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Day 83 Proverbs 13:16 Proverbs 13:16 Every prudent man deals with knowledge: but a fool lays open his folly. Prudent means to be wise or judicious in practical affairs. Sagacious, discreet or circumspect; sober. – Dictionary.com Given that definition, are you wise or judicious in everything you do? Are you practical or discreet about your daily life? How you live your life tells others a lot about you. Fools might think they’re being wise and practical in how they handle their daily life, but their actions in the smallest matters shows how foolish they are. Fools manage banks, large corporations, small businesses, their homes, and families. They are found in every area of life. What is the difference between a prudent person and a fool? Their attitude and what they think about different aspects of life and people. Once a fool opens his or her mouth to speak, you can tell the difference. A fool only cares about him or herself, while a prudent person thinks of others and puts the best interests of others ahead of self. Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, was also a foolish man. He started out his reign as king with wisdom and discretion. He was a peaceful king, who took care of his kingdom. And yet he had 300 wives and 700 concubines. He left off serving God and began serving false gods, setting up altars to them on the hills surrounding Jerusalem. When Solomon penned this proverb, it sounds like he had come back to his senses. He started and ended his life seeking God and put away those things that were harmful. Ecclesiastes 12:1 Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them; (KJV) Ecclesiastes 12:8 Vanity of vanities, said the preacher; all is vanity. 9 And moreover, because the preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge; yea, he gave good heed, and sought out, and set in order many proverbs. 10 The preacher sought to find out acceptable words: and that which was written was upright, even words of truth. 11 The words of the wise are as goads, and as nails fastened by the masters of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd. 12 And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh. 13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. 14 For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil. (KJV) Solomon was wise because he recognized his folly and did something about it. He returned to God and gave his life to obedience to God’s Word. As Christians, you also need to be wise in your daily life. If you have been foolish, you need to examine your life and turn back to God and giving him first place in your life once more. John the apostle had a revelation from Jesus and penned the letters to the churches. In the first letter Jesus admonished the church to return to their first love. Revelation 2:4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. 5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. (KJV) Your thoughts might have turned to some people – Christians – who are like that. Their fire has gone out for the work of Jesus Christ. Before you start pointing fingers and turning your thoughts outward, turn your thoughts inward and point your finger at yourself. It could be you are as guilty of leaving your first love as the person who came to mind. Folly resides in the heart of every man. You must purpose in your heart and mind to be wise and prudent in everything, and soon even those smallest details will take on a different aspect and the fool will disappear from your life. Father, help me to be wise and prudent in everything in my life. Take folly out of my life and give me your heart of compassion for all you have compassion for. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen. Copyright © 29 November 2016 by Valerie Routhieaux Image courtesy of Pixabay