Proverbs 14:13-19 – Cultivating wisdom

Wisdom is discernible. Verse 12 advises us not to consider only surface facts or lean on first impression. Appearance cannot give us an accurate picture. It may appear right but the end is destruction. So, consider deeper. Don’t conclude that everything is well just by the laughter of a person. A person may appear joyful but deep in his heart he may be enduring inexplicable pains. We ought to consider the end also because of life’s uncertainty. The outward joy of a person may be a camouflage of his deep inner pain. Look deeper than the surface.

In verses 14-17 we are called to consider and weigh the seriousness of a matter. One who is backslidden doesn’t care too much about the consequence. They deliberately turn from the right path in order to satisfy their own desire. Such people are driven by one goal – to gratify their hedonistic and carnal pleasure. They are devoid of moral and ethical concerns and don’t care even when they know that they are finally accountable to God. On the other hand, one who is fervent for the Lord does not consider the worldview of the backslider. He holds to a higher view, the Biblical worldview.

The simple is gullible. They don’t consider the deeper implications of a matter. They don’t weigh the value of a decision. Recklessly, they believe everything and enter into a deal or take a plunge into a decision without carefully evaluating the conditions. They just accept a point of view without thinking deeper. Such people are not governed by sound principles and are at the mercy of others with the gift of the gap. Undiscerningly, they will find themselves caught in what they did not bargain for. Conversely, the wise seeks to understand his steps before he rushes in. He will not engage in any activity without careful investigating, weighing, evaluating and planning. Besides, he exercises caution. He practises the carpenter’s rule – measure twice cut once. Wanting to live a God-pleasing life, he keeps a distance from evil. By faith he measures every step to take.  A wise person is not prone to fly off the handle. A fool has a short fuel and is quick to anger. In his quick anger he acts foolishly. As a result, he brings harm to his total man - spiritually, mentally, social-emotionally and even physically. We are shown that quick temper can lead to foolish behavior but a mischief-maker provokes hatred.

In verses 18-19, one more way to discern wisdom is to consider the ultimate outcome. Lack of sense and thoughtfulness lead one to act hastily and foolishly. Their price possession is folly. But one who is prudent has knowledge as his crown. By them his character is enhanced. In the final reckoning, those who are evil will bow before the honest and good people. Those who are wicked will camp at the gate of the righteous.  There will come a day when the wicked will be thoroughly defeated. This will be their dreadful outcome. Victory belongs to the righteous and wise. Defeat awaits the foolish and wicked. Let’s choose wisely, act astutely, walk circumspectly, live thoughtfully and aim to glorify God in everything.