Title
Choose Prudence
Scripture
The simple believes every word, but the prudent considers well his steps.
(Proverbs 14:15)
Devotional
There is a vast difference between being trusting and being gullible. It is the difference between the simple and the prudent. Trust is based on love, while gullibility is established by lust.
The gullible believe every word out of laziness and selfish ambition. The trusting believes with care and discretion. The gullible read only the large print while the trusting wisely reads the small as well. For the prudent understands that the large print giveth and the small print taketh away. The gullible say, “I have checks remaining, therefore I must have money in my account.” The prudent knows his or her account balance. The simple only listen to the salesman, while the prudent read the contract. The gullible are impulsive while the prudent moves with patience. There is a fine line between being trusting and being gullible. It is a line of choice. Choose prudence.
Text For The Day
Proverbs 14:15: The simple believes every word, but the prudent considers well his steps.
Thought For The Day
“As a child of God, you need to be prudent. You cannot simply walk around in this world as if nothing and no one can harm you. You remain extremely vulnerable. The same passions that make you love God may be used by the powers of evil.” Henri J. M. Nouwen, (1932 - 1996) author of over 30 books, including The Wounded Healer; Our Greatest Gift; Life of the Beloved; and others.
Questions To Ponder
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Does faith in God nullify discretion?
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How do faith, grace, caution, and prudence work together?
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Where in your life do you need to add a little prudence?
Morning Study Guide
Defining: “Prudent”: “Cautious; circumspect; practically wise; careful of the consequences of enterprises, measures or actions; cautious not to act when the end is of doubtful utility, or probably impracticable,” Webster’s 1828 Dictionary. “Gullible”: “Easily duped.”
Referencing: “The naive believes everything, but the sensible man considers his steps,” Proverbs 14:15 NAS.
Applying: Practice prudence. Remember the Russian proverb that President Ronald Reagan often quoted, “Trust, but verify.”