Read
12Wisdom will protect you
from evil schemes
and from those liars
13who turned from doing good
to live in the darkness.
14Most of all they enjoy
being mean and deceitful.
15They are dishonest themselves,
and so are all their deeds.
Reflect
I’ve met people who travel on the “get rich quick” highway of life. They apply a considerable amount of energy in circumventing the system—eagerly looking for shortcuts to success. I often wonder what would happen if they applied the same energy to an honest work ethic. My hunch is they would be more successful than they imagine.
These types of people often fall prey to Ponzi schemes, fraud and extortion as they trade wisdom and common sense for cheap advice and get-rich-quick schemes. The lure of the fast and easy dollar blurs their vision of reality, and they fail to see the common sense road signs along this highway of life.
Proverbs warns us not to seek advice from a thief or a liar. Their motives are not noble, and you will live to regret following their counsel. The end result is often the proverbial blind leading the blind—both fall into a ditch.
Wisdom teaches us to choose our advisors wisely. Don’t just take advice from anyone. Test the fruit of their lives and run from those whose lives display foolish decision making. Most schemers and con artists get great pleasure out of leading others astray. Don’t be fooled by their smooth talk. Call on God for wisdom to protect you from these evil and subtle traps.
Respond
Dear God, teach me to value wisdom over prosperity and virtue over pleasure. Protect me from the traps of greed and evil. Amen.
Barry Slauenwhite
Dr. Barry Slauenwhite is Canadian Regional Director for Best Christian Workplaces Instiute. He is also President Emeritus of Compassion Canada where he has served since 1983. Barry's advocacy for the poor has taken him to 61 countries. From his experience as a pastor and a ministry leader, he passionately works to promote holistic child development through the local church as being the most effective kingdom-building strategy available to the Christian world. Barry's latest book, Strategic Compassion, addresses the theological implications of poverty and draws a conclusion that the gospel is the most effective tool the church has to eradicate poverty.