“One who is wise is cautious and turns away from evil, but a fool is reckless and careless.”
Proverbs 14:16
September 4, 2026
Proverbs must be read as part of the story of redemption. Ultimately divine wisdom is wrapped up in Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 1:30). But it must be remembered that all the Scriptures speak about Christ (Lk. 24:25-27). The mind of Christ, wisdom, tells us that it is better to look before you leap. Evil comes in many disguises. “To do its worst, evil needs to look its best. Evil has to spend a lot on makeup” (Cornelius Plantinga, Jr). Lust is disguised to look like love. Greed disguises itself as a secure future for the family. Racism disguises itself as separate but equal. Envy disguises itself as righteous indignation. The fool refuses to use the seat belt of truth. The fool drinks his six pack, gets stopped for a DUI, loses his driver’s license, and has to have his wife drive him to work. The wise observe the road signs of life. They look at life through the lens of divine truth. Christ’s people are in touch with reality. They know what sin is. When was the last time you heard this word in public discourse?
“O Lord of all true wisdom, expand my mind to grasp your truth.”
H
Reflection:
“When a generation tolerates sin, the next generation will celebrate it, and the next generation after them won’t even know it’s sin.” J. C. Ryle