Think!

“Think!”

I’m sure many of us have heard that sentence punctuate the end of a scolding when we were kids. 

We do something stupid, and after railing at us for what we did, our parents tell us, “Think next time!”

I can’t remember any specific incidences, but I do have a vague impression my dad did this to me.

That’s what Solomon tells us in this chapter.  He says,

The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways, but the folly of fools is deception.  (Proverbs 14:8)

And again,

A simple man believes anything, but a prudent man gives thought to his steps.  (15)

How often do we get into trouble because we don’t think carefully before acting.  Instead we act rashly or impulsively and find ourselves in deep trouble because of it.

Solomon noted,

A fool is hotheaded and reckless.  A quick-tempered man does foolish things.  (16-17)

Other times, we may not be acting rashly or impulsively, but we still rely on our own wisdom instead of God’s.  And then we learn the truth of what Solomon taught when he said,

There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.  (12)

What then should we do?  Well, Solomon gives us a couple of “don’ts” first.  He warns,

The mocker seeks wisdom and finds none, but knowledge comes easily to the discerning. 

Stay away from a foolish man, for you will not find knowledge on his lips.  (6-7)

In other words, don’t be a person that mocks the wisdom that comes from God.  Who looks at the Bible and says, “That was for then, but this is now.  Maybe those morals were fine for that time, but this is the 21st century.”

When we say that, we belittle God and his Word, which he says never changes. 

As a result, we seek for wisdom relevant to our times, and find none because once we depart from God’s wisdom, there is nothing left.

The second “don’t” is to avoid seeking wisdom from fools. 

Some people are simply stupid and arrogant in their ways.  They won’t even consider God’s ways, and they never take correction. 

Because of this, they will often give you “wisdom” that is at cross purposes with God’s.  And if you follow it, it can get you into real trouble.

So how are we to live?  As we give thought to our ways, how do we measure what is best?  Solomon tells us several times.

A wise man fears the LORD and shuns evil.  (16)

And again,

He who fears the LORD has a secure fortress, and for his children it will be a refuge. 

The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death.  (26-27)

Solomon tells us that as we consider our paths, we are to fear the Lord.  We are to ask him, “Which is the best path?  How should I proceed?”

And when we do, God delights in sharing his wisdom with us.

As James once said,

If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.  (James 1:5)