Proverbs 1:15-19 – Don’t be myopic

It is myopic and foolhardy to go for short-term gain without considering the long-term pain. Yet that’s the way a fool will do life. He would not consider the ultimate consequence of sin just to enjoy the flitting moment of pleasure it offers. However, a wise person always considers the consequence before he or she acts. It is always wise to start by considering the end. Know it or not, all evil acts will invite judgement. For there is an all-knowing, all-seeing God who takes note of such acts and will pay the wicked what they deserve. Hence the counsel of proverbs is to take heed not to run the way of evil doers. 

In verses 17-18, Solomon contrasted a fool to a bird. He shows that even a bird is wiser than a fool. For it won’t blindly fly into a trap it can see being set for it. Yet a fool would set his own trap and then get caught by it. The conclusion: even a bird is wiser than a myopic and foolish sinner. A person who chooses a life of crime is setting his own trap to ruin his own life. His sin will catch up with him sooner or later and he will never go un-punished and has to pay with his life.

The implication of these verses is this: be careful who we chose to be our friends and we need to be selective who we run with and admire. Not to do so is like walking into a trap set for ourselves. Remember what was said in Proverbs 1:10-14? We will always take on the character and reputation of those we run with. That’s why Paul sent out a warning in 1 Corinthians 15:33 saying, “Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company corrupts good morals.’” The primary influence for a young person should come from the home and not his peers. Remember that apart from our physical biological family, we also have a spiritual family, the church. We must seek to be an active member of our spiritual family as well. Wisdom can be found in the home, both physical and spiritual. Let’s stay connected to our home!