“The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it.” Proverbs 27:12
Devotional Thought For The Day
This proverb is fairly simple and straightforward, as it applies to the vast majority of “dangers” out there in the world. This is one of the principle responsibilities of parents, to teach their children about the dangers of this world, not only those of the “natural” world, such as heights, hot surfaces, gravity, and sharp objects, but also the dangers that sin poses to them, the sin and meanness of others, and their own sinful propensities as well. It is a fairly tough job, to insure that our children are “prudent,” able to see danger and to evade it. Sadly, we see many people who are among the simple and never seem to learn how to avoid dangers, natural dangers, the sinful plots of others, and the danger of following up on temptations – and they often suffer for it. We also continue to re-learn these lessons even when older – when we are not careful enough though we have lost some of our equilibrium, or when we think too highly of another and trust them too much, or when we allow ourselves to vocalize anger or other sinful thoughts.
However, there are also times, seasons, and reasons why we might have to act contrary to this proverb, important purposes and causes where avoiding danger and suffering is not the most important thing. After all, Jesus was crucified, and He was no simpleton. Nor was John the Baptist, other prophets, Stephen, Peter, Paul, and other martyrs for the faith. While there were times that Jesus and Paul clearly avoided danger by evasion, there also came a time when such danger and the suffering it involved was of paramount importance – and neither shirked their duty. Soldiers know about this, and policemen and firemen. They are no simpletons when they refuse to hide from danger even when they may suffer devastating consequences – they are laying down their lives for the good and welfare of others, risking and giving so that others may live and not suffer. There are many other professions that require the same kind of courage. And we all recognize the nobility and valor of those who are willing to deny self for the sake of others.
I suspect that it is a good thing for us to be able to recognize dangers – all of the various kinds of dangers that may come our way. Obviously we must work hard to avoid all sin and the dangers that it brings – not only for our own good and welfare but also for the sake of love and the good of others. And there is nothing wrong with recognizing “natural” dangers and avoiding them when there is no pressing need to flirt with them. In fact, there is perhaps a bit too much of the “thrill seeker” in many of us, including those who engage in some of the sports we love but which have inherent dangers. It is more difficult, however, to completely avoid and insulate ourselves from the dangers posed against us by the sinfulness of others, and the risks that often accompany the exercise of love. Once bitten we are tempted to withdraw, and the hurt and anger compels us to never risk loving or caring for others again, or to do so only very superficially. This, however, is exactly what Jesus envisioned when He warned: “And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold.” [Matt. 24:12] He goes on to encourage us: “But the one who endures to the end will be saved.” [Matt. 24:13] In other words, we cannot allow our painful experiences to destroy our faith and our love – and this will always involve “enduring” some suffering.
So it is a good thing to be among the prudent, to be able to recognize impending danger and to avoid harm and suffering. We should learn as much as we can. However, we must also take care not to make our personal safety and comfort our only or even highest priority – for then we will never deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Jesus; we will never risk the dangers of love and doing good to others. We are so very thankful for the danger that Jesus plunged Himself into for our redemption; we are also thankful enough to follow Him in the ways of love and sacrificial service to others.
Prayer For The Day
Dear Lord Jesus, preserve us from the many dangers of this fallen world, physical dangers of accident and disease, and the dangers of sin, our own sins and those of others. Keep us firm and enduring in faith and trust in Your forgiveness and redemption, that we may continue growing in love. Grant us faith and courage to face danger for the sake of good, out of love of others, whenever we are called to. Enable us to bear any resultant suffering with patience, dignity, and continuing love. So grant that we may truly follow You. Amen.