Day 15 | 21-Day Growth Challenge | "The Power of Prudence and Compassion"
SELECTED SCRIPTURES & INSIGHTS FROM PROVERBS 14:
Proverbs 14:15 A simple man believes anything, but a prudent man gives thought to his steps.
Many of the important themes in the book of Proverbs are often repeated. Again in this text is the warning against simple minded. "Simplicity" is good in that we do not complicate the word or ways of God. However, being simple or simple minded by being easily persuaded or impressed by lofty claims is not good.
Giving thought to our steps is one the characteristics of people who are prudent. The word prudent is defined as,"acting with or showing care and thought for the future." Using this definition, we can understand how that being simple minded does not consider how present actions affect one's future. Rash or overly emotional reactions can make our future more difficult than it needed to be.
Proverbs 14:31 He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.
Another theme in the book of Proverbs is the condition of poor people and our proper disposition towards them. This text plainly states that it is displeasing to God to oppress the poor. In fact, the word goes on to state that to oppress the poor is to show contempt for God himself, their Maker. It is not that God makes people poor as much as it is the fact that many people struggle to find success in life despite earnest efforts. Other people are innocent recipients of difficulties such as companies shedding jobs, illnesses that drain financial resources, and other factors which people cannot control.
I have often asked the question, "Who are the poor?" Since we are commanded to assist the poor and not disrespect them, we should be clearer about who are poor people. In my view, the person who goes out and runs up a lot of debt on credit cards making ill-advised purchases, then loses his job for behaving unethically, does not qualify as "poor" under a biblical review. This is not to suggest that we should not have compassion on such persons but to highlight the source of their problems. When considering how to help the "poor," it's necessary to separate wasteful conditions from the experiences of persons who had no control over their loss of income.
Assisting people is the heart of God. It is also consistent with God's nature to bring correction and rebuke when it is necessary to do so. We need to learn from our mistakes and errors of judgment.
Those who are truly poor are in the heart and mind of God. He wants to deliver people from poverty and lack, and that requires assistance from others by way of both biblical understanding, and practical knowledge about how this world and its economic systems work.
"Lord, I will not act rashly, but will consider my steps before acting or deciding. Help me to help the poor and to correct and counsel others who may have mismanaged their resources. In Jesus' Name, Amen!"
ACTIVATION:
(Use comment section below to share your insights. Record sensitive items in your personal journal. You can login or simply use your first name.)
- How are simplicity and being simple minded different?
- Do you agree or disagree with the idea that people who do not have money may not be poor?
- What actions will you take today related to this lesson?
COMMENT SECTION:
Click on "Comments" to read others and add yours afterwards.
