Proverbs 22:3 A prudent man foresees the evil, and hides himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished. The great mass of mankind live at hazard, so far as the final end of life is concerned. No certain destination is in their view, nor is their life guided by any central principle. There is a right object at which to aim, a high purpose that should be the centre of every human life, giving it unity and strength. I. CONSIDER THE NATURE OF PROVIDENCE IN THE CONDUCT OF LIFE. Prudence and providence have a close kinship. The word providence expresses the special idea or particular act of providing, while prudence denotes the foresight which shows itself in habit, or the manner of providing. 1. Here is the lowest and basest kind of prudence that stands in opposition to a higher moral life. This is an evil prudence. Self is at the centre of it. 2. Then there is a prudence which might be called neutral, and which is not incompatible with spiritual growth. 3. There is a prudence that is subservient to the higher principle itself. True religion and genuine prudence are allied. II. OBSERVE THE VALUE OF PRUDENCE IN THE AFFAIRS OF LIFE. The prudent man can look behind and before, can estimate probabilities, can consider cause and effect. He decries the future, and is warned. He needs his prudence in the secular affairs of the world. The moral fibre of a man has much more to do with his material surroundings and well-being than many persons seem to think. The prudent man avoids temptations that may be too much for his moral strength. III. THE DOOM OF THOUGHTLESSNESS. Recklessness brings on ruin. Punishment is not arbitrary, but necessary. (Daniel Jackson.) Parallel Verses KJV: A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.WEB: A prudent man sees danger, and hides himself; but the simple pass on, and suffer for it. |
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