Pr. 22:3: “A prudent man foresees evil and hides himself, but the simple pass on and are punished.”
When I think of simple, I am reminded of sheep. They’re depth perception is poor. In order to check something out, they get very close to it to see the details. Here’s an excerpt from a book I’m currently reading:
“One never could completely relax with a flock of sheep. A lamb might escape the pasture and get lost, drown in the swiftly flowing creek, become entangled in the blackberry briars, or wander into the road. Then there was the possibility of a hungry predator selecting one of her beloved creatures for his evening meal.”
It reminds me of us with sin. Instead of just steering clear of sin and hiding ourselves, we let our guard down or get curious. We get close, examine all the options, and check out the details. Once we’re that close we are in danger of getting lost, being completely caught in the current of or drowning in sin, or entangled in thorns and snares.
Boundaries are for the prudent. foreseeing all the evil and temptations in this world, we must have boundaries to keep us safe. There are boundaries in our wedding vows, in the Word of God, in the laws of the land, and in our families. If we still choose to pass on, danger and punishment will be waiting on the other side.
We also know that when we wander off alone, we are much easier prey for a hungry predator. Satan will stop at nothing to devour us and rob us of our God-given salvation. Let us not be simple any longer, but to prudently stay within the boundaries that protect us. Not only that, but let’s stay safely away from the boundary lines and not go looking at the details of the evil around us. No reason to get that close.
Let’s stay safe with our good Shepherd, Jesus, who knows us all and gave His life for us. In His presence we will have life everlasting.
Known by my Shepherd,
jamie
excerpt from: Ellis, Mary. (2009). A Widow’s Hope. Eugene Oregon: Harvest House Publishers
considering the word 