The prudent see danger and take refuge,
but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.
Proverbs 22:3
Observations: Multiple proverbs in this passage have to do with how evil, wicked, simple, and foolish people persist in their activities. Either they intentionally push into their deceptive ways that are opposed to the Lod, or they don't pay attention to warnings and just keep going. However, the wise take heed, humble themselves, and either turn away from their flawed pursuits or never put themselves on the path in the first place.
Application: Absolutely, my greatest sin is pride. I don't want to do anything wrong, but I do decide that I will do certain things simply because ... I want to, and it's my life. That is pure hubris.
First of all, it's not my life. I have pledged myself to the Lord. I am supposed to make my body a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to him. I am to obey the Lord with all my heart and soul and mind and strength. None of that - NONE - says that my life is my own to do as I please. My daily activities are a reflection of my attitude toward the Lord, and when my activities exhibit sin and anger and a lack of love toward others, that clearly states I am not being a disciple of, and believer in, Jesus. Second, the idea I 'want' to do things is actually quite wrong. I literally do things I don't want to do, simply because I momentarily decide it is something to do right now.
All of this is pride, and based in the idea that I have some innate ability to direct my own life and make 'good' decisions. I have actually proven over and over again that I don't have that ability.
One of the things I take pride in is my intelligence. Even though that is misdirected - the Lord grants me both wisdom and a mind to use it - even my pride should help me fight my pride in this case. The proverb is true ... it is the 'simple' person, without thought or knowledge or wisdom or understanding or intelligence or awareness, who persists in their wrong behavior. I need to be prudent, see the danger of such a path, and take refuge, turning away from wrongdoing.
Prayer: Lord, my Lord and creator, God almighty, help me to heed your will and your word today. I know your precepts. Please forgive me as I transgress in any way, and help me to return and remain on your path with every step, every moment, every day. I desire to love you with all my heart and soul and mind and strength. Please renew my mind. May my daily activity no longer be flawed, but become a living sacrifice to you. Amen.
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