Who sees a burning fire and says he can go in without being burnt? Who puts fire in his bosom and thinks he won't be burnt? Only one who lacks wisdom can do that. The scripture says that a man who thinks he stands should take heed lest he falls, isn't it? (1st Corinthians 10:12, paraphrased). It is foolishness to want to put yourself in a situation that endangers you thinking that you're able to handle or overcome the situation yourself. It is wisdom to flee, if necessary, the situation.
How would one say in his heart that if he stabs himself with a knife for example, he won't be hurt? Does that even make sense? How would one say in his heart that if he steps on coals, he won't be burnt? Is this even true? You see, some persons think that there's no need to watch and be careful of any situation that pose a threat to them in any way. Believers are admonished never to get to the point where they begin to think that they on their own can overcome certain situations themselves even if it poses threats to them, and deliberately putting themselves in such situations.
The scripture admonishes that we are to be sober, vigilant, why? It is because the one who seeks to devour (our adversary the devil) roams about like a roaring lion (1 Peter 5:8). The believer therefore should be very cautious and see to it that he watches and prays lest he falls into temptation (Mark 14:38). This will usher us into the study for today. Shall we look at the passage of scripture below?
"A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident" (Proverbs 14:16).
The scripture gives a description of a man who is wise and one who is foolish. It tells of the action of the wise and that of the foolish. It also speaks of the difference between them. It says that a wise man fears and departs from evil. The fact that he fears and departs from evil doesn't make him weak or foolish. In fact, the scripture says that is the characteristic of a wise man. If we examine that scripture carefully in light of its context, we would see that it talks about one being over confident.
What it means to say in other words as we have been able to establish in the preceding paragraphs is that the wise man is not over confident. He knows when a situation is not suitable for him. He doesn't remain there thinking he can handle it. He is able to see the danger ahead, and turn away. He would not take the risk of walking on hot coals or putting them on his laps knowing he can be burnt. Just like Joseph, a wise man fears evil and departs from it.
And by evil, we mean to say anything that would cause you to err in your walk with God. However, the fool (one who lacks wisdom) rages (says boastfully in his heart that he can handle it) and is confident; by the reason of his over confidence, falls and is burnt. As believers, we are to take heed. Do not be confident in yourself but let your confidence be in God. What are you currently doing that demands you to depart and turn away but you have refused to? Can you say by the reason of this lesson that you are wise or foolish? May this word dwell richly in your heart. Amen.
Thought for the Day
Do not be confident in yourself. Only let your confidence be in God. No one walks barefooted on hot coals without getting hurt. You can't put fire on your laps and not be burnt.
Gospel Today is a comforting, exhorting, edifying and inspiring devotional published by the Delightsome Land Christian Ministry. For questions, enquiries/testimonies, please call/WhatsApp: 08174915361, 08053662272 or Email: [email protected].
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