Introductory Thoughts
Today, man has access to more information than at any time in history. Yet people generally seem to incorporate less spiritual research. Today's text contrasts two people and their modes of research. “The simple believeth every word.” A simple man reads something and accepts it as truth without due consideration. He hears an advertisement and buys a product without additional research. He hears something taught and believes it without considering that the source may be tainted. However, a prudent man does not behave like the simple. The Bible says that he “looketh well to his going.” He doesn’t believe something merely because he considers the teacher smart. He doesn’t buy a product simply because someone said he couldn't do without it. He studies, he researches, and he learns the facts before making his choices or decisions.
Devotional Thoughts
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(For children): An older child tells you that it is okay to hit another child because he took your toy. But before you hit someone, ask yourself, What would the Lord want me to do?
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(For everyone): Do you consider the facts before making decisions? How many decisions have gone wrong because you failed to look well into your goings before you chose?
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What are some of the most important decisions you will make or have made in your life? Concerning those decisions made in the past, did you use prudence in deciding? How have those decisions worked out? How will you decide in the future?
Prayer Thoughts
- Ask the Lord to help you incorporate prudence in your decision-making process.
- Ask God to guard you from simplicity in your decision making.
Song
Thy Word Have I Hid in My Heart
