Proverbs 14:8-12 – Two discernible ways to stay in step with God

Wisdom demonstrates itself in clear, concise and comprehensible ways. They have identifiable marks, therefore are clearly noticeable. A prudent person weighs the options, considers what will lead him to his goal, then chooses the best and appropriate route before he makes his move. A foolish person, on the other hand, is easily misled. Unlike the prudent man, he has no patience to weigh his options. Hence, he makes obvious mistakes, takes the wrong actions and walks in erroneous ways. How can we know the discernible ways of wisdom that will keep us in step with it? Verses 9-12 shows us two discernible ways to stay in tune with the Lord’s way.

We consider the common feature of people. The trait that makes fools common is their nonchalance towards sin. Whereas the wise are drawn together by their good will.  That’s what attracts them to each other. However, no matter what links people together, there is no way to know exactly how each individual feels deep within. We can share the joy or the anger of another person but we will never know the exact feeling that he or she experiences.  

We also need to take the end goal into consideration. No matter how much the wicked may accumulate, their ultimate end is destruction. This is a clear obvious result because of the wicked ways they go about amassing them. They will all be annulled before the Lord ultimately. The honest and upright will not have such an end. They will go about engaging in conscientious and honest activities that are pleasing to God. They seek to delight the heart of God. Hence, they will prosper beyond what they can imagine. A person may engage in what seems apparent but leaves God out of the equation. The trouble with such a step is that it will lead to destruction. The path may seem easier and shorter to the goal he desires but he fails to consider the pitfalls.   

We must therefore not be wise in our own ways. Never leave God out of all our planning. Always put God at the centre of our decision and mission. Make Him the prime consideration in life. Be assured that we will never be short-changed when we do that. He will never fail us.