing it! “Training a child in the way they should go” (verse 6), requires a parent to know the way. And knowing the path is prudence.

Applying prudence to every area of life is a life-saving discipline. It allows you to focus on what is most important and avoid costly mistakes. It is the difference between paying full price at Disney for a rain poncho and bringing your own because you knew rain was likely. See ahead and make wise spiritual choices in your life. Pray before making decisions. Read God’s Word before you start your day. Plan now to follow God and stay on the path, or pay heavily for it in the future.
Dave Mergens, Pastor of Adult Formation

Today’s Challenge: Daily start with prayer and Bible time.