The High Cost of Complacency
NOTE: This is a lesson from The House of Wisdom 30-Day Devotional To participate and obtain your copy of the devotional, visit www.NewCovenant.org
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Proverbs 1:32-33, For simpletons turn away from me—to death. Fools are destroyed by their own complacency. But all who listen to me will live in peace, untroubled by fear of harm.
Proverbs is full of contrasts and comparisons. Sometimes the best way to learn is to read about the consequences of bad choices by others. This is called learning “vicariously,” or through the lives of others. Making big mistakes and blunders is a very painful way to learn, if people learn at all. In fact, “experience” is not the best teacher. The wisdom of God is the best teacher.
One of the greatest enemies of progress is complacency. Here’s the definition: “A feeling of quiet pleasure or security, often while unaware of some potential danger.”
Feelings alone cannot be trusted anymore than looking at bright sunshine through a window. Conditions outside the window may actually be dangerous, such as a bitter cold day. Complacency can be as self-destructive as drug abuse and smoking cigarettes. Ignoring wisdom while embracing foolishness is a recipe for destruction.
On the positive and proactive side, listening to wisdom and instruction come with a guarantee of ultimately living in peace and freedom from the fear of bad outcomes.
Who do you listen to?
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Reflection Question: What area(s) of complacency can you displace now through acting with wisdom?
