(Prov 27:12 GNB) Sensible people will see trouble coming and avoid it, but an unthinking person will walk right into it and regret it later.
This morning we continue our “Unlocking the Power of Proverbs – Walking in the Wisdom of God” series. When you get developed in the Word of God, learn to hear God’s voice, and are led of His Spirit, you subconsciously make decisions that protect you for undesired results. By deprogramming yourself from unrighteous thinking and then programming your thoughts to line up with God’s thoughts you prepare yourself for success. Said another way, once you learn to make decisions that line up with God’s wisdom, those decisions will keep you from all sorts of unpleasant situations.
Solomon teaches us that the wise man (translated here sensible) foresees trouble and takes the necessary precautions to ensure he prepares for it or avoids it altogether. However, the unthinking man, the foolish man, the simpleton, does not give the adequate level of consideration to the WARNING the Father provided, so he thoughtlessly walks right into a miry pit and he no-doubt regrets it afterward. Part of problem for the foolish man is the fact that he does not give an adequate level of thought to his decisions, almost as if they don’t matter. He thinks that things are just going to somehow, someway, work out, as if chance and good fortune are his planning factors. The wise man, on the other hand, gives careful thought to his decisions and actions, because he knows very well that his life is a grand-sum-total of his decisions. Ralph Waldo Emerson, the American poet and philosopher said, “Shallow men believe in luck. Strong men believe in cause and effect” and “Life is a perpetual instruction in cause and effect.” The foolish man is banking on luck, while the wise man dismisses luck altogether, trusting in the quality of his God-based decisions, and trusting in the God of his salvation.
God often warns His people. The sad reality is, however, that many ignore the warnings and foolishly continue in their wicked ways, as if their decisions have no consequences. As much as God loves us, He will not rob us of our free will. If we are foolish and hardheaded enough to ignore God’s warnings, then we will definitely suffer the consequences. But for those who heed the warning, and who make the necessary course corrections to get back on God’s desired path for their lives, the results are powerful and pleasant.
So what does this mean to you today? A few things:
1. God provides WARNINGs for His people. Those who heed the warnings enjoy divine protection, but those who don’t have to deal with the consequences of their foolishness.
2. God-based decisions keep you from all sorts of trouble. There is truly no way for you to tell how much trouble you have kept yourself from, just by adhering to God’s Word and leading. Maybe one day, in heaven, the Lord will show you all the things that could’ve happened had you not heeded His voice.
3. God will allow you to reap whatever you sow. The Father wants you to make it to heaven, but He wants you to enjoy the ride! However, the pleasantness of your ride will be contingent upon the quality of your decisions.
4. If you don’t like the harvest you are reaping, check the seed you are sowing. Your actions matter! You must change what you are doing if you don’t like what is happening in your life.
Closing Confession: Father, You said that Your sheep hear Your voice and the voice of a stranger they will not follow. You said that the Holy Spirit would come to lead us into all truth. I declare, what You have already decreed. By faith I say that I am led of Your Spirit in all things, I hear Your voice clearly, and I heed Your counsel daily. You speak to me through Your Word, Your Spirit, and others and as You provide me divine WARNINGs, I declare, by faith, that I heed every one. As I heed the WARNINGs I am able to keep myself from all sorts of danger. I shall not foolishly ignore Your counsel. Every decision I make is a decision that lines up with Your Word, will, and way. In Jesus’ name, Amen!
