My parent’s house was built with LP siding. In order to sell it, the siding had to be removed. So, three workers came and tore it off on a Saturday afternoon. They elected to wait to the next day to finish the job. On Sunday it rained. The water ran down the wall of the second-story dormer spotting the ceiling in the family room. So, Dad called the owner of the company. He brought in a painter to take care of the damaged spot. But this man was unable to match the new paint to the old color resulting in his having to paint the entire family room, hallway and kitchen. Then a damp patch of the ceiling spackle, too heavy with the extra paint, fell. Now a hole in the ceiling needs repair. Ever have one of those days?
Meditation
Proverbs 22:3—A prudent person foresees the danger ahead and takes precautions; the simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences. (NLT)
Three workers should have replaced old siding with new siding before it rained. It reminds me of last winter. I should have had my chimney cleaned but elected to wait one more year. Consequently, I had to put out a chimney fire. To be circumspect means taking heed of circumstances and their potential consequences. The prudent worker foresees problems ahead and takes the appropriate steps to avoid them.
Making time to study the Bible is the act of a prudent person. By meditating on Scripture we fortify ourselves against challenges we may later meet. A circumspect Christian needs no reminder to pray. Spending time conversing with the Lord often improves our attitude, teaches us to listen and helps us determine what God would have us do. Investing our money wisely is another example of being prudent.
How’s your life? Are you burning french fries because you forgot the oil? Are you driving over garbage cans because the cell phone conversation can’t wait? Is there something God would have you do that you are ignoring? Are you prepared for tomorrow because you were wise with today? Marilyn Vos Savant says, “To acquire knowledge, one must study; but to acquire wisdom, one must observe.” Solomon wrote, “The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways, but the folly of fools is deception” (Pro.14:8). Be prudent. Better to plant seeds and harvest spinach than to miss opportunity and eat crow.
Inspiration
